Lo-Fang

Last updated

Lo-Fang
Birth nameMatthew Jordan Hemerlein
Born (1983-10-20) 20 October 1983 (age 40)
Origin Columbia, Maryland, United States
Genres Indie pop, alternative rock, classical
Occupation(s)Multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, cello, bass, violin, piano, mandolin
Labels4AD
Website lo-fang.com

Matthew Jordan Hemerlein [1] (born 20 October 1983), [2] [3] [4] better known by the stage name Lo-Fang, is a singer-songwriter and classically trained musician. [5] His stage name came to him while he was driving through Sedona, Arizona on his way to Los Angeles. [6] He chose it mainly because of the symmetry of the letters and his attempt to balance the feminine and masculine elements in his music. [6] [7] As he sees it: " 'Lo' relates 'soft and soothing' and the strings and kind of the way I sing, and the 'Fang' element is more like the harsh, electronic sounds and the bass." [8]

Contents

His debut album Blue Film was released on 25 February 2014, by 4AD. [9]

Early life

At age 5, Hemerlein began playing the violin. [7] [10] [11] His father plays the piano and his older brother and younger sister are both musically inclined. [8] He is classically trained and can play a number of instruments including: piano, cello, guitar, violin, and string bass. [8]

During the latter years of the 2000s, Hemerlein began teaching music to children and performing in galleries and museums. [5] [12] He had been with his sister Mallory to perform as part of the Family Hemerlein, a variety show featuring musicians and comedians. [12]

Career

In 2010, he self-released an album under his birth name that was recorded in a month with the help of a grant from DC Commission on Arts and Humanities called 'Hot Nickels' [10] and in spring of 2011 opened for British folk duo Smoke Fairies in London. [5] A friend put Hemerlein in touch with a European booking agent who praised Hemerlein's music to promoters in Belgium and Germany. He was booked for a number of appearances, including solo performance in Berlin and opening for James Vincent McMorrow in Cologne. He was subsequently offered a publishing contract by EMI. [5] He then received offers to collaborate on sessions in London and Nashville. [5]

Lo-Fang signed with 4AD in late September 2013. He wrote Blue Film as he traveled around the world to Cambodia, Bali, London, Tokyo, and elsewhere. While developing Blue Film from a mixtape to a full-fledged album, Lo-Fang collaborated with Grammy-winning producer François Tétaz. [13]

He was the opening act for Lorde in the Spring of 2014, [14] who picked his song "#88" as her second favorite from 2013. [15] He also made a cameo appearance as a singer in the ABC drama Revenge . [7] [16]

In the autumn of 2014, Lo-Fang was selected by Baz Luhrmann as the singer in his latest 'mini film' advertisement for Chanel No. 5. Throughout the film, he sings his slower, romantic, cover rendition of "You're the One that I Want", the classic from the 1978 film Grease . [17] This video has been viewed more than 15 million times on YouTube. [18] He released a mixtape entitled Every Night, which became available both to stream and purchase on 20 October 2014. Lo-Fang also toured with Rhye and a performed a handful of solo shows in the US and Mexico during the autumn. [19]

His song "You’re The One That I Want" was used in the Netflix original French film I Am Not an Easy Man in April 2018. In summer of 2018, he released a single, "The Whole Summer".

Personal life

Hemerlein is the middle child of three. He and his siblings were home schooled by their mother until age 13 [5] at their Columbia, MD farmhouse surrounded by a menagerie of chickens, dogs, cats and eight bee apiaries. His father was employed in the family's steel manufacturing business. Hemerlein drove forklifts during summers until he was knocked unconscious by a chain binder while working on the loading docks. [5] He attended Wilde Lake High School and graduated in 2002. [12] He attended Loyola University New Orleans but after contracting Lyme disease, returned to his home in Maryland, where he started teaching guitar and piano to children in Baltimore. [6] [12]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
BEL (FL)
[20] 		US
Heat
[21]
Blue Film
  • Released: 24 February 2014
  • Label: 4AD
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
12517

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected information
TitleMixtape details
Every Night
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: 4AD
  • Format: Digital download

Other albums

List of albums, with selected information
TitleMixtape details
Near Other Worlds (Feat. The Seattle Harmonic Voices)
  • Released: 2020
  • Label: Ocean Cloud Records
  • Format: Digital download
Near Other Worlds: Vol. II (Feat. Samundra)
  • Released: 2020
  • Label: Ocean Cloud Records
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

List of singles
TitleYearAlbum
"#88"2013Blue Film
"The Whole Summer"2018Power Magi¿ [22]

Promotional singles

TitleYearAlbum
"When We're Fire"2014Blue Film

Other charted songs

SongYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
BEL (FL)
[20] 		BEL (WA)
[23] 		FRA
[24] 		SPA
[25] 		SWI
[26] 		UK
[27] 		UK Indie
[28]
"You're the One That I Want"2014834338366719412Blue Film

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marlon Roudette</span> English singer, songwriter, and record producer (born 1982)

Marlon Roudette is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the former front man for the duo Mattafix who had their first number 1, "Big City Life", in 2006. After the group split, Roudette embarked on a solo career with two number one singles in Europe, "New Age" and "When the Beat Drops Out"; the latter made it to number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified platinum. In recent years, he is also known for his co-writing work for artists, including Sinéad Harnett and his half-sister, Mabel. He co-wrote Mabel's hit singles "Finders Keepers" and "Fine Line", as well as the Not3s single "My Lover" and Jax Jones' hit "Ring Ring". He has also co-written tracks featuring Wiley, Tory Lanez, Kranium, Bad Gyal and Busy Signal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Jack</span> Musical artist

Jack Christopher Allsopp, known by the stage name Just Jack, is an English musician from Camden Town, London. He first came to prominence with the release of his 2007 single "Starz in Their Eyes", which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. He has also since been known for the songs "Embers", peaking at number 17, and "The Day I Died", which peaked at number 11, and the track "Writer's Block".

American rapper Young Buck has released two studio albums, three independent albums, 6 collaborative albums, 32 mixtapes, 20 singles, and 27 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabolous discography</span>

The discography of Fabolous, an American rapper, consists of seven studio albums, two extended plays, 58 singles, and eleven mixtapes, and amongst various other recordings. Throughout his career, he’s been primarily known as a flagship artist for Def Jam Recordings and Desert Storm Records, however, his first of three studio albums were released through Elektra and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Breeders discography</span>

The discography of American alternative rock band The Breeders consists of five studio albums, one live album, three extended plays, ten singles and twelve music videos. Kim Deal, then-bassist of American alternative rock band the Pixies, formed The Breeders as a side-project with Tanya Donelly, guitarist of American alternative rock band Throwing Muses. After recording a demo tape, The Breeders signed to the English independent record label 4AD in 1989. Their debut studio album Pod was released in May 1990, but was not commercially successful. After the revival of the Pixies and Throwing Muses in 1990, The Breeders became mostly inactive until the Pixies' breakup in 1993. With a new lineup, The Breeders released their Safari EP in 1992, followed by their second studio album Last Splash in 1993. Last Splash was The Breeders' most successful album; it peaked at number 33 on the United States Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1994. The album spawned the band's most successful single, "Cannonball". The single peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number two on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<i>Blue Lips</i> 2017 studio album by Tove Lo

Blue Lips is the third studio album by Swedish singer Tove Lo. It was released on 17 November 2017 by Island Records. Blue Lips is considered the second half of a two-piece concept album that describe "highs, lows and ultimate demise of a relationship." Its chapters "Light Beams" and "Pitch Black" succeed the chapters "Fairy Dust" and "Fire Fade" from her previous album Lady Wood (2016).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cody Simpson discography</span>

Australian singer Cody Simpson has released four studio albums, nine extended plays, one mixtape, twenty one singles, five promotional singles and seventeen music videos. Simpson released his debut extended play, 4 U, on 21 December 2010 under Atlantic Records, preceded by the lead single "iYiYi", which peaked at number 73 on the Canadian Hot 100. The album spawned a second single, "All Day", which peaked at number 79 on the Canadian Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daughter (band)</span> English indie folk band

Daughter is an English indie folk trio. Fronted by North London native Elena Tonra, the band was formed in 2010 after the addition of American-born Swiss guitarist Igor Haefeli and drummer Remi Aguilella from France. They have released four EPs and three albums, and are currently signed to Glassnote and 4AD (Europe). After playing the local London circuit, they toured supporting Ben Howard around Europe and have since played headlining tours around North America, Europe and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killer Mike discography</span>

The discography of American rapper and recording artist Killer Mike consists of six studio albums, three collaborative albums, five mixtapes and eleven singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorde discography</span>

New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has released three studio albums, four extended plays, 12 singles and nine music videos. At the age of 13, she was signed to Universal Music Group (UMG) and started to write music. In November 2012, when she was 16 years old, she self-released The Love Club EP via SoundCloud. It was released for sale by UMG in March 2013; a song from the EP, "Royals", topped numerous single charts internationally, including the US Billboard Hot 100. The track sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all-time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Common Linnets</span> Dutch band

The Common Linnets are a Dutch band that was formed in 2013. The band originally consisted of Ilse DeLange and Waylon. DeLange has stated that the group is a platform for Dutch artists to make country, Americana, and bluegrass music, and that the members will be changing. In May 2014, Waylon left the group and was replaced by American country singer Jake Etheridge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sohn (musician)</span> English composer, singer-songwriter, and producer

Christopher Michael Taylor, professionally known as Sohn, is an English singer, songwriter and record producer. Following the release of the 2012 EP The Wheel by Aesop, he was signed by 4AD. He released his first album, Tremors, on 7 April 2014 followed by Rennen in January 2017 and Trust in November 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deorro</span> American DJ

Erick Orrosquieta, commonly known by his stage name Deorro, is a Mexican-American DJ signed to Ultra Records. He formerly used the name TON!C.

<i>Blue Film</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Lo-Fang

Blue Film is the debut album by the American singer-songwriter Lo-Fang. Released in 2014 by 4AD, it began as a mix tape that was turned into a full length album with additional material.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Martin (singer)</span> American singer-songwriter

Samuel Denison Martin is an American Grammy Award-winning musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. His song "Want to Want Me" holds the record for the most adds in the American contemporary hit radio history.

<i>If Youre Reading This Its Too Late</i> 2015 mixtape by Drake

If You're Reading This It's Too Late is the fourth mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake, released on February 13, 2015 without prior announcement by OVO Sound, Young Money, Cash Money and Republic Records. The mixtape was produced by Drake's longtime collaborators 40 and Boi-1da, as well as labelmate PartyNextDoor, among others. Features include PartyNextDoor, Travis Scott, and Lil Wayne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiesza discography</span>

Canadian singer and songwriter Kiesza has released three studio albums, four extended plays, forty-one singles, and seven music videos.

<i>Melodrama</i> (Lorde album) 2017 studio album by Lorde

Melodrama is the second studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was released on 16 June 2017 by Lava and Republic Records and distributed through Universal. Following the breakthrough success of her debut album Pure Heroine (2013), Lorde retreated from the spotlight, and travelled between New Zealand and the United States. Initially inspired by her disillusionment with fame, she wrote Melodrama to capture heartbreak and solitude after her first breakup.

<i>Lady Wood</i> 2016 studio album by Tove Lo

Lady Wood is the second studio album by Swedish singer Tove Lo, released on 28 October 2016 by Island Records. Lady Wood is considered the first half of a two-piece concept album that describe "highs, lows and ultimate demise of a relationship." Its chapters "Fairy Dust" and "Fire Fade" precede the chapters "Light Beams" and "Pitch Black" from her following album Blue Lips (2017). It was recorded between July 2015 and May 2016, which Lo commented was a quicker turnaround than the "whole life" she was afforded when creating her previous record Queen of the Clouds (2014).

<i>Solar Power</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Lorde

Solar Power is the third studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was released on 20 August 2021, by Universal Music New Zealand. Lorde wrote and produced the album with American musician Jack Antonoff, with whom she also worked on her second studio album, Melodrama (2017).

References

  1. ↑ ASCAP Archived 6 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine : Work ID: 886106711
  2. ↑ "Matthew Hemerlein Album Release/Birthday Party". Facebook. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Meet Lorde's Secret Weapon: the Talented, Wordy, Intoxicating Lo-Fang". Elle. 28 January 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  4. ↑ Weber, Andrew. "M: Lo-Fang — The Origin Story". Women's Wear Daily . Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Weiss, Jeff. "Lo Fang's musical journey took him all over the world, and now he's opening for Lorde". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 Carlin, Shannon (14 February 2014). "New Music to Know: Lo-Fang Finds His Center on Debut, 'Blue Film'". radio.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 Romano, Tricia (20 February 2014). "Lo-Fang Embraces His New Success". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 "The GQ+A: Lo-Fang Talks Touring With Lorde, His Debut Album, and How He Gets His Hair to Look That Good". Condé Nast. 11 March 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  9. ↑ "Lo-Fang's debut album Blue Film is released today". 4ad.com. 4AD. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  10. 1 2 "iTunes – Music – Lo-Fang". iTunes Store. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Ehrlich, Brenna (29 January 2014). "Meet Lorde's Tourmate: The Skillful, Sardonic Lo-Fang". MTV.com. Archived from the original on 19 November 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Little, Ryan (27 February 2014). "As Lo-Fang, Matthew Hemerlein Takes His Left-Field Pop to the West Coast". Washington City Paper . Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  13. ↑ "Lo-Fang". 4ad.com. 4AD. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  14. ↑ Little, Ryan (27 February 2014). "As Lo-Fang, Matthew Hemerlein Takes His Left-Field Pop to the West Coast". Washingtoncitypaper.com. Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  15. ↑ Lorde (10 September 2013). "Triple J's Hottest 100 Top Tens". abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  16. ↑ Schwiegershausen, Erica (28 February 2014). "Male Gaze: Lo-Fang, Electric Violinist". New York Magazine . Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  17. ↑ Darwin, Liza. "Meet Lo-Fang, the Singer Behind the New Chanel No. 5 Film". style.com. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  18. ↑ "CHANEL N°5: The One That I Want – The Film". YouTube. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  19. ↑ "New Mixtape, Chanel No. 5 Advert, US Tour Starts Tomorrow". 4AD. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  20. 1 2 "Discografie Lo-Fang". Hung Medien (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  21. ↑ "Lo-Fang – Chart history: US Heat". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  22. ↑ "The Whole Summer (Official Music Video)". Youtube. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "Discografie Lo-Fang Walloon". Hung Medien (in French). Ultratop . Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  24. ↑ "Discography Lo-Fang". Hung Medien (in French). SNEP . Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  25. ↑ "Discography Lo Fang". spanishcharts.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  26. ↑ "Lo Fang in der Schweizer Hitparade". Hit Parade. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  27. ↑ Peak chart positions for singles in the United Kingdom:
  28. ↑ Peak positions for singles on the UK Indie Chart:
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.