Seven Lions Biography

ByBass Dust Club

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Seven Lions, a name that’s become synonymous with boundary-pushing electronic music. This…

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Seven Lions, a name that’s become synonymous with boundary-pushing electronic music. This multi-talented artist has carved a unique space in the industry, blending diverse genres into a signature sound that’s both compelling and unforgettable.

In this article, we’re diving deep into the life and career of Seven Lions, exploring the journey that’s led him to the pinnacle of electronic music. From his early beginnings to his current reign, we’ll trace the steps of his extraordinary path, packed with pulsating beats, innovative mixes, and a relentless pursuit of artistic evolution.

So, strap in and join us as we embark on this sonic adventure, unraveling the story behind one of the most influential figures in today’s electronic music scene.

Early Life & Background

Born Jeff Montalvo into a music-loving family in Santa Barbara, California, the future Seven Lions developed a love for music at a young age. Inspired by his father, a musician himself, Montalvo delved into metal and punk genres, learning the guitar and drums. His experimental journey saw him explore diverse music genres, each influencing his early career in distinct ways.

Melodic music has always formed a crucial part of Montalvo’s story. His entry into the realm of electronic music happened in 2007 when he stumbled upon Trance genre and instantly connected with its symphonic, orchestrated style.

He adopted the name ‘Seven Lions’ from a fantasy novel “Latro in the Mist” by Gene Wolfe. Drawn to the intricate, imaginative worlds in the story, he found an intriguing parallel with the boundless scope of music he was beginning to create. This brought forth his electronic music venture perceptibly under the moniker, Seven Lions.

His dedication to the craft resulted in his debut EP “Polarize” in 2012, marking the initiation of a journey that has continued to push the boundaries of electronic music to this day.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

After the release of “Polarize,” the Seven Lions’ innovative style started catching attention in the EDM sphere. Discerning listeners gravitated to his fusion of Trance, Dubstep, and Electro-house genres in an unprecedented way, creating a musical prowess that made him stand out. This led to the release of his remix of Above & Beyond’s “You Got To Go” in 2011. Remarkably, the remix won the official Beatport remix contest, causing a significant stir in the EDM community. By the time he released tracks like “Days to Come” on Skrillex’s label, OWLSA, in 2012, and “Worlds Apart” in 2014, he was already recognized as a rising star in electronic music. His breakthrough in the EDM scene didn’t just happen overnight; rather, it was the fruit of his unprecedented blending of genres and willingness to experiment with his sound.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Navigating the world of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), Seven Lions crafted an unrivaled signature sound leveraging his extensive skills in music production techniques.

What Type of EDM is Seven Lions?

Seven Lions produces a unique blend of diverse EDM subgenres. Priming the majority of his tracks with Melodic Dubstep, he skillfully intertwines elements of Electro House, Progressive House, and Trance. His hybrid style defies categorization, trailblazing a sonic landscape that’s distinctly Seven Lions. A track like ‘Strangers’ encapsulates this, merging a catchy pop-like vocal melody over potent dubstep wobbles interlaced with uplifting progressive house elements.

Let’s delve into Seven Lions’ specific production techniques that helped to shape his distinctive sound.

Seven Lions Production Techniques

Seven Lions’ production philosophy centers on developing authentic tracks laden with emotion. He leverages techniques designed to maximize impact while preserving the integrity and distinction of each EDM sub-genre he employs.

Chopping and Layering Vocals

Chopping and layering vocals represent integral aspects of Seven Lions’ production style. He often slices vocal tracks into smaller fractions, creatively rearranging pieces to develop hauntingly beautiful melodies. His release ‘Freesol’ provides an ideal example, where he manipulates the vocals to resonate as another instrument, enriching the tapestry of the track.

Epic Breakdowns and Build-ups

Another characteristic feature, Sophisticated breakdowns and massive build-ups enhance the cinematic flair in his music. Take ‘Island’, where a serene, minimalistic breakdown slowly swells into a potent drum and bass driven drop, amplifying both the tension and the subsequent release.

Using Oscillators and Envelopes

In the world of melodic Dubstep, oscillators and envelopes play a crucial role, and Seven Lions’ music is no exception. He uses various complex waveforms coupled with modifications in amplitude and frequency envelopes to create punchy basslines and mind-bending lead synths, evident in tracks like ‘Rush Over Me’.

By meticulously combining these techniques, Seven Lions crafts immersive music experiences that tantalize listeners, remaining at the forefront of innovation in EDM production. His unorthodox approach has undeniably left an indelible mark on the EDM landscape.

Similar Artists to Seven Lions

In light of Seven Lions’ distinctive contributions to EDM, let’s explore artists with resemblances in their production style. Au5, notable for intricate sound design and genre fusion, mirrors Seven Lions’ array of techniques. Xilent, famous for his Melodic Dubstep tracks, exhibits a style resonating with Seven Lions’ progressive elements. Adventure Club, known for utilizing chopped and layered vocals, mirrors Seven Lions’ vocal manipulation. Lastly, Illenium, with epic breakdowns and build-ups, shares production parallels with Seven Lions. Identifying these artists enhances understanding of EDM’s expansive landscape.

Discography

Many of Seven Lions’ productions exemplify his blending of diverse EDM elements. Commendably, he’s worked on multiple albums. Let’s delve into the specifics, starting with ‘Days to Come EP,’ his first released album in 2012. Exhibiting a melodic lushness, the album boasts tracks like ‘Fractals’ that showcase his signature style. For example, ‘Worlds Apart EP’ from 2014 and ‘The Throes of Winter’ from 2015 further illustrate his ingenuity. Pivotal releases also include ‘Creation EP’ in 2016, ‘Where I Won’t Be Found EP’ in 2017, and ‘Start Again EP’ in 2018. In 2020, he released the album ‘Find Another Way.’ As evident, Seven Lions’ discography charts a consistent journey in EDM, evidence of his active contribution to the genre.

Tours & Live Performances

Having delved into Seven Lions’ impactful production techniques and diverse discography, we now shift focus to his electrifying tours and live performances. As a prominent figure in the EDM scene, Seven Lions has gripped the attention of global audiences with his on-stage charisma and infectious energy. This section particularly underscores Seven Lions’ captivating live tours, such as the ‘Journey II Tour’, ‘Alchemy Tour’, and the transformation of his live-sets from ‘The Observatory’ to ‘Visions’. We’ll dive deeper into how these performances echo his musical style and enhance his connection with fans.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Diving deeper into Seven Lions’ life off the stage, it’s evident his off-stage persona is as intriguing as his music. Born as Jeff Montalvo, he hails from Santa Barbara, California. He’s known for being quite private about personal life, maintaining a separation between his art and private world. Yet, he’s spoken occasionally about his keen interest in fantasy and sci-fi literature, mirroring in his alias, pulled from a fantasy novel. His love for the outdoors, camping, hiking, and his pets are recurring themes across his social handles. Jeff, aka Seven Lions, doesn’t shy away from sharing his gastronomic exploits, exhibiting a foodie side. His commitment to family is testamented by moving his music studio to his home to balance personal and professional life, an example for many in the industry.

Follow Seven Lions

You can find Seven Lions on the following official social media accounts:

For more details, you can visit his official website and merchandise store here​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Seven Lions Merch)​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What genres of music does Seven Lions produce?

Seven Lions is renowned for his unique mix of Melodic Dubstep, Electro House, Progressive House, and Trance genres. His tracks often contain a harmonic fusion of diverse elements.

What makes Seven Lions’s music distinctive?

Seven Lions’s music is distinct due to his unusual blend of pop vocals with dubstep and progressive house elements achieved through vocal manipulation and epic breakdowns. His track “Strangers” is a perfect demonstration of his characteristic sound.

Who are some artists similar to Seven Lions?

Artists similar to Seven Lions in the EDM production landscape include Au5, Xilent, Adventure Club, and Illenium.

Could you mention some of Seven Lions’s well-known albums?

Seven Lions has produced several renowned albums that reflect his consistent EDM journey, such as ‘Days to Come EP’ and ‘Worlds Apart EP.’

What are some of Seven Lions’s notable tours?

Some notable tours by Seven Lions that captivated global audiences are the ‘Journey II Tour’ and ‘Alchemy Tour,’ showcasing his on-stage charisma and infectious energy.

Who is Seven Lions off the stage?

Off the stage, Seven Lions is Jeff Montalvo, a private individual who separates his personal life from his art. Insights show his interest in fantasy and sci-fi literature, love for the outdoors, and commitment to family.

How does Seven Lions balance his personal and professional life?

To strike a balance between his personal and professional life, Seven Lions moved his music studio to his home, demonstrating his commitment to family alongside his passion for music.

Similar Posts