Music Spotlight: ford.

Electronic artist + Asymmetric favorite ford. recently released two tracks Hold On (featuring Ayelle) + Living, Breathing. Both singles highlight ford.’s enchantingly intricate, yet mellow sound, and we’re captivated by the airy vocals of Hold On + the feel-good melodies of Living, Breathing. We chatted with Luc Bradford, the mastermind behind the moniker, all about Hold On, photography, staying grounded + what he’s listening to in quarantine.

photo by Ian Kirby

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your latest release! Can you tell us the story behind Hold On?
ford.: Thank you! Yeah, I remember I had just moved to the U.S. and had done a quick trip out to Seattle to meet my label (Foreign Family) for the first time. They generously gifted me a brand new synth, which I was super stoked on. Right when I got back from that trip, I used that synth and came up with the main chords and sounds in Hold On. The vocals came together last. I had the chance to work with Ayelle on a song back in high school (The Unknown), and as I kept working on the beat, I kept hearing her vocal in my head and decided to send it her way. When Ayelle sent the vocals back, the lyrics resonated, and the feeling was exactly what I had in mind.

AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
f: When starting a track, I don’t usually begin with specific themes in mind. More often than not,  it’s just getting a stream of consciousness out in the form of an idea. From there, the concepts and themes seem to naturally become clearer the further I get into the writing process.

AM: We love all of your cover art including this one! How do you think it complements your sound?
f: I came across Rooovie’s art while I was in the middle of my writing process, and I just felt like his style really connected with the sounds and ideas I was working with. Just had a gut feeling about it.

AM: Speaking of art, you're a photographer, too. What do you like to shoot?
f: Just good moments. I try to be super present with what I shoot, which tends to be lots of friends out in nature. If I have my Minolta on me and I see a shot or moment worth logging, I’ll take it. Found that it helps being selective and patient when shooting film.

AM: Does your photography play a role in your music in any way?
f: I wouldn’t say that it plays any major role, but I do think there is some overlap in influence between photography and writing music. Sometimes certain moments I capture on film might evoke similar emotions that I like to embody in the music.

AM: During this pandemic, time of quarantine, and current movement, what's been keeping you grounded?
f: A balanced combination of mindfulness, immersing myself in the music, and staying connected + checking in on one another has been good. It’s been a really intense period of self-reflection and learning to keep the mental in check. I have found taking time outside in nature to be super helpful in staying present and not being overwhelmed. 

AM: Speaking of the movement, how do you think music impacts social change?
f: Music is powerfully unifying, and social change cannot exist without that same sense of unity. Personally, I’m working on listening more and taking the time to learn. I try to use my platform appropriately to help keep myself and friends informed + hopefully keep up the momentum of this movement.

Music is powerfully unifying, and social change cannot exist without that same sense of unity.

AM: What other musicians have you been listening to in quarantine? Do you have a favorite playlist you can share?
f: Yeah I actually have this “sun room playlist” with a lil Toro, some Caribou, and some Khruangbin in the mix. There are some goodies in there.

AM: You've done some incredible collaborations. Who's your dream collab you haven't worked with yet?
f: Good question, really tough call. Maybe a toss up between James Blake and Tourist.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
f: Don’t want to reveal too much, but fun things. Working on pushing my sound and excited to keep sharing with everyone.

// listen to Hold On + Living, Breathing:

Listen to more ford. on Spotify.