- Words Notion Staff
- Photography Holly McCandless-Desmond
- Photography Assistant Finn Waring
- Grooming Fleur Radford
- Production & Location Studio Notion
LF SYSTEM discuss their massive year, supporting Scottish talent, and being included in our 'Co-Signed by Clara Amfo' list for 2023.
There’s only one word to describe the year that dance music duo LF SYSTEM have had, and that’s ‘whirlwind’. Reaching UK number one with their single “Afraid To Feel” in May, the viral track by Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan was cemented as the tune of the summer and held the top spot for eight whole weeks.
As “Afraid To Feel” rapidly accumulated over 150 million streams, the pair’s follow up tune did not disappoint. “Hungry (For Love)” was another banger for the Scottish lads, demonstrating once again their ability to get plays into the six figures.
They’ve come a long way from their West Lothian countryside roots, and their previous jobs as a roofer and petrol station worker, and we’re excited to see what 2023 will bring LF SYSTEM.
Why do you back yourself for 2023?
SF: We back ourselves because we’ve had a big 2022 and we hope we can continue. Obviously there’s pressure, but we have self-belief and really hope we can push in 2023 and make it another good year.
CL: We’ve got to make some new tunes and hopefully people will keep enjoying them, so we don’t have to go back to our day jobs. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in.
What has been your biggest artistic hurdle in your journey so far?
CL: Travelling is difficult. There’s been a lot of sleepless nights. But, to be honest, it’s been smooth generally.
What has been your biggest triumph in your journey so far?
SF: I think it’s got to be the number one. It was so surreal. We were in London and Conor came home early from his sister’s wedding in Greece to celebrate. We never would have expected it to happen but it was the best feeling ever.
CL: Aye, getting the number one and getting all these opportunities to play such amazing places.
How would you define ‘making it’?
SF: I think you should never feel like you’ve made it. You never want to be comfortable. But hearing the tunes on Love Island was good!
What makes your fans unique?
CL: They’re always really drunk, so they’re lovely. Everyone’s really nice. We get loads of nice messages on Instagram all the time.
SF: We went to Naples to play a gig and they were the nicest people ever. They properly welcomed us there which is amazing.
Who would you put on our ‘Co-Signed by Clara Amfo’ ones to watch list if you weren’t on it?
CL: I’m going to have to be biased here and say a few Scottish acts: Macka, one of our friends, and Hayley Zalassi, she’s blowing up as well. Even Big Miz. Barry Can’t Swim is smashing it. 2023 is going to be huge.
