[Q & A] Chris Lake Talks Debut Album ‘Chemistry,’ His NYC Favorites & More

Selling out five New York City sets, landing on the top 10 debut USA & Global charts on Spotify for his new album, and heading out on a country-wide tour—there’s nothing Chris Lake can’t do right now . The dance music titan recently released his debut (and fully independent!) full length-album on July 11th, *Chemistry ,* and recently rolled through New York City to celebrate the major career accomplishment. From packing out the 101st floor of the iconic EDGE observation deck for a Thursday night release party , to rooftop bashes in Brooklyn , album meet-and-greets , and two sold-out nights at Brooklyn Storehouse , Lake was everywhere—as he should be. We caught up with Chris Lake during his 5-set stretch of performances, asking him everything—from his new album to where he frequents in NYC . Check it out: **Chris Lake talks new album *Chemistry* ------------------------------------------ This is your debut album, was there a certain moment where you knew you wanted to do a full length project? CL: It kind of crept up on me. I didn’t set out thinking that this is going to be an album, I was just writing and experimenting, and after a while, I realized I had this body of work that felt cohesive. It made sense to give it a proper home. What does ‘Chemistry’ the album’s name mean to you thematically? How does it shape the project as a whole? CL: It’s really about connection between people, between sounds, between ideas. A lot of the record came together through collaboration, and when something clicked we just went for it. That’s the chemistry. What was the very first track you made for the album, and did you know then it would become a full project? CL: I think “On & On” was the first one that stuck. It’s been a big ID for a while and always felt like it opened a door. I didn’t know then it’d start an album, but it felt like the beginning of something new. How did the sound of *Chemistry* evolve from your previous releases? You of course run Black Book Records which I think has a totally different “sound” than this album. What did you do differently with this album compared to other music you’ve put out in your career? CL: The Black Book sound is more club-focused, stripped back and functional. With this album, I let myself get a bit more musical. I revisited old demos, changed up my workflow, and just tried to grow as a producer. It was about pushing myself creatively, not following a formula. Do you have a personal favorite track on the album? CL: That’s tough. Depends on the day, but the Bonobo collab means a lot to me. It took ten versions to get right, but it was worth every tweak. Do you have any good/funny stories with the collaborators on the album? CL: Plenty, but one that sticks out is Abel Balder changing his flight to make the session. We didn’t even know each other yet, but the vibe was instant. What do you hope people feel or take away after listening to *Chemistry***? CL: If it makes someone feel something or makes them curious enough to dig a little deeper into dance music then I’m happy. Or when I play it in the club and see people enjoying it, I love to see that too. Talk to me about the album being “fully independent and a self-funded album” What exactly does this mean and what made you decide to go that route? CL: It means I backed the project myself and didn’t wait for a label to get behind it. I’ve been around long enough to know what I want, and I trusted the team around me to help make it happen. Chris Lake talks *Chemistry* track-by-track ------------------------------------------- As a major fan, it’s incredible to me that one of your most sought after IDs “On & On” is not only finally releasing, but is the introduction to the album. Talk to me about the track, the collaboration, and the decision to put it first on the trackless. CL: That track’s been a part of my sets for a while, and people have been asking about it nonstop. It always had that opener energy so it seemed right to start with it. ‘Savana’ is maybe one of the best songs I think you’ve ever produced. Talk about the process of making this song, the inspiration, and the overall “vibe” of the track. CL: Appreciate that. “Savana” came together quickly, but it stuck with me. It’s one of those tracks where the chords lead everything, and I just followed the mood. Felt a bit cinematic, almost. ‘Pyscho’ is of course another standout and feels very Anti Up-inspired. Chat with me about that track, how you went into producing it, and how it fits the vision of the whole project. CL: Yeah, that one’s a bit of a nod to Anti Up. It’s playful, weird, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I wanted moments like that on the album to break the intensity. The closing track with Bonobo is a real standout for me, what was it like collaborating with him? How did that track come to fruition? And it seems almost like the perfect closing track for the album? CL: That one took time. We went through ten versions before it felt done. I have massive respect for Bonobo, and it was important we got it right. It’s layered, textured, something to get lost in. Made sense to end the album on that note. Chris Lake talks his favorite NYC spots ------------------------------------------- Settle the debate: What’s the best pizza spot in NYC? CL: I’m still exploring, but Joe’s on Carmine never disappoints. Simple and solid. Do you have a specific bagel order when you’re in NYC? CL: Everything bagel, scallion cream cheese, and maybe some smoked salmon if I’m feeling fancy. What’s one thing you do/see/eat every time you visit NYC? CL: Walking around, honestly I like to just wander. There’s always something interesting around the corner. Do you remember your first gig in NYC? If so what was it? What would the Chris Lake now tell the Chris Lake then? CL: I think it was at Cielo. Tiny club, packed room. I was nervous as hell. I’d probably just tell myself, “Keep going. You’ve got no idea where this will take you.” Do you have any favorite memories of playing in NYC? CL: Too many. Brooklyn Mirage shows always stand out. But honestly, some of the smaller club gigs stay with me just as much. It’s always the crowd that makes the memory. Source: https://secretnyc.co/chris-lake-chemisty-interview-nyc-2025/