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.
Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, the weekly home for playlists assembled by the friends, rivals and romantic interests of Interview. Recent editions have featured selections from After, Soulwax, and 1LDK. Taking over this week is the much loved rock quartet Weezer. After building a catalog that includes the color themed albums Blue, Green, Red, White, Teal, and Black, the Los Angeles group is expanding its palette once again with a new release titled Gold. The record blends carefully constructed pop melodies with rough edged rock energy, recalling the sound of the band’s earliest years. Before unveiling their first album in four years and beginning a North American tour, the members created a collection of personal favorites and overlooked gems for us. Moving from Beethoven sonatas to classic Van Halen tracks from the 1980s, their choices reflect the wide ranging tastes of the musicians themselves. They then answered our questionnaire, revealing what they listen to before taking the stage, clearing up their views on ghosting, and explaining what they really make of Gen Z.
What do you listen to before hitting the stage?
SCOTT SHRINER: I usually do not listen to music before we play. I do vocal warmups and go through any of the songs in our set that need practicing.
RIVERS CUOMO: Nature sounds, like birds and creeks and waterfalls.
Dream fifth member of the band, dead or alive?
PATRICK WILSON: 4 is plenty!
CUOMO: Matt Sharp
Favorite album: Blue, Green, Red, White, Teal, Black or Gold?
SHRINER: Fave color album is Red.
One of your songs off the new album is titled “Don’t Make It Weird.” What’s the fastest way someone can make things weird?
BRIAN BELL: I think ghosting someone ranks up there with weird and abhorrent behavior.
CUOMO: Say the first thing that pops into your mind.
Which song is going to surprise longtime fans the most?
CUOMO: “C.E.O.” because we interpolate ourselves.
BELL: The song that will surprise most Weezer fans is “The Show Must Go On.” It’s a good driving song, and while it might sound familiar, it will also take you to very unexpected places.
Which artist are you streaming the most right now?
CUOMO: Binaural beats.
Which city has the most unhinged Weezer fans?
SHRINER: I’m going with Mexico City for most unhinged W fans.
Thoughts on Gen Z?
CUOMO: They value different kinds of people.
WILSON: They’re great! Two of my kids are Gen Z! The way I’m like, “No, because same!”
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