Finding Calm Amidst the Noise: Sitting Down with Landon Cube

Meeting Landon Cube over Zoom was like stepping into a moment of calm amidst the noise. Despite the distance between London and Los Angeles, the screen bridged the gap, allowing us to share in the simplicity of the moment. His happiness and energy came through effortlessly, much like the first time I’d come across his music, it was easy, unforced, and inviting. It’s that effortless vibe, where you sense the person behind the art, unguarded and comfortable, that makes you want to listen even closer.

As our conversation unfolds, it’s clear that Landon’s approach to music is just as laid-back as his demeanor. When asked about his creative process, he speaks with a quiet confidence, not rushing through the details but letting them come to him naturally. “I don't like to force it,” he says, his voice calm but purposeful, as if each word is part of the rhythm he lives by. 

Landon’s music career officially took off when he began posting covers on social media, but he has been experimenting with music for a long time. “The first time I wrote and recorded was because my dad had recording software in the house,” Landon recalls. “One day, I just started messing around with it. I probably wrote my first song, ready to release, when I was 18, and from there, I’ve been writing and recording ever since.”

When asked to describe his music as a movie or colour palette, Landon paints an idyllic picture, “It’s the kind of music I listen to when I drive from my house to Malibu,” he says. “You pass through the mountains, everything’s green, and then you hit the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), and the ocean appears. My favourite album for that drive is ‘Mariposa’ by Felly, it just fits the vibe perfectly. So, if I had to describe the music I’m making now, that’s it. The kind of sound you’d want to play on that drive, when everything feels wide open and full of possibility.”

For Landon, music comes when it’s right, when inspiration hits, and not a moment sooner. “I try to make music when I’m really inspired, when I’m living more and experiencing more,” he explains. “I don’t try to force myself into the studio if I’m bored or not feeling anything. I definitely don’t make music every day…sometimes I just don’t have anything to say. But when I do make it, it flows so much easier, and it doesn’t feel like work.”

It was this desire for creative freedom that eventually led Landon back to his roots. “I started in indie/alternative music when I was 18 or 19, and then I ended up in the hip-hop space because that’s where things were working at the time”. Although Landon “loves [his] fans and those that listen to [his] music”, he believed it was time to focus on what he wanted to create rather than what he thought he should be making. He states that “with this project, I didn’t focus on what others expected. I just made music I loved, and it felt like a true reflection of where I’m at currently.”

And this sense of freedom is evident in his latest release, ‘Name In The Sky. These tracks offer a glimpse into the complexities of Landon’s emotional journey, marked by vulnerability. “‘25’ is about reflecting on where I’ve come from, especially after struggling with addiction. It’s been a couple of years since I got sober, and the song was born out of gratitude for being alive. On the other hand, ‘Emerald Isle’ represents the darker moments, the hopelessness I felt at the time and how it felt living that daily.”

Landon acknowledges that ‘Emerald Isle’ is tied to one of the most emotionally challenging chapters of his life. He wrote the song during a time when he was grappling with his own demons, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by his struggles. Writing and recording it was a deeply emotional experience, one that required him to confront his darkest thoughts, but also to channel them into something beautiful. When he first listened back to the track, it moved him to tears, and he recalls sending it to his family, who shared the same emotional response.

There’s an undeniable rawness to the track that speaks to the depth of what Landon was going through at the time. It wasn’t just a song about sadness; it was an open letter to himself, a way of processing everything he had been through, “it's like my own form of therapy.” In a way, the song was both a release and a reflection—an acknowledgment of the darkness, but also a step toward healing. And even now, listening to it still carries an emotional weight for him and that journey is woven into the music he creates today. Looking back at ‘Emerald Isle,’ he can see how far he’s come, both in terms of his personal growth and his musical evolution.

The song itself has always had a special place in his heart. Despite it being one of the oldest tracks on the project, Landon and his team held onto it for a long time before releasing it. They wanted to make sure it was introduced in the right context and when the time felt right. As it turns out, that moment arrived later than expected, but it was still worth the wait.

The balance between the uplifting energy of ‘25’ and the sombre tone of ‘Emerald Isle’ encapsulates Landon’s ability to move from darkness into light, and the way music has been a tool for him to process, heal, and express his growth. What started as a cathartic release has now become an anthem of resilience, and a testament to his strength in facing both the highs and lows of life.

Cube’s approach to navigating fame and his relationship with his fans is refreshingly down-to-earth. He shares that he doesn't feel the pressure to maintain a certain image for his fans, instead choosing to focus on authenticity: "I think, usually, I just try to be myself. And I think my core fans appreciate that." For Landon, staying true to himself is key, even when it comes to something as simple as his wardrobe. "I wouldn’t go out and create a gimmick or anything like that, but maybe go out and buy clothes so I look good or whatever... but it's still clothes I like." It’s clear that, for him, being genuine to his personal style is more important than meeting any external expectations, also shown throughout his music.

The admiration Landon has for his fans is evident in every word he speaks. He sees them as integral to his success and doesn’t hesitate to express his appreciation, when expressing “I love my fans and I don’t think I’ve ever not taken them seriously." Landon acknowledges that, having been a fan himself, he understands the emotions that come with fandom. “I’ve been there, in middle school and high school, going to concerts... I’ve been in awe of my favorite artists, so I definitely understand it.”

One of the most heartwarming stories he shares is about a family of fans who have become a part of his personal life. "They come to my shows, and actually keep in touch with my mom. She gets Christmas cards from them every year." This genuine connection is a testament to the meaningful relationships Landon fosters with his supporters. “It’s not like a crazy thing. My mom trusts them and actually gave them our home address because they’re a good family.” It’s moments like these that showcase the real, human side of his fanbase. 

When discussing his fans’ influence on his music, Landon reflects on a powerful moment he had when he was unable to attend a show due to illness. Watching a video from Summer Smash 2024, he was moved to tears when he saw thousands of fans screaming the lyrics to ‘Red Roses’ during Lil Skies’ set. "I was just in my room watching the video, and hearing everyone screaming my part, it was insane.” Having written that song when he was nineteen in his childhood bedroom “seeing so many people singing along was just a surreal moment."

As for the future, Landon’s creative evolution continues to take centre stage. "I’m always trying to create something new," he says, emphasising that while his sound remains familiar, it’s constantly evolving. “I don’t think I’ll ever repeat the same project blueprint over again, but I’m always trying new things.” It’s this ongoing journey that fuels Landon’s passion and propels him forward, as he looks to create music that resonates with his ever-growing audience.

As our conversation winds down, Landon takes a moment to acknowledge the profound impact his fans have had on him. “Honestly, just thank you,” he says with genuine warmth. “They’ve changed my life, and they’ve changed my family’s life.” He shares how his mum, in particular, has felt a sense of purpose through his journey. “After my brother and I graduated high school, she didn’t feel like there was anything to look forward to anymore. She used to go to all my brother’s sports games, my choir shows, and my tennis matches, but when that was over, it was like there was nothing else. But this whole experience with me; touring, meeting my fans, seeing their support, has been the highlight of her life.” Landon laughs, clearly touched but a little shy about sharing something so personal. “She gets emotional sometimes, like when I bring her to a show. Afterward, she’ll tell me, ‘You’ve really made my life so meaningful.’ And I’ll be like, ‘Mom, stop!’”

It's clear that for Landon, the connection with his fans isn’t just about the music, it’s about the deeper impact it’s had on him and his family. “It makes my life exciting. It’s something for me and my family to look forward to,” he says with a smile. “And that’s honestly one of the best parts of all this.”

I greatly admire Landon Cube's openness throughout our conversation. His genuine approach and willingness to share honestly about his journey and challenges reflect a depth of character that’s rare in the industry. This authenticity not only enriches his music but also fosters a deeper connection with his audience. I’m excited to witness his continued growth as an artist and see what he achieves next.

All photo credentials go to Landon Cube, Sam Mcgrath & Precedent Failure