Lauv Sets Himself Free With Sophomore Album “All 4 Nothing”

Even through a computer screen, the talent and charisma of Ari Staprans, better known as, Lauv, effortlessly radiates to his virtual audience, as they eagerly await their first listen of “Summer Nights” the ballad off his new album.

This August will introduce a new era for Lauv. The multi-Platinum singer, songwriter, and producer releases his anticipated sophomore album, All 4 Nothing, on August 5th. 

And what can fans expect from this album? The first singles released of the album capture different narratives from the dreamy romantic sound of “All 4 Nothing (I’m so In Love)” to the soul-searching lyrics of “26”. 

Although Lauv is already known for his narrative lyrics and nostalgic sound, All 4 Nothing could be his most personal and vulnerable project yet. Exploring themes such as existential questioning, childhood, and healing, it's as if this album is somewhat of a rebirth for both the artist and his music.

“Not that I was filtering myself before really, but I felt like I really didn't filter myself,” Lauv said on the project.

“So in some of the songs, some of the stuff that I was going through and talking about are just very straight up, it's all there for people to see in a way that's not trying to be polished for a pop record.”

He adds, “I think that's both the hardest part because it's kind of scary, and also the most gratifying part.”

With All 4 Nothing, Lauv gives listeners a look at his personal journey through the making of the album and what it represents for him. 

“50% healing, 50% partying,” says Lauv when asked to describe his experience making the album.

Capturing the ups and downs of growing up, especially during the defining and confusing ages of his early to mid-20s, Lauv expressed that the making of this album was about trying to find himself amidst this fast-paced, confusing stage in his life and skyrocketing success in his career. 

The making of the album was an opportunity for him to fall back in love with the creative process of making music, embracing more of his freestyle nature while minimizing the fear of making mistakes, and overall building up his confidence. 

This meant even inviting other producers to help with the production of the record, something he wasn’t fully comfortable doing on the previous album. 

One of the most impactful influences of his healing process while working on the album was connecting with his inner child through mediation. This inspired the making of his song “Kids Are Born Stars” one of the other singles off the album that tells the story of a young boy already anticipating his future success.

On the track, Lauv said, “Part of what I was searching for in making this album was getting in touch with my inner child. And just feeling stress-free and just fun and loving.”

He accomplished just that by incorporating upbeat lyrics and elevated sounds. This light-hearted, uplifting single captures the artist’s playful and energetic side. 

Accompanying the release of the album is also the music video for “Kids Are Born

Stars”, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who previously worked with artists such as Ariana Grande and Doja Cat. In the video, Lauv plays his present self offering guidance to his child self as he navigates young love and his aspiring music career. 

Lauv doesn't shy away from his emotions and countries to explore more of these self-reflecting themes and electric sound with other songs such as “Time After Time” and “Molly in Mexico” which express the more complicated aspects of life.

With meditation playing a major role in Lauv’s life and the making of this album, he hopes to share mediation and its positive experiences with his fans as a way to connect and become closer to them, as well as to advocate for mental health whether that be in the form of a podcast or Instagram live. Although he considers himself very personal and somewhat closed, he hopes this will be a new way of opening up fans to a new side of him.

Although there are no official plans for a Lauv meditation secession yet, what is next for this artist is his headlining tour. This August 11th, he will kick off his North American tour with special guest Hayley Kiyoko.

All 4 Nothing is somewhat of a journal with a new chapter in Lauv’s personal timeline of his life. From moving to Los Angeles, through his mental health journey and feelings of loneliness, to falling in love and learning to redefine what happiness and success mean to him, Lauv shares his interpretation of it all with this album, coming back from it all and learning to enjoy life. While his new album is set to release on August 5th this year, Lauv is already excited about his next album and what it will bring next in his career.