Through the June 26 release of his EP “Lekkerland 2,” indie-rock artist Casey Lowery will expand on his introduction by sharing life stories he’s shaped into songs over ten years. 

The seven-track follow-up to his independently released “Lekkerland” debut will allow listeners to explore a world of Lowery’s self-described musical “flamboyance.” 

Lowery explained that he was able to create the “mini album” because of a significant career change.

“Basically, I’ve been writing songs for ten years, and I finally hit a point in my career where I could independently release all the songs that I ever wanted to over that experience,” he said.

One part of the album Lowery looks forward to sharing is an unaltered version of his first-ever track, which he wrote aged 14. He hopes it will show listeners how he has evolved as an artist. “I’m really excited for people to hear the difference, maybe. It’s an ego scratch, but I’m excited for them to hear the difference, and I also love that song.”

While the release will feature a blend of songs created over several years, Lowery shared that most of them come from a time when he experienced an unfamiliar form of grief. He thinks these tracks will convey his optimistic personality, his contrasting sadness, and desire to act on that while grieving.

“I think the music kind of reflects how I was grieving positively and just being obsessed with all my friends’ lives but also wanting to be left alone.”

Lowery’s storytelling all comes together under the word “Lekkerland,” a component of both his EP titles that was also inspired by a significant life event.

“Lekkerland” comes from the South African phrase “Lekker Joel,” which Lowery explained means “cool party.” It is a reference to the time he spent in the country while on tour, when his crew all got the phrase tattooed.

A fear of needles made Lowery opt out of the shared tattoo experience and want to find a new way of turning the phrase into lifelong art.

“I just felt terrible that these people had something on them for the rest of their lives, and I didn’t. So, I turned my art into something that could be there for the rest of our lives and more to try and sort of make up for my lack of tattoo,” he said.

The addition of “land” represents musical world-building. Lowery shared that “Lekkerland” releases have a similar sound that “fundamentally” reflects him in his indie era. 

To Lowery, Charli xcx’s “BRAT” is an example of the kind of world-building he hopes to channel in his work.

“That felt like a world. Like, she brought me into this place, and I felt super accustomed to it. I’m trying to do the same with ‘Lekkerland’ and bring people into my world, and my stories, and the things that happen in my life, and turn them into crazy little indie tunes.”

Lowery mentioned that the musical world behind this EP is full of friends who helped him bring it to life through production and participation.

He named Seafret, Rhys Lewis, and DENM as track producers.

“It just so happens I’ve met these people along the way, and they wanted to help support my journey, so I’m very fortunate,” he added.

The “old-school” music video for the album’s single, “finish the bottle,” also features friends Lowery made at an earlier point in his career. He described living in a caravan park and spending time at a pub every day with two people he met there.

“That was kind of their proof of life. We were all just happy and being social together over a nice beer in the clubhouse. It was very nice, and to get them in a music video meant a lot,” he said.

Lowery also expressed gratitude toward his listeners for backing his creativity, acknowledging their preorders and the Kickstarter contributions made since the release’s announcement. 

“I’ve just been blessed with a bunch of people that want to support me and let me make whatever I want to make.”

The post Returning to Lekkerland: Casey Lowery On “Lekkerland 2,” Supportive Life stories, And Building A Musical World appeared first on Indie is not a genre.