Music / Get To Know
Get to know: Lawi Anywar
A musician of many guises, Lawi Anywar has mastered the art of maintaining a singular drive while embracing a panoply of projects. He’s toured with The Heavy, performed at the Beacon’s Housewarming, and is about to embark on a run of shows for his latest release.
Lawi tells Ursula Billington how the city helped shape his sound and why he’s spearheading a new project for men.
Lawi has contributed to a multitude of different musical projects, including playing live with Pocket Sun, Tamasene and Dr Chonk and the Nature Injection – photo: Tamasene
You collaborate extensively, across many genres, and front your own project too. Where does it all stem from?
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“As far as I know and feel, music’s always been there. Right from the beginning, I was jittery and enamoured with rhythm. My interest deepened through my parents’ old cassettes – Billy Ocean, Maxi Priest, Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Abbey Road…
“Then I got older, abit hormone angry and therefore blown away by hardcore punk, metal, hip hop and grunge which completely changed the way I saw music and what it could be used for.
Most often, my goal when I make and play music is finding that balance between connection and catharsis. I do it to be vulnerable, to express and to soothe, and to extend that to others feeling lonely, disconnected, unsure or confused.
“Music gives you community when you have none. It’s a language we can all speak, even if our comprehension of it is so personal and diverse.”
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What has come out of those early influences?
“I’m all about finding that perfect mid-point between rhythm and atmosphere with a little aggression thrown in. My sound is a mix of shoegaze, funk and psychedelic rock with light ‘pop’ sensibilities.
“Sometimes I’ll hear complete songs in my head, or I’ll assemble them from disparate melodies and riffs recorded on my phone. I record everything at my second home, Humm Studios, with dear friend / producer Dom Mitchison (Velcro Hooks, Spectres).
“I always leave lyrics to the absolute last minute – like ten minutes before I record, so they’re a reaction to the feelings when I hear the song and the pressure of having to lay them down. Often they’re about uncertainties, dreams, masculinity.
“Sometimes it’s that good stuff we all worry about: paying the rent, the existential crisis of resenting that. Gorging on reality TV after a killer week at the day job when really you just want to bake amazing cakes, build miniatures, or be loved. Or something.
The eclecticism of your style extends to the many projects you’re involved with….
“I’ve been about a little bit, yeah. In another life I was a member of Jalandhar and Konketsu. I’ve worked with Cousin Kula and Pocket Sun, contributed bass and vocals to Tamasene and occasionally play bass in Dr. Chonk and the Nature Injection. I was house drummer for the Gallimaufry’s Family Business jam for abit.
“I spent four fun years playing drums with hardcore punk band Gimic until it was time to focus on my own project. They made me a better musician and a happier human being and I love them a lot. Shout out Shitty Futures.
“I’m collaborating with the mysterious car salesman Frank Gold and his band, the Terminators, who I met on the bus. They heard me listening to the Mars Volta and wouldn’t give my headphones back until I agreed to join their band. I’m also working towards an evening of Jeff Buckley songs at The Gallimaufry, in tribute to one of the best to ever do it.”
Lawi is preparing to release his next album and is playing Outer Town festival on April 12 – photo: @anti_tank_frank
You’re clearly embedded in the Bristol scene. How does the city influence you?
“I was drawn to Bristol for its roots in sound system culture and the music of the Afro-Caribbean community here. I grew up on Dartmoor, which is sorely lacking in Black and brown people making art or really…anything. Sorry Devon, but it’s true. One night, though, the Bristol band Black Roots played in my town and it melted my mind.
“I owe my music’s emphasis on bass to dub – which I experienced formatively in Bristol. I still remember first experiencing the immense bass of Teachings in Dub at Trinity, the windows rattling to the point where you’d be afraid they’d shatter. And secretly thinking how sick it would be if they did.”
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Any other projects on the go?
“I’m really looking forward to sharing my next album, Centenarian.
In 2022 I released the Clapham Charmer, an EP themed around a fictional British-coded police state in which male-centred law enforcement and violence is commonplace to an exaggerated degree. The murder of Sarah Everard and the wounds it reopened around the endemic nature of male-perpetrated violence in society were a big inspiration.
“I have a fascination with examining what drives men to these behaviours. I deeply believe vulnerability and emotional honesty is needed to dismantle them and so I am creating reflective sharing spaces for men.
“They’re an opportunity to reflect on our role in perpetuating patriarchy and violence against non-men. The next one takes place around April. Men, get in touch to participate.
“Prioritise peace.”
Main image: @anti_tank_frank
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