Rising Berlin artist L’aupaire has already amassed over 85 million streams of his songs, and has earned himself a growing following thanks to his ability to make soothing, addictive folk-pop that’s perfect for the summer, or anytime really. He’s had a lot of success in his native Germany, and played global stages such as SXSW, Sziget Festival, Melt! and Dockville Festival. He’s just released his new single “Lisbon” featuring fellow German artist Luisa and PopWrapped caught up with him to talk favourite artists and future plans.

Hello L’aupaire. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your music.

Hi I’m L’aupaire. I’m a singer-songwriter and producer from Berlin. I love writing songs. I love blues, country, folk. Horns. Pedal Steel. Dynamics. Drum beats. Live shows. 

What’s the music scene like in Berlin and how, if at all, does it influence your sound?

I had my vision and my sound before I moved to Berlin. Which basically came from being a music fan and listening to records for all my life. Developing an own taste and somehow thinking deep inside of me: There is something I need to say and let this world know! Berlin is full of music, talent, song-writers, producers which is really inspiring on the one hand but on the other it can be really too much for one to take. I’m glad to live in the outskirts right now.  

We loved your recent single “When I Fall” – who or what inspired it?

It was only a few weeks before my second daughter was born. I had many things going on in my head. I was really looking forward becoming a father for the second time but also scared of all the challenges and responsibilities that this whole process brings with it. After a long winter there was a certain point where I felt ready for all of it. I wrote a lot of songs in that time. 

You’ve had over 85 million streams online – how does it feel knowing that many people are listening to your music? 

I’m really happy and really proud of it. You need a team behind you that believes in you and your music. I have to thank many folks supporting me. Personally: I constantly released music over a period of 6-7 years. Always trying to write the next song which is better than what you wrote before. It’s is also taking a risk sometimes for example a rework or a feature. Do something new. Don’t fear to make mistakes you’ll make them anyways. haha. I hope this is just the beginning and I’ll be able to release many more new songs and albums.

Which bands or artists would you say are your favourites?

Wilco, Bon Iver and Gregory Alan Isakov.

Which song, of all those out there, would you pick to be your top choice?

I have so many but I’ll take this one: “Tom Traubert’s Blues” by Tom Waits. I think it’s just the perfect song. Melody. Words. Mood. Style. Heart. Feeling. 

Finally then, what’s next for you – any new music or projects you can tease?

I’ll drop an album next year – I’m really excited about it. 

Give L’aupaire’s new single “Lisbon” a listen below and to keep up to date with him, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.