In his basement workshop, Beak works mostly with a MPC2000XL. He layers propulsive, hard-hitting drums with driving guitar and keyboard melodies. He paces after the addition of each element, ducking to avoid the overhead pipes, playing air drums, and calculating his next layer.
Beak’s sequencing is a large part of his sound. “After you’ve got the main structure, to make it a real song, you have to take it all part again. It’s like a battle with the beat, every time.” And Beak always wins. When it’s over, the effect is some helicopter-at-the-omnitheater shit. He’ll take a beat down to its most essential elements before letting it off the leash to explode into anthemic proportions.
Lazerbeak got involved with the Doomtree crew through his high school friendship with Stef (P.O.S.). But by then he’d already been playing music for years. Since 8th grade he played with The Plastic Constellations, the indie rock group that would go on to tour the country, signed to French Kiss Records. Stef, having heard Lazerbeak’s music with TPC, encouraged him to start making beats. Beak got a loan from his folks to buy his first MPC from Guitar Center. Stef came over in the afternoon to show him the ropes. No looking back.
To date, Lazerbeak has produced over 400 beats. His production appears on almost every Doomtree release, including all three of P.O.S’ solo albums. He's now completing the production for the upcoming Sims solo release and working on a solo endeavor of his own.
Most recently, Doomtree released Lazerbeak’s collaboration with Mike Mictlan. The two schemed for years to write and record the disc. For much of that time Mike was living in L.A. Lazerbeak sent Mike beat CDs in the mail. Mike rapped his verses to Lazerbeak over the phone. Big dreams, big phone bills. Now the fruit of their labor is available in all its glory as Hand Over Fist. Legend Recognize Legend.
Solo Projects:
Hand Over Fist (with Mike Mictlan)
Legend Recognize Legend
http://www.doomtree.net/lazerbeak
Pearly Gates
Lazerbeak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And every time you fly there's a little less to know
The fires in your eyes but the feeling's kind of awkward
Cuz how do you survive if you don't know where to go?
See I've been lied to
I think I know
But time will blind you
You hover for a while and the land becomes electric
And every time you dive it's a bit further from home
There's a stinging in your side and the feeling it's infectious
Cuz how you gonna thrive if you're out there on your own?
See I've been lying too
I think you know
This life will try you
Or so it goes
In Lazerbeak's song "Pearly Gates," he talks about the struggles and uncertainties that come with trying to find one's way in life. The dove he starts with is a symbol of purity and innocence, but as he begins to navigate the harsh realities of the world, it quickly becomes clear that things are not as simple as they once seemed. The wind becomes a monster, and every time he flies, he feels like he's losing a little more of his bearings. The fires in his eyes may represent his passion and drive, but they also seem to make him feel uncomfortable, as if he's not quite sure how to harness that energy in a productive way.
As he continues on his journey, he finds that the land becomes electric when he hovers, and that every time he dives, he's moving further away from home. This could be a metaphor for the excitement and danger that come with exploring unknown territories, but it's also tinged with a sense of loneliness and isolation. The stinging in his side may represent the pain that comes with taking risks and making mistakes, and the feeling that he's infectious underscores the idea that his actions have consequences, both for himself and for others.
Line by Line Meaning
You start out as a dove and the wind becomes a monster
At first, you may feel innocent and pure, but as you face the harshness of reality, it can become overwhelming like a ferocious wind.
And every time you fly there's a little less to know
As you journey through life and gain experiences, you realize there is still much to learn and discover.
The fires in your eyes but the feeling's kind of awkward
You may have a strong inner passion, but it can be overwhelming and uncomfortable to express it to others.
Cuz how do you survive if you don't know where to go?
Without direction or purpose, life can feel aimless and difficult to navigate.
See I've been lied to
The artist has been misled by others or even their own perceptions.
I think I know
Despite doubts, the singer still believes they have some understanding of the truth.
But time will blind you
The passage of time can distort, obscure, or even erase one's understanding of the truth.
At least I'm told
The artist acknowledges that their perception of the truth is not infallible and can be subject to influence.
You hover for a while and the land becomes electric
Sometimes life can seem electrifying and energizing but staying in one place too long can lead to stagnation or a loss of perspective.
And every time you dive it's a bit further from home
Taking risks or pursuing new experiences can lead to personal growth but it may also distance you from your roots or sense of belonging.
There's a stinging in your side and the feeling it's infectious
Challenges or setbacks can have a painful, lasting impact but they can also inspire and motivate others to take action.
Cuz how you gonna thrive if you're out there on your own?
Without support or a sense of community, it can be difficult to achieve success, fulfillment, or purpose in life.
This life will try you
Life is challenging and unpredictable, and individuals will face hardships and obstacles along the way.
Or so it goes
The singer accepts the cyclical nature of life's challenges and events, as they will inevitably recur and shape one's experiences.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aaron Mader
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind