Lagos-based House Music producer and DJ Sigag Lauren is shaping the sound of the future with his genre-bending blends and hypnotic grooves. In this exclusive interview, Spektrum Entertainment’s Eniola Olayemi explores his creative process, his roots in the Nigerian electronic music scene, and what to expect from his next Element House set.

Q: You’ve carved out a unique space in the electronic music scene. How did your journey as a producer and artist begin?

A: I learnt how to play the piano when I was 8years old, slowly started playing other instruments as well. Not sure if its popular knowledge but you could actually program a song on some of those old Yamaha keyboards and save them. That’s actually how I started producing, with a Yamaha keyboards. I’d try to recreate songs I know with the sounds available including the drum kits, down the line I’d borrow my elder sister’s computer, download some softwares and started learning how to produce for real with the already existing musical knowledge I had. With help of YouTube I started trying to recreate some of my favourite electronic tracks. 2013, that was the year.

Q: Your sound blends so many influences. How would you describe your signature style? 

A: Climactic. I am a huge fan of sounds that evoke the feeling of “epicness”

Q: Nigeria isn’t always the first place people think of for electronic music. How has the scene here shaped your sound?

A:This country isn’t just about Afrobeats-there’s a raw energy here that’s been brewing underground. The scene here has taught me grit. Skeptical crowds who’d rather hear a Rema or Burna Boy remix than a deep Afro House cut-it forces you to adapt and innovate. I started out making remixes so I’ve learned to layer in vocals or melodies with stories that nod to the Nigerian culture so it resonates locally but still bangs globally. My sound is a hybrid-rooted in Nigeria’s soul but built for the world’s dancefloors.

Q: What inspires you the most when creating music—emotion, environment, or something else entirely?

A: I am mostly easily inspired by other music, the more music I consume the more inspired I get. Could be music I hear at the raves or just music on my playlist. Also listening to songs from different genres really helps expand my imagination when I’m making music. I’d like to see it as “garbage in garbage out”

Q: Your track is the first release on Spektrum Records. How does it feel to be setting the tone for the label?

A: I first learnt about Spektrum Entertainment from my friend Shola, cos there was hardly any electronic music around at a the time. He made mention of Element House and Spektrum, which gave me a little hope that was a community somewhere in Nigeria and I wasn’t entirely alone. It feels truly great to be doing this, incredible opportunity to share my sound through this platform.

Q: Can you take us into your creative process—what’s the story behind this track (Riddler)?

A: Started with a kick pattern that’s outside the regular 4 on the floor that just keeps you guessing and puzzled until the main groove is established. The fundamental idea for Riddler was to have different vocal samples act as percussive instruments. A arpeggios starts very much filtered down but opens up at different parts of the track to create excitement. I’m fond of asking myself “is this the best thing ever?” when i’m making music so I always try to find sounds that are unique, special and memorable and for Riddler that was the vocal chant which became the core of the track.

Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A: I’d say tomorrowland. Because when I got introduced to Electronic Music it was the first festival I came across and I’d always stream sets from my favourite DJs

Q: You’ve worked with so many different artists. Who’s been a dream collaboration for
you, and who’s on your wishlist?

A: A dream collaboration for me was my first ever official remix which was with Simi, she’s such a superstar and I was more than happy to have worked with her so early in my career. On my Wishlist is definitely Rema, I think he’s such a special artist and individual.

Q: Where do you see the future of electronic music in Africa?

A: There’s alot of electronic music DJs and producers starting out which is exactly what we need for the culture to grow. I think the future is bright, there’s a growing acceptance of the music and thanks to all the raves and events showcasing how the music is meant to be experienced. The future is really bright I must say, in the next few years I see the electronic music scene at the mainstream level

Q: If someone hears your music for the first time, what do you hope they feel?

A: I hope they feel like it’s the best thing they ever heard, I hope the music takes them on a journey. The highs and lows, a feeling of both excitement and melancholy because both need to coexist to have a full experience. Yin Yang.

Behind the Vision is our weekly series where we dive deep into the minds of artists, DJs, and creatives shaping the electronic music community. Stay tuned for more stories that uncover the passion and vision driving the scene.

Next up—Element House on May 10th featuring Lemon & Herb, Lazarusman, Yanfssss (making her debut and opening the night), and Sigag Lauren (also making his debut and closing the night). Don’t miss it!

 Get tickets here