Canadian rapper-singer LUM is known for his knack for catchy hooks and grounded lyricism, get to know him better with this VIPER interview…

Tell me something unique about your creative process. 

I was always a writer to be honest, it stemmed from poetry! As of recently though I’ve been playing through beats and whatever vibe I’m in at the time in the studio. I’ll pick the beat and go off of that freestyling! I may say a hard intro to the chorus or hook, write it down then build from there. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first? 

If I’m being honest probably ‘Motions’ because of how deep and different the song is, but I have to mention another song, ‘Only Thing I Need’; that was a personal song that wasn’t supposed to be dropped 

What inspired you to make that song? 

People go through things everyday! It could be relationship, family, friend or even financial problems! Going through the motions is universal and relatable for multiple situations or circumstances. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

The most vulnerable I’ve been is honestly the most recent music I’ve made the last few months, even if I’m doing shows or meetings and living life, I still go through problems; My longest relationship, family problems, friendships, the pressures of the world, etc. These past few months have given me the best and most deep music I’ve ever made! 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage? 

This is a great question, I’ve had to go to the bathroom really bad while on stage but held it in to finish killing it. Best experience was probably this last tour I did with “The Snotty Nose Rez Kidz.” I just got off, it was crazy. The crowd screamed my name at the end of each show and they all had smiles on their faces, I’d say this is the most comfortable I’ve been performing! 

What is your favourite song to perform? 

My favourite song to perform is probably ‘Plot On Me’ which is unreleased or ‘Motions’ which just dropped! The energy and vibes those songs provide is something special! 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music? 

My sound is a mix of different artists but also just me, I was heavily influenced by NoCap, Toosii, Sam Smith, Adele, The Lumineers, Coldplay and Kanye for sure! I feel like my sound is versatile and a mix of my influences!

What’s the meaning behind your name? 

My first words I meant to say “Love Mum” but I said “LumLum” and from then it’s stuck as a childhood nickname! Since then it stayed and once I got older “Lum” just felt more right for people I guess. 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead? 

I would most likely be in university on scholarship for running track and field, that was what I was doing in high school before Covid. Then lockdown happened and I took music serious as an opportunity and therapy! 

What’s success to you? 

Being able to provide for the people you love and care about, being able to wake up and know that you’re influencing thousands to millions in a positive way. I want everyone to chase their dreams, goals and hopes! Success to me is being truly happy with who you are, your life and career while being able to be a support system for those around you.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

I’m not gonna lie, it really was the lockdowns. I couldn’t run track anymore, do sports and even school was tricky. I was in LA doing online school while perusing music on a risk with only $200 CAD and somehow it ended up shaping me and helping me to get to where I’m at right now.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

People can get in touch with me on Instagram: @thelumlumiam TikTok: @lumlumiam
Snapchat: lumgocrazy 

YouTube: LUM