IN CONVERSATION WITH LYOD
Interview by SAMO ŠAJN
LYOD or Niklas Heidkamp from Cologne, is a rising star in the music world. Starting his musical journey at just ten years old, he produced a dozen tracks last year alone. Despite his youth, he has already racked up over 100 million streams, created an official remix for Dutch DJ Sam Feldt, and provided music for the German Google Pixel Campaign with his track 'Never Fall.'
Can you tell us about your journey from starting out in Cologne to achieving over 100 million streams and 1 million monthly listeners? What were some key milestones for you?
I fell in love with music early on, collecting CDs and exploring new sounds. At 11, discovering Avicii’s "Seek Bromance" ignited my passion for dance music. I began DJing with a controller my parents gifted me and soon started producing with Logic Pro, teaching myself due to the lack of tutorials. A major milestone was releasing my first album, which shifted my focus from singles to creating a cohesive, experimental concept. What truly inspires me is when people share how my music has touched their lives, fuelling my drive to keep creating.
Your debut album “Forgot How You Dance” has made a significant impact. What do you think it is about your music that resonates so strongly with listeners?
Thank you! That’s a difficult question, to be honest. I guess it’s a combination of emotions and groove. I like to evoke strong emotions and move people at the same time. I love to express the feeling of longing in music. That’s what it’s really about for me when I am in the studio working on new ideas, and I am super happy and grateful that some people feel the same way and I can do what I love the most.
How did the viral success of your tracks on TikTok influence your approach to music production and promotion?
I try not to overthink whether a song will succeed on TikTok, as it's often out of my control. While in the studio, I disconnect from social media to focus on creating music that feels right in the moment. Once a track is finished, my team and I strategize on how to present it on social media, but predicting what will capture people's attention is unpredictable. For instance, some songs perform unexpectedly well, while others don't, regardless of expectations or promotional efforts. This variability highlights the importance of continuously refining your approach and staying resilient.
Your "LYOD LIVE" event series has started with a sold-out show. What inspired you to create your own event series, and what do you hope to achieve with it?
I want to connect with the people that come to my shows and listen to my music. It’s all about having a good time and spreading great energy. I want to use this series to test new unreleased songs, demos and remixes of songs that may never get released, but people can enjoy exclusively at my shows. And I like to play sets that take people on a journey and really draw them into. That’s what I am trying to achieve with this series.
In addition to your success in streaming, you have a strong social media following. How do you balance creating music with engaging your fans online?
Balancing creativity with social media can be challenging, and I’m working on improving it. When I’m deeply focused on writing new songs, I prefer to isolate myself and limit social media activity to fully concentrate on the music. I hope fans understand and aren’t upset. However, once a song or idea is finished, I love sharing it on social media to interact with fans and receive their feedback. It’s a rewarding experience that I’m grateful for.
After your debut live shows in 2023, what are your thoughts on live performances versus studio work, and how do you plan to evolve your live shows moving forward?
Live performances and studio work are essential for my growth as an artist. Playing songs live helps me understand their impact in a club, allowing me to make adjustments to maintain energy and connect with the audience. In the studio, I feel most at ease, focusing on creating and refining my music. My goal is to play sets featuring entirely original tracks, edits, and remixes that take people on a journey. I’m also developing my sound for 2025 with my team, always looking for ways to improve. I’m excited about the future and what’s next.
The "Nightfall EP" is described as having a darker, more mature sound. What
experiences or influences led you to explore this new direction in your music?
After releasing my debut album last year, I wanted to explore a darker, more club-focused direction. I began creating tracks suited for club environments that would complement the emotional songs in my sets, enhancing the journey for listeners. I also aim for my music to resonate in various settings—whether at home, during a relaxed day, missing someone, or at a party. Each album or EP I release aims to offer something new and reveal different facets of my artistry. Although my current focus is on club tracks, I may return to more emotional, deep songs depending on my mood and feelings. I’m excited about the direction for next year and can't wait to start working on new music.
You’ve received backing from Beatport and support from major platforms and DJs. How do these endorsements impact your confidence and motivation as an artist?
Receiving support from other DJs and platforms like Beatport is incredibly rewarding, especially as I immerse myself in the dance scene and culture. The key driving force for me is my deep love and passion for music. I’ve always dreamed of being like my idols—playing in front of thousands and releasing my own tracks. This dream motivates me daily, and feedback and recognition from those I admire only fuel my drive further.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming release "Exterminate"? What can listeners expect?
"Exterminate" is an atmospheric dance track with a fresh take on SNAP!’s 1992 classic. It begins with an ethereal intro, builds up to an intense climax, and features a powerful drop. I love playing it live, and the feedback has been fantastic. Producing this track with Alexis was a blast. I aimed to capture a similar feeling to Robin S's “Show Me Love,” where everything fades before the melody hits. The looping vocal and huge lead sound in "Exterminate" evoke that vibe, and I’m thrilled to finally release it.
What was the inspiration behind "Exterminate," and how does it fit into the
Evolution of your musical style and upcoming projects?
"Exterminate" is a tribute to the legendary German dance artists SNAP!, with their iconic lead sample lingering in my mind for years. I decided to revive it with a fresh spin, re-recording all parts and transforming it into a new dance record. Its darker sound fits well with the EP's diverse tracks, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.