How The Internet's Steve Lacy Makes Hits With His Phone | WIRED

Steve Lacy is a pretty big deal. He's part of the band The Internet, he's a producer for J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, and he just put out his first solo album which he made on his iPhone.
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How The Internet's Steve Lacy Makes Hits With His Phone | WIRED

[@DrEnword]

The guitar chords to the loop he’s playing are.... Cmaj7 Fmaj9 Emin9 Dmin

[@JACKSTAY]

Youre the bomb

[@SLIXK_M4]

THANK YOU

[@joelavergne3285]

BigElephant THX

[@softporecorn7575]

Also uses Em7 Gm7 Bm7add9 in the beginning

[@zulu3770]

Soft PoreCorn You mean for the song “Dark Red”

[@lochlanreeder7621]

I like how this man records his $2,000+ guitar using his phone and beats headphones. Legend.

[@daddy4722]

pretty sure he recorded dark red with a affinity squire lol

[@FOREVERGREEN_MUSIC]

@Abraham Sink I record with the same set up but a $100 guitar and im sure his Rick sounds so much better even through the irig

[@RiceMan]

Richenbaker really needs to make sone guitars around 600$

[@Cod4Croatia]

dont forget the pop filter 🤣

[@rene9221]

@@daddy4722 He used a 60s Vibe Stratocaster red pick guard with a sunburst finish it’s a rare ish colorway it’s pretty old

[@hype2715]

Steve Lacy produced 'Silkk Da Shocka' on Isaiah Rashad's album the Sun's Tirade using his iphone at 16 years old. When I heard reports of this I had to check this video to see just how he does it. Lacy's sound will revolutionise music

[@LouisKazuma]

i love that song! could you link to the article/where you read this?

[@hype2715]

Kazuma mobile.twitter.com/stevelacys/status/770696429455237120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-24279822872153773477.ampproject.net%2F1492014732688%2Fframe.html Lacy posted it on his Twitter last year. incredible right?

[@LouisKazuma]

Alistair Kumi damn yeah that's crazy - thanks for the link also

[@majestymxnt7384]

Crazy, I love that song.

[@antoniaeketi5088]

Holy shit! I didn't know this, I love that song!

[@Tronic134]

So cool. We attended the same highschool; didn't know he was so well known until recently. Seems like a down to earth guy.

[@Gtrdxvgyfvbhhfc]

penile 1 that's not even a crazy claim...

[@vincaso]

Brenden Taylor lol forreal...why would he need to lie about that?

[@vincaso]

Brenden Taylor i attended n art school that had alot of up n coming well known people who attended

[@Blep303]

Tronic134 Did you go to HArts as well? He was in my economics class, really humble dude, I'm glad he is getting famous, well deserved

[@WesleyU13]

I definitely would’ve sucked his toes

[@inamorales9374]

he kinda sounds like if Mac DeMarco went R&B especially with that guitar

[@hypedenier]

Ina Morales steve lacy did say that the reason he uses the chorus pedal is because he was inspired by mac demarco

[@pauliegualtieri9372]

black demarco

[@anyad6131]

careful guys...

[@TheRealJRocBeatz]

Funny. Mac DeMarco made an Rnb song with guitarist Melanie Faye and its dope af.

[@tra6soulromvn448]

Ina Morales i loveee macc

[@WanderlustWithT]

RESPECT bro. Tools are just tools at the end of the day. Some offering faster workflows to complete tasks but this guy shows you that you can use what you already have. I mean c'mon, Garage Band, amazing. This dude is living proof and he is really skillful at what he does.

[@billypilgrim1]

If it suits you, garage band is great. However, garage band as many other DAWs, has a certain tonality attached to it that may not be suitable for everyone.

[@LP-zn8sc]

Yeah but he does also have a bunch of electric instruments and studio stuff his phone just replaces a computer.

[@antonvoltchok7794]

BillyPilgrim considering you can run your line through whatever pedal / etc.. you want and then into garage band , not to mention tweak every possible setting you can think of, I don't agree that it has a "garage band" sound, that doesn't make any sense, I actually also prefer record into garage band, I would recommend you actually look into it a bit deeper, it's impressive what the guys programming it accomplished, also some of their algorithms for listening to what you played and intelligently generating a drum track or bass for it is absolutely insane, you cannot tell it's not a real drummer, they have truly outdone themselves in this area and in my opinion puts them near the top all tools

[@roninatorinc.1185]

I prefer FL Studio over other DAWs, great for everything tbh. Altough lately I'm using Maschine more

[@mrolliepoper]

BillyPilgrim lol I hate computer desks so iPhone all the way haha. I plan on getting an electric guitar and an irig once I save up. I've been really loving th workflow on garage band. Just makes me feel creative. Been kind of limiting though trying to play piano chords on a small screen, so adapters to connect instruments are nice to have.

[@iMadridistaHD]

steve lacy is the future GOAT

[@unicornpoo7441]

that's not very nice of you

[@aryanrao8854]

@@unicornpoo7441 do you know what GOAT means?

[@theov3rman]

you was right

[@vladssss]

@@theov3rman fr

[@rere6777]

FR

[@ImmuneToKnives]

This goes to show you that it's not the expensive tools that makes the art come out good. It's you. Ive seen artists buy the best paint, the best pencils, the best drawing tablets, the best computers thinking it's going to make their art look like a masterpiece. It's not the tools but your own creativity that gets you there.

[@Relentless301]

FACTS

[@ProdbyLamont]

@@Relentless301not facts, he gots a 2 thousand guitar, expensive headphones, multiple guitars, a studio, an expensive microphone too

[@tech1238]

Real talent right here

[@redknockz454]

@Abraham Sink faxs

[@simonbarquera6414]

Don't tell me that he produced "Dark Red" on his phone, that song sound like heavenly compressed by great studio equipment and a great engineering technician

[@marcovargas7005]

Gotta give credit where credit is due dude probably just finished high school and he producing tracks for the GOATS on his iPhone like cmon now

[@Jay-zs6ox]

No, I have no doubt that the songs he produced for other artists were not made in his iPhone. There's unfortunately only so much you can do right now on phone DAWs.

[@akshatanand8796]

He made a song for Kendrick Lamar on his iPhone

[@acharich]

😅

[@PeteS_1994]

Jay I feel if you play with the DAW's tools you can find ways around its limitations, hence why methods like resampling exist.

[@FrostOne62]

You don’t need professional equipment to make a good song, you just need talent

[@narcisoanasui246]

More like skill but yea

[@Skeeonnadash]

He literally has a whole studio to record on his phone with instruments too. "Professional equipment"

[@quokkanox]

I got neither😭

[@gabryeI]

@@narcisoanasui246 i dont think so tbh. theres skilled musicians or singers that make boring songs despite their advanced ability. so i truly believe talent plays the biggest role in a artists successful art. my opinion though

[@coldbumby]

@@gabryeI taste

[@kin9324]

He needs to Collab with Daniel Caesar or Jorja Smith!!! ASAP

[@boredymcbored]

Sai Tama YUSSSS!!!

[@yello.universe4164]

Sai Tama G shit!

[@Franklyocean]

Sai Tama YES YES YES OH LORD

[@liah8661]

OR BOTH?

[@boilupwithcream9476]

💯

[@gangatalishis]

in this day and age anything is possible.

[@paulb10486]

Thats a nice thought, but is that really true? In other words, can we point to one or a few success stories and apply it to everyone? If we are to make inferences off of anecdotal evidence, what are we saying to those who dont make it, to which there are many?

[@Andrew-qn1cr]

Paul Busacca Yall will nitpick and try to start an argument over anything I swear

[@majestymxnt7384]

Paul Busacca You really are trying to start a debate over nothing.

[@paulb10486]

Did I post the video?

[@clevewilson85]

damn chill lol

[@huntermanchuck6560]

"See all this studio equipment steve uses none of it".... *picks up probably a 3k Rickenbacker

[@bherenow1182]

I get a frank ocean vibe

[@JJRichardson_]

Sir Ronald iv Plaid Lofi Genre

[@maggietheplug8073]

Sir Ronald iv his voice

[@feistaro2783]

Sir Ronald iv hes mac dermarco x frank ocean

[@isrialclark]

Frank Ocean and The Internet are both a part of Odd Future. In fact, their lead singers Syd, has recorded on the same song as Frank way back then.

[@zejose5369]

Feistaro hes more like connan mockasin x frank ocean

[@mattshelby622]

I always say you cant argue with results. If the songs are good, who cares how it was recorded. This guy is on to something

[@FOR_3V3R]

Exactly

[@dame4162]

1:16 I WANT THAT SONG TO DROP

[@benmaz3668]

Lil Brown Boy what’s it called

[@danisanchez1057]

hope to hear it in his upcoming album or whatever he's droping in may

[@xxpacman05xx21]

@@danisanchez1057 this Friday

[@guhrinho10]

Daniel Sanchez wasn’t there :(

[@YsCmajor_ttv]

guhrinho10 love 2 fast

[@serotebeltran1704]

steve lacy and mac demarco collab

[@ohfeefee]

Go listen to "Pride" by Kendrick Lamar :) his beat

[@johnnyq1992]

Sounds like he's heavily into Connan Mockasin tbh

[@wiz_dropbomb2134]

Mr Explicit listent I his demo

[@kicksforlife5224]

The best ever !!!

[@tk7087]

My favorite song out of the whole album.

[@vegetablescankill]

Mr Explicit pride is my favorite song from DAMN

[@Hero-up8hv]

imagine accidentally deleting a song😂

[@DustinSmith796]

allyiah simon bro 😂

[@alexbenitez6511]

It’s happens. It hurts.

[@oscarkim8601]

yeah lol but thats on any medium anyways

[@Rickydoom]

@Xavier Jones not how it works lol

[@Rickydoom]

@@lillui305 nah im replying to mr. xavier jones bc its not like camera roll

[@georgegray2712]

Wow just absolutely incredible what can be done with an amazing handheld device like the iPhone to multiply the skills a person has developed. 10 years ago would not have been possible. Exponential times.

[@SchalaKid]

George Gray Indeed. I bet composers of the pre-recording eras would think we were working miracles, what with all the current tech. #magic

[@dalicloud9]

Am curious what 10 years in the music industry will do to his production and style. If feels like he's working on mastering the fundamentals. Love his music and vibe.

[@Blaizedogg]

How about now

[@suxx01]

i want the full version of what he was recording :(

[@PartyKingJeff]

Me too

[@tharris171]

I keep coming back to this video just to hear it haha

[@certainlyjoel7778]

suxx The song is called Dark Red

[@theoptiml]

they mean the song he is recording on his phone.

[@falontozer4799]

certainly joel it’s not dark red lol

[@Mykekelli]

My phone ain’t got enough memory for that

[@Jasminesim18]

LMFAOO. Same tho

[@andrewellis2174]

finally getting the fame he deserves

[@gardenoflaina]

fame? why does everyone need fame to y'all?

[@andrewellis2174]

Cuz he deserves to make money out of his passion

[@madeinmirage6175]

finally??? His 18...

[@danna8582]

Made in Mirage Steve has been making music since he was 16

[@whiptheyacht]

most definitely right now lol

[@2live1mind77]

This just makes me realize that we all have different ways of doing things. Nothing has to bE done the same way.

[@thelocalgovernment]

His sound is awesome, but his persistent in making it even without all of the trappings of a traditional studio is inspiring

[@presleyarmstrong9370]

He has come so far. I remember watching this interview when I was 15. I’m 20 now

[@azania1243]

Hope he prospers. We need more indigo music

[@timbuktu777]

Viwe Mbava ugh

[@TheKidzinspace]

wtf is indigo music?...

[@elstupido2233]

plad**

[@AbsoluteNoah]

plaid****

[@TheKidzinspace]

You explain.

[@cloudsayhidaily]

I need the full version of what he was recording!

[@mattsven]

Was listening to Steve's 'Some' the other day. Great musician.

[@tinasway9097]

He has come a long way I’m so proud of him

[@Deftthekidd]

Bro was already good in this video 💀

[@emiel333]

80s and earlier: a dozen synths, racks, giant mixer, expensive studio time 90s Atari st Cubase 1.0 some analog gear 2000s pc midi keyboard monitors mic 2010 laptop + headphones and a DAW Now iPhone It's incredibly awesome how the music industry changes!!!

[@piercepenzella8691]

i don't like that tone the narrator was using. thinking i don't know STEVE LACY. He's awesome.

[@kianaw.8096]

LMAOOOO right tho haha

[@HerveBoisde]

Its also that generic podcasters voice. All the same pauses and inflections unlike how people actually speak

[@hxhfan911]

wow i’ve been listening to his songs on spotify but i never knew he made all of his songs on his phone, and at the age of EIGHTEEN AT THAT..... he’s already worked with a bunch of well known artists.... that’s amazing! he’s amazing!

[@aleccampbell6980]

i need this song immediatley

[@Blootoid]

Alec Campbell SAME

[@Pixie2sweet]

I would love to see how he makes his music now! If it’s the same or if he uses a daw now. It’s super inspirational to see him using garage band to make his amazing music

[@dinatesfay]

1:17 the little short text he sang I love it , I sing on it everyday

[@tacoasf3422]

His new album comes out this year hopefully the song at 1:16 is in it (Edit) album came out today The song wasn't there. Album was great though

[@gulber]

It sucks that we'll never get to hear the full song he played. It seems like he made it on the spot as an example. He *may* drop it later on in the future, but most likely, he won't. For now, here's that nice little bassline he played: G|-------------------------------------| D|---------3------2---2-------------| A|--3----------3---------5----------| E|-------3---------------------3-----| loop that and listen to the video for reference of when to play the notes. The guitar part is a little more complicated because it's both chords and notes that he's picking but if people are truly interested in finding out what they are, i'll post those tabs as well :)

[@olabrve661]

Please do!

[@sunshineuponme2333]

did you ever post those tabs?

[@anthonysuarez7905]

Edgar Menjivar fr should have been on Apollo 21

[@minibray]

Thx

[@bryancartier]

Found the song

[@tristanmichael4194]

I have so much respect for this mans creativity and hustle.... who would’ve known you could make hits with just your phone!!!!

[@Sydicate]

Met the entire band during the ego death tour when they came to san antonio i was most excited to meet steve but he wasnt there i asked matt if steve was on tour he said no cause he was still in school trying to graduate he was only 17 then it was crazy to think he was and is still doing great and big things so young

[@SamuelEMPowell131]

this is guy is pure class and talent, I need to send this to my music producer friend, he has a Mac book he uses with Logic to record, would be a good lesson for him to use what he has, he is the guy who first showed me Steve lacy's music, Dark red is still my favourite song to this day thanks to him, while I'm here I wanna throw my friend some love, he's shown me a lot of great music and we've been through a lot together over the years, he's just released a new track and he's heavily influenced by Steve Lacy's sound, I think he deserves more recognition, please try searching Lonely Gimmick - Blue Ticked Influencer ,you may be in for a surprise and he would love to hear your opinion

[@creathechiboi]

This just shows how good you can be if you push your mind’s limit higher. It’s a phone. The limitation is nowhere if your mind exists.

[@MrIvo1011]

it has been three years, and he still hasn’t released the 1:18 song

[@San_David]

I was looking for the song

[@athousandsunny54.44]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yWpH9oo9CdaKs

[@Joshuegro]

The song doesn't exist kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yWpH9oo9CdaKs

[@jayson8362]

is it out yet

[@spencerimre]

I used to use GarageBand for my iPad to make music, but then I switched to using my iMac after I received Ableton Live 9 for Christmas. Having used what he's using right now and having been limited by Garageband's comparatively limited interface in the past has definitely contributed to my ability to think outside the box and utilize all the resources that a DAW has to offer to make the best music I can, even though I don't know any music theory. Great video, so awesome to find someone who started the way I did!

[@mauricioblum6605]

Marcus Holloway can do everything with his phone, even music, I'm impressed!

[@justtrynavibe9206]

it's so weird hearing "you might not know him yet" when referring to people who are now major artists

[@Charismaticblvd]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who makes music on GarageBand(:

[@alyxskyler]

Okay but I want to know how his awesome iPhone tracks even got to real artists/musicians/companies to be able to get his stuff out there, especially at such a young age and without having the full studio to try and show people that he’s “a serious music producer” like some people feel like they have to do-so awesome!! 😯

[@abigailfigueroa9583]

he’s so humble I love him

[@brodyh2895]

Nice to see another musician making professional-sounding music on his phone, fuck all the producers that look down on that talent.

[@spencerabbott1861]

IM SO OBSESSED WITH HIM 😭❤️

[@josenino4274]

ive been listening to steve since 2015, so glad hes getting the recognition he deserves.

[@VisionsFromAmari]

I would love to see Steve , HER and Kevin Parker in the studio together…that would be the greatest thing ever!!

[@viperhiggins7937]

Dude, cause of Steve Lacy I was like “might as well give it a go” an now I’ve got a few lovey dovey EPs an albums on my soundcloud an trust me man the shielas dig it, if youve got that burnin fire in your heart then you can do it as well but also make sure that if nobody cares then its only a bigger drive for you to move forward and create something thatll make both you an your family name happy. We’re all gonna make it my brothers an sisters, I love each an every one of youse. Thank you for reading xx

[@jaynixon3129]

It's awesome to see a successful artist get use garageband. I use it too for demos all the time similar to the way he does it. Of course I'm not as great as he is yet but it encourages me to keep going at it :)

[@vegenanime8023]

This shows that you dont need expensive DAW and recording equipment. You can use them, and others would prefer to use FL studio or Ableton (and there's nothing wrong with that.) But, its possible.

[@oliviaaus1086]

Garageband on the iPhone is the best!!!! I used it in high school and since your phone naturally compresses audio, recording and mixing vocals on it is super easy

[@billy16727]

I watch this video almost every day It inspires me so much, and now I make music on my phone. I’m going to start putting it on Spotify and other platforms.

[@kingsnationbaby4852]

Steve Lacys swag is impeccable

[@googlegoo9285]

i agree steve is very much swag

[@dmkesson]

aged well

[@AKIRUH]

the vocals are so good

[@bernard4119]

Are you kidding he's got a Rickenbacker and hes plugging it into his iphone. bruh.

[@joshermansvideodiary8867]

Bernard Dude, it literally doesn’t matter what DAW you’re using, the audio quality will be the same

[@harrythomas1886]

@@joshermansvideodiary8867 If you buy a guitar as expensive as a rick you should be playing it through a real amp lmao

[@pedestrian_0]

@@harrythomas1886 Tame Impala plugs his Rickenbacker direct

[@jbonics7022]

Harry Thomas where are the rules of music production that says that should be the case?

[@lsdadiccion]

@@harrythomas1886 stfu

[@rileyfreeman4096]

It’s crazy this guy went to my high school and ended up becoming famous.

[@kokopuffsss]

yo fr? how was he like?

[@weadvreyou8157]

HOW WAS HE LIKE

[@AshyBlasian]

Hes one of the most popular artists rn btw

[@EmanuelOliveira23]

This guy is amazing! Good vibes.

[@kinakusai_]

absolutely love him !!

[@4lvcher]

he will always be a favourite no matter how much i age. i always come back to his songs.

[@jeen-yuhs4556]

what you think about Gemini Rights ?

[@LeGrandeOrange]

Old school guy here. Steve's vibe is similar to the great Shuggie Otis' - check out his brilliant 1974 album Inspiration Information. Excited to see how Steve progresses...

[@andrewstrike5354]

It's like a mix between Mac Demarco and Frank Ocean

[@dylanhernandez4097]

Andrew Strike , love demarco and frank !

[@dayshawna]

guys i know this was two years ago but the beginning is definitely him making the demo of “love 2 fast” off his album.

[@Keesha_Hardy]

I just realized that!

[@mwendesworld]

BROOO!!! I’ve heard the album a lot and I didn’t even realize! Thanks!!

[@valence7]

Seems like a cool dude. I wonder if he'll become popular later

[@NOT_PRFCT]

bro.

[@annamcduffie4889]

I love finding new artist!! His voice is so melodic

[@sunshinee321]

steve is literally the cutest person!! ughhh that smile 😍

[@LandonEisley]

Pretty inspiring vid. This made me record my first mixtape on my phone.

[@poppysilk365]

This is inspiration. I made a promise to all of my classmates that I'll come out with a mixtape when I graduate high school. Yeah I know, sounds silly but I like to set goals. Anyways, I can't afford a computer so I'm using garage band to make music. I'm embarrassed about it. But seeing my favorite artist having no shame about it and more so proud of it, makes me want to make more garage band music. I can't wait to incorporate live instruments b/c he gave the idea of using iRig. Steve Lacy is a legend.

[@pyrotoast8009]

Dude, I made this exact same promise to my friend officially yesterday..

[@stephendavis4330]

This makes me love Steve even more

[@woahsarah]

i didn’t realize how young he was! he’s definitely soooo talented

[@coreyyoung4231]

I watched this video years ago. Never knew I had Garageband on my phone until then. Made an album with it. Now I'm going for my Bachelor's in Music Production

[@dallasgraybeard59]

WHAT SONG IS HE MAKING IN THIS IM IN LOVE WITH IT

[@Ronniekingnetwork]

gave me a whole new outlook on Recording

[@leightonmitchell2564]

This is awesome! The gear really doesn't matter. Its about the creativity.

[@cortlandshell9014]

Now…Bad Habits is a HIT. Along with his album

[@ReddSarson]

those guitar chords are clean af

[@spit777]

i've been making gr8 music on my phone since 2018, i think about lacy everytime i do it's humbling

[@eladeric3370]

His album is my most anticipated stuff ever

[@pdtrv]

1:18 name this fucking song for the heaven sake!

[@user-if8by8mm6o]

i am in love with this man

[@LAVISHING]

Love this video. Only got a guitar right now but I do have an iRigHD2 for my electric guitar parts and a keyboard that I can plug into my iPhone for some awesome piano parts that go along with the guitar parts!

[@Theshoww-on7tv]

So amazing and only 18... my god. He has such a bright future ahead. So much talent.

[@Rewllifetingsmara]

steve is talented af 😍💜

[@pedroroque8681]

Great lesson here. The tool you use to achieve a final result does not matter, if it sounds good, it is good. No need for expensive plugins and all that crap. People in the industry who think they're superior because they use expensive DAW's are the worst.

[@lilsels]

it's so cute and proudening (?) seeing this and just seeing how far he's come

[@334Guh]

Glad I saw this I’m new to the recording process and it’s amazing the things ppl will tell you to get your $...i actually prefer recording this way too

[@agentkelli93]

This inspires me bc I write songs but I was feeling discouraged bc I don’t have all those high end studio tools to do it (also, we broke over here😂)I love his music so much. It does sound like plaid lol. I understand exactly wht he means.

[@daanishbhatti]

he's a real-life apple commercial

[@TATERxTOT]

My favorite artist out right now!

[@shax939]

This inspires me so much