One of our favourites, Lou Hayter, is back with a brand new single titled ‘Unfamiliar Skin’. It’s the title track from her upcoming album set to drop on November 8th via Greco-Roman. The new single follows the previously shared singles ‘3AM‘, ‘In My Heart‘ and ‘Frequency’.
Following the sultry vibes of her last single ‘3AM,’ this new release blends retro-inspired dance beats with cool vocals and sharp songwriting. Hayter effortlessly captures the tension of confronting a deceptive lover while layering cowbells and infectious grooves into a polished pop production. Be sure to check out the music video, directed by fellow musician Tom Furse, which captures the feeling of being out of your own body—truly in Unfamiliar Skin.
To celebrate Lou Hayter’s new single and upcoming album, we had the chance to ask her a few questions about her creative process and inspirations.
‘Unfamiliar Skin‘ arrives November 8th via Greco-Roman.
If anyone is still unfamiliar with the sound of Lou Hayter, how would you describe it?
Hmm that’s hard for me, I usually like other people to describe my music for me. I guess it’s a melting pot of my influences in the backing tracks with me singing on top. Mainly electronic because I don’t play guitar.
Your new single ‘Unfamiliar Skin’ also serves as the title of the album. Why did you choose ‘Unfamiliar Skin’ as both the album title and the new single? What does the name and song mean to you?
It’s something my friend said to me when we were talking about people who have affairs. As in why does the pull of unfamiliar skin cause people to risk their whole relationship. I thought it was interesting so I wrote a song about it. It also has a dual meaning about feeling like you’re in a new skin which is how I felt producing the whole album myself for the first time.
You produced, performed, and wrote ‘Unfamiliar Skin’ entirely yourself. How did working solo shape your creative process this time?
It’s different because there isn’t anyone else to bounce off. I have an incredible engineer called Greg Flemings but ultimately it’s all on me so it can be very isolating and you can wonder if you’re on the right track. It was exciting for me and definitely a challenge. I like being able to make exactly what I want.
How did the success of your debut album, ‘Private Sunshine’, influence your approach to this new record? Did you feel pressure to match it or try something new?
A little bit, I feel like I went somewhere else, which was intentional. But sometimes I wonder if I should’ve done part 2 of Cherry on Top or something. I may do that in the future though.
Your music blends retro sounds like New York disco, proto-house and 80s R&B with modern production. How do you balance those influences?
I think those things are just in my DNA now having listened to them my whole life. So influences just come out of me without thinking about it. I guess they just balance themselves, I don’t work in a premeditated way, more on instinct. I do try not to be too on the nose with stuff and add a twist and some magic.
As a DJ and artist embedded in the London scene, how has the city and its evolving music culture shaped and inspired your sound and approach to making music?
London is one of the great loves of my life. I’ve been going to clubs here and buying records since the 90’s and soaked it all up. There’s a very high bar set culturally in this city and I’m grateful that it’s led me to create my own art and something that I’m proud of.
How does the experience of performing your own music differ from DJing? Do you plan to tour ‘Unfamiliar Skin’?
I’d like to tour it next year, there hasn’t really been enough time to set it up at the moment. It differs so much as it’s a totally different performance and much more personal, it’s great when it all comes together though.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from you following the release of ‘Unfamiliar Skin’?
I have more music, some collaborations with 2 of my favourite producers and I hope to put it all out soon. Hopefully with a live show too. My goal is to make more and more albums.
