Laxcity
Laxcity
Joshua Mbewe (born September 10, 1996), known professionally as Laxcity, is a Sheffield based producer, songwriter, and singer.
Mbewe is best known for his lush synths and punchy drums, which can be heard throughout his discography.
His sounds can even be heard in Justin Bieber's "Changes" LP. [12]
Early Life
Mbewe was born in Ndola, Zambia on September 10, 1996.
He developed an interest in music at an early age.
He would often listen to what his older sister was listening to through cassette tape recordings of radio broadcasts.
Following his move to the UK, he developed an interest, and soon after heard Skrillex's critically acclaimed single, Bangarang.
While on the EDM Prodcast, Mbewe discussed his interest in production,
I feel like it's always been there.
It just never occured to me to manifest it into music production that I do, or be an artist that makes songs.[22]
Career
Mbewe began first began releasing music around 2012 on Soundcloud. In 2015, he had his first major breakthrough with the independent release of "Failed Exams."[15] The following year, Mbewe issued "Cound Pake", a remix of Drake's "Pound Cake." The single continued the upswing in his project.
In 2017, Mbewe released "Introspection" across all platforms via Secret Shores.[16] Shortly before closing 2018, he partnered with Majestic Casual imprint Majestic Casual Records to release his debut album, Catharsis.[17] In mid 2019, Mbewe issued "Purity" under Republic Records imprint, ALT:VISION.
On February 14, 2020, Justin Bieber's "Changes" LP was released worldwide. Among the 17 tracks released, "Running Over (feat. Lil Dicky)" included a Royalty-free sample from Mbewe's Splice Sounds sample pack.[12] Many took notice of this, including multi media blog Genius,[20] The Verge, and Variety[21]. Among personalities who took notice, Asher Monroe, claimed to have used the sample before Bieber. Shortly after, Mbewe addressed the use of the sample on Twitter,[10]
To put a lid on this whole issue.
i made the melody, saved it as a sample and released it on @Splice for ANYONE to use.
I'm truly honoured that it's made it into a @justinbieber track.
(1/2)[13]
Following the statement, Mbewe went more in depth on the Splice blog.[18] Additionally, Bieber replied to his tweet discussing the album,
Thanks... you are now a part of it[19]
Discography
Introspection (June 15, 2017)
Catharsis (December 14, 2018)
Purity (July 12, 2019)
Trivia
Mbewe attended Kusemba Trust School and Kusemba Primary School in Ndola, Zambia, before moving to the United Kingdom in 2005.