Hi Vincent, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Paris, France on December 31st, 1987. I grew up with my mom, a screenwriter for TV. I have always been very sensitive to music, the radio was always on at the house. (I guess it’s still on as we speak!) I had a very busy childhood, we moved from Paris to live on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea for a couple of years, then back to Paris. I got into the Conservatoire Superior of Music of Paris at the age of seven. As I got older it became clear to me that I wanted to become a musician. I think I was around 8 or 9 when I knew for sure. I had a hard time focusing at school, all I was thinking about was playing the piano. At age 17, I started learning musicology and sound engineering in Paris. I did that for the next two years during which I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to meet producers and musicians such as Robin Lemesurier (Rod Stewart, Tina Turner…), Amy Keys (Phil Collins…) and many others. That was a defining moment for me: I knew my life was here in the US.
In 2008, I met Dominique Duforest in Paris, one of France’s only musicians manager. Whenever an artist (national or international) needs musicians for TV, radio or studio recording he gathers the best of the best. That year, he gave me a shot. A couple of weeks later, I was doing my first TV gig as a professional pianist for Rihanna. At first, I thought
it was crazy: making money for doing what you love… That was unreal. That gig was the beginning of a long list. I played with Celine Dion, Robin Thicke, Carly Rae Jepsen, One Direction, Rita Ora, Alessia Cara and many others. In the process, I met one of my best friends: Mathieu Llopart. We’ve teamed up many times since: him as a very talented bass player, and me as a pianist. Whenever one of us was appointed music director for a tour, he would hire the other and we would build the band together. After touring for many years, I wanted to start writing songs for others. At first it felt strange to play personal songs to major Artistic Directors… even to your friends and family!
I was touring as a pianist and musical director with the French sensation LOU two years ago. She’s amazing. By the end of the tour, the management company was looking for new songs for the next record. I took my chance and ended up writing the song “Qui Pourrait” – which became the first single of the second album! I was in shock listening to my own song on the radio. It’s an amazing feeling. I moved to the United States in May 2019. Best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve always dreamt of living in Los Angeles. I grew up in the 90’s, America was a part of everything I watched and listened to. When I was 12, I would go to the library and rent five books about US Deserts at once. I was fascinated! I now live east of LA, in Highland Park. I love my neighborhood, it’s very pretty, with a mix of people from different cultures. I have my favorite restaurants down my street! JOY is my number one, then Ramen of York. Since I
moved here, I’ve been working with incredibly talented artists such as Little Luna, Ameet Kanon, Cameron Frittz, Bronwyn Silk, etc… I also started making music for TV with my very good friend Jules de Gasperis. We’ve composed and produced music for many commercials: BMW, Honda, AXA, San Pellegrino, Nintendo, Mulino Bianco, Voltaren…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been an interesting year and a half with what we are facing now. I guess we just have to re-think a bunch of things: what workflow is the best to keep creating new projects. I can’t say that I have been struggling professionally. I have been pretty lucky to meet the right people at the right time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, I think I’m bringing something different to the table. A different approach to composition I would say. A French touch maybe, I don’t know.
I’m also kind of a nerd. I work fast. I can be in the studio doing my thing for 45 minutes and not say a word which is sometimes disorienting for artists. But at the end I always make sure they’re happy with the song we’ve done together.
I’m lucky to say there is no song I’m not proud of. Really. I’m very proud of the EP I did with Cameron Frittz, and the song I wrote and produced with Little Luna is insane! I can’t wait for you guys to hear it.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters the most to me now is to grow as a songwriter and producer. It starts by creating strong relationships with new artists, make them comfortable enough in my studio so we can be 100% in sync. To me, this is how the best songs are made and I hope to produce many good ones in the future.
Contact Info:
- Email: Vincent.lanty@gmail.com
- Website: www.vincentlanty.com
- Instagram: @vincentlanty
- Facebook: Vincent Lanty
