NEW JERSEY - Since the age of eight, Michael Lanthier has found solace in playing his Fender Stratocaster. Thirty-plus years later, he sees music’s healing power again by playing that same Strat.
Growing up in an abusive family, Lanthier’s escape was music until he joined the U.S. Army. When Lanthier left the military, it did not leave him. Suffering from PTSD and multiple suicide attempts, Lanthier, a three-time combat veteran, turned to alcohol, but the demons never left. In November 2020, Lanthier landed in the hospital again after attempting suicide, but this time was different. He rediscovered his love of music. Since that day, he has remained sober and allows music to heal him - and released 27 singles.
Recently, Lanthier embarked on a larger project, a 10-track album entitled “01,” signifying his start or rebirth from the darkness of his life. The album is a compilation of genres ranging from hip hop to rock, as Lanthier integrates his guitar for various styles. “01” is an instrumental masterpiece that resembles music you may hear on movie soundtracks or in video games. Lanthier has found his niche, and each track demonstrates his progression as an artist.
“I’m very comfortable playing guitar, and I like to push myself into uncomfortable situations. A year ago, I would never have guessed that I would produce what is essentially a hip-hop beat. Instead of somebody rapping over it, a guitar imitates the rap,” he said. “I’m always pushing the limits, and I like the diversity in music.”
Working in his home studio, Lanthier turns to music after putting in a full day’s work at his 9-5 job. He calls himself a “one-man show,” writing, performing, mixing, and producing music, but listening to “01,” the quality and professionalism of a seasoned musician shine through each note.
“Pain in 99” is one of “01” singles that exemplifies Lanthier’s talent. The song got its origin when he was just 16 years old when he composed the main progression. Considered one of the heavier songs on the album, “Pain in 99” is a hard rock song. The track is chaotic and filled with melodic bits, crunchy riffs, and shredding guitar tones. Lanthier’s Fender echoes the anger of his youth and the indecisiveness of his future.
The single “Offering” is quite different from “Pain in 99.” “Offering” showcases Lanthier’s ability to change tempos with a bluesy feeling. Lanthier explains, “It’s a stripped-down song with a four-chord progression through the whole song and a real simple drum beat. It’s got a positive feeling to the melody and its progression. The guitar is not chaotic but very precise and technical.”
As more fans hear Lanthier’s musical genius, he hopes to give them a slice of what music gives him, “Music brings me peace. It’s beyond a passion. It’s the therapy that keeps me sane. It’s what keeps me happy.”
Make sure to stay connected to Michael Lanthier on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B093K2M52F/michael-lanthier
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/1564664854
Bandcamp: https://michaellanthier.bandcamp.com/
Blast: https://blastmusic247.com/artist-stage/144
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-534407239
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RJJC5nAsYaYiRNbfolLvR
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/wolfsevenmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfsevenmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wolfsevenmusic
AL99 (pronounced “Al nine-nine”) is an artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist on a mission to do more than just make music for people to listen to. He wants people to get inspired and motivated by it. He wants to be an example for young people and show them that being authentic leads to success. His latest track, “Addictive Visions" features Aisha Hall of Yapp City Music/Ghostface of Wu Tang, and demonstrates his desire for new experiences by achieving his goals through not only his music but all of his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Written in 2025, “Addictive Visions” is a laidback rap track with an entrancing melody where AL99 and Aisha Hall bring different flows but both discuss what they want and what they’re trying to achieve. AL’s flow is more relaxed but still confident as he slides from his verse to the hook. Meanwhile, Aisha Hall brings her confidence to the forefront with her verse which packs a punch but keeps the relaxed atmosphere of the track intact.
“I’m trying to see things I’ve never seen before. I’m trying to go places I’ve never been before. And I want to do that through the music path I’m on.” he said.
AL99 wants to lead by example through the authenticity in his music. And with that authenticity, comes diversity in the booth and in the boardroom. He’s earned degrees in Audio Production and Music Business and releases music through his company, TPC (To Progress the Culture) Music Production, whom he has a distribution deal with via Universal Music Group/Bungalo. He wants people to see that he’s an example of how to navigate the music world on your own terms by making the business decisions that are best for your music and everyone else on your team.
The diversity continues on the music side too with AL99 being a fan of music of all kinds and wanting young people to be inspired to live their truth and be themselves. As a multi-instrumentalist he plays the guitar, drums, and keyboard, giving himself a wide-ranging musical ear. This comes in handy not only when he produces his music but when he mixes and sometimes masters it too.
AL sees himself as a voice for those who may not have one because he himself was once the child that was interested in things that were not as popular with his peers. With age came the confidence to fully embrace these interests and now he’s built a career on musical diversity.
“I’m trying to bring something new to the industry. I feel like today people are more open to that in the rap world because people are starting to stray away from what we’ve been seeing for years. They’re embracing the new creative ways people are doing things and I’m a part of that.” he said.
With AL99 pursuing multiple paths that branch out from his music, motivation to keep moving forward is key. Motivation comes from his love of music and his love for sharing his journey in real time while people witness it with him. He feels as he grows in life his audience is growing along with him and they’re navigating life together. And the through line for this is his aforementioned authenticity and accountability.
AL99 has big plans for the future which include expanding his TPC brand and making movies since he already takes a cinematically intentional approach to his music. In addition to more music, he’s also got something special and unique planned to truly illustrate his story but listeners will have to stay tuned to see more about that.
“Addictive Visions” by AL99 featuring Aisha Hall is available on streaming services now.
You can see more of AL99’s authenticity and journey by keeping up with him on these platforms.
LinkTree | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
The Starlight PR Team thanks AL 99 for taking the time to speak with us.
Tap in and stream “Addictive Visions” now!