In Between Loves

Photographs by Kelly Brie

Skateboarder turned musician Mario Loor talks about mixing California sunshine with New York grit, miscommunication in relationships, and his latest single, “Haus of Laughs”.

Los Angeles, USA

Who is Mario Loor and what is your music all about?

Mario Loor is a skateboarder turned psychedelic musician. My music has many sides. I used to make moody poetic psych-blues with catchy hooks. Now I think the landscape got groovier and more danceable. I started singing higher but still using my lower voice at times. I like paying homage to my heros. I can tell you exactly where I get everything from. You might hear it differently though.

You are currently in Los Angeles but used to live in New York City. How does each city inspire you?

I love both cities very much and have been visiting New York City recently. Los Angeles is and has been my home for the last few years but as soon as I step foot in New York it pulls me back in. NY is good at making you feel like you’re home every time. I grew up in North Jersey but lived there for a good while before LA. I’m sure my music is influenced by the California sunshine as well as New York’s grit and spontaneity. LA can also be pretty gritty too though.

How has your music evolved and changed since you made the move to L.A.?

Since moving to LA, I started djing which influenced my music tremendously. I started to think about writing music for the dance floor. Those songs usually work in daytime environments too because it gives you something to look forward to, I think.

You just released your latest single, “Haus of Laughs”. What kind of journey is this song taking us on?

Haus of Laughs is a song I started writing while still living in NY. It’s a story of a person who is in between loves. It kicks in with lyrics saying, “shake it for me in the haus of laughs.” Then chanting, “it’s shaky for me in the house of love, you make me believe that it’s real love.” For me it means let’s have fun now but I can’t promise the good times will last forever. The verses articulate the story but are difficult to understand through the vocal effects. This reference comes from the common miscommunication element in a relationship. You can make things out here and there. The feeling is sweet but you’re still somewhat confused, then comes the seductive hook again. It took me almost 3 years to finish. Most of the sounds you hear are coming from one guitar with effects making it sound like synth, bass and steel drum.

What’s next for you?

I’m making a video of my skateboarding for Haus of Laughs. Those take a little longer to make than a traditional music videos but hopefully will be out as soon as I film some enders. It’s a street skating video part filmed in between NY and LA. I just finished a video for the same song that’s out now. I used some images from a couple movies I really like to tell the story. Special surprise soon too! And of course new music.