Lauren Duffus

Although online traces of Lauren Duffus are sparse, the London-born artist has been quietly making moves in and beyond the underground music world over the last few years, attracting the attention of industry cornerstones including NTS, AD93 and British Vogue. It’s a much-anticipated build-up that will culminate in a new two-part EP, released later this year via AMF Records. 

It all started during lockdown in 2020, when Duffus began experimenting with production software and a minimal home set-up. After a string of lo-fi yet cinematic self-releases on Soundcloud, she was taken under the wing of NTS, enrolling in their coveted artist development scheme. Since then, she’s released with beloved underground labels like AD93, performed across the world, and has been championed by artists including Benji B and The Avalanches. Her stand-out 2022 track Habits, mixed by TSVI and featuring choral samples, glitching synths and swarming breaks, was used in a dance performance at the Royal Opera House organised by British Vogue and Burberry – a feat that’s been followed by an East Asia mini-tour with stops in Korea, Taiwan and China, as well as an appearance at MUTEK festival in Argentina. Closer to home, she’s performed at institutions like Fabric, Village Underground and Colour Factory.

Often made in the early hours of the night, Duffus’ tracks have an intimate after-dark quality – equal parts mellow and unsettling. The nocturnal mood makes sense; she cites Oneohtrix Point Never and her early interest in witch house artists like Salem and Crystal Castles as influences. References aside, her uncanny production style – mutating synths embellished by poignant keys and understated yet mellifluous vocals –  feels distinctively her own.