LËPTIC Talks Evolving His Atmospheric Style Through Collaborations & More [Interview]

LËPTIC is a Vancouver-based Afro House DJ and producer celebrated for his melodic, atmospheric take on house music, blending driving percussion with lush, emotive textures inspired by icons like Arodes, Andrea Oliva, and Shimza. In 2024, he made waves by opening for Meduza at UBC’s Blockparty festival, while his releases on esteemed labels such as SOM, Harmor Records, and eViVE Recordings have solidified his rising status in the scene. His latest release, ‘Ngiyajola’, featured on the Textures of Sound VA compilation from the renowned VIVa MUSiC Group, delivers a hypnotic Afro House journey fusing deep tribal rhythms with soulful Zulu-inspired vocal chops, perfect for sunset vibes or igniting the dancefloor with its signature chill-yet-driving energy. 

Dive into our exclusive interview with LËPTIC below to hear more about his creative process and this captivating release.

What initially drew you to producing Afro House music in Vancouver?

For me, I think it’s all about the rhythms as they just get stuck in my head way more than anything else. I grew up playing piano, so I’m naturally drawn to melodic music.  It felt like the perfect fit for me, even in a city where the sound isn’t super common yet. Vancouver doesn’t have a huge Afro House scene, so part of it was me wanting to bring that sound here and carve out my own lane. 

How has sharing the stage with Meduza at UBC’s Blockparty influenced your approach to live performances?

That day was huge for me. It was the first time I got to share a stage like that and play my own music in front of so many people I went to school with. Hearing my tracks on a proper festival system for the first time was surreal and it really gave me so much confidence in my sound. It wasn’t just about the crowd though as it was about proving to myself that my music belonged in that kind of setting.

Can you share how your inspirations from Arodes, Andrea Oliva, and Shimza show up in your tracks?

I think I take a little bit of inspiration from each artist. Arodes portrays how powerful simple piano melodies can be, Andrea Oliva expresses how to groove without overproducing, and Shimza’s energy is honestly just unmatched that I respect a lot. I kind of take a little bit from each whether that’s cinematic melodies, minimal grooves, or driving percussion, and mash it into my own style.

What’s your process like when blending driving percussion with those lush, emotive textures in your music?

What’s always worked for me is starting with a piano melody or a pad and that’s where the emotion essentially comes from. Once I’ve got that core feeling down, I start layering in percussion to give it some movement and energy. In my eyes it’s like building a track around a mood first and then shaping it into something that works on the dancefloor.

What inspired the Zulu vocal chops in ‘Ngiyajola,’ and how did they shape the track’s depth?

I wanted the track to feel rooted in something super soulful. I think those Zulu vocals brought this emotional, almost spiritual element that made the track feel alive. Editing them up and using little sound bites before the drop really helped elevate the track and make it come to life.

How did you balance the chill sunset vibe with the club-moving energy in crafting ‘Ngiyajola’?

I usually like to think about my tracks as a journey. The melodies are soft and warm which is perfect for sunset sets but the groove is strong enough for peak-time. I like making tracks that DJs can drop anywhere and they’ll still work whether that’s on a big stage or just chilling on a beach.

In what ways does ‘Ngiyajola’ reflect your overall vision for Afro House on the Textures of Sound VA compilation?

‘Ngiyajola’ really sums up what I love about Afro House as it’s emotional, groovy, and has a story behind it. I wanted my contribution to feel different but still fit with the vibe of the compilation. For me, Afro House isn’t just club music as it’s something that you can actually feel. I think this track helps show that balance, and I’m proud it represents where I’m at as a producer right now.

What challenges have you faced releasing on labels like SOM, Harmor Records, and eViVE Recordings as a rising artist?

It’s so tough getting noticed nowadays with the amount of rising DJs and producers out there. These labels get so many demos, so I had to really figure out what makes my sound unique. The business side was a learning curve too whether that’s contracts, promo schedules, and tons of more stuff. But every release has opened doors and taught me a ton, and I’m still learning. 

Looking ahead, how do you see your atmospheric style evolving in the broader house music scene?

I want to keep leaning into collaborations. Working with other artists brings out new ideas and textures I wouldn’t find on my own. I recently released a track with Idd Aziz, who’s such a respected voice in Afro House, and that experience really showed me how powerful vocals can be in my sound. Going forward, I want to keep blending that atmospheric, melodic vibe with more live elements and cultural influences.

Could you let your fans know what you have coming up within the next few months?

In the next few months I’ve got a lot of new releases coming out with some highly respected Afro House artists. I’ve also got a lot of shows lined up in Vancouver and potentially overseas as well, make sure to stay tuned! 

Stream ‘Ngiyajola’:

Follow LËPTIC:

Spotify – Instagram – Soundcloud – Website