Meet LES Aka LRCFUNK | Recording and Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LES Aka LRCFUNK and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LES aka LRCFUNK, what principle do you value most?
Using my musical gifts and talents to inspire and uplift and heal others through art. I believe we each have a unique creative purpose, and when we cultivate and share our gifts, we not only grow ourselves – we contribute meaningfully to the culture and the lives of others. Creating beautiful, impactful work with integrity and intention is both a responsibility and a calling. To ignore our gifts is to withhold something the world needs – it’s a disservice to both ourselves and our birthright.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my unorthodox approach to how I write and record music. I write all my own lyrics and compositions, and I perform most—if not all—of the instrumentation and vocals. I don’t create music with the intention of fitting into a particular box or genre. A lot of artists come in with a specific agenda, trying to land in a certain lane. I do the opposite. I become a slave to the music and let it tell me what to do, what colors to paint, and what lines to draw. I believe the art is more pure that way. In doing so, you create something new, a different lane entirely—and I think that’s what real artistry is: not fitting in, but standing out. It’s not special or unique if you’re doing what everyone else is doing.

My music is about storytelling, positive messages, and showcasing real musicianship. It’s eclectic and genre-blending. I like to say my music is a hybrid-genre, like a Swiss army knife—it’s not one-dimensional. It can do everything, and that’s intentional.

I’m most excited about my debut album Emerald City! It’s a beautiful work of art from top to bottom—including the album artwork—and I’m just happy that it’s finally out in the world. It’s something new for people to digest and enjoy, and I really believe it brings a fresh sound. I’m also excited to start performing the album live—there’s something really special about translating it to the stage. This album debut is a reintroduction to the world. This album displays all the different sides of who I am as an artist, singer, songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and composer.

I’ve gotten to where I am today thanks to a supportive and nurturing family that allowed me to explore every side of my creativity. I was always singing as a child, but I was also deep into playing drums. My mom made sure I learned piano so I had a solid music foundation no matter what instrument I picked up. I grew up playing in orchestras, latin bands, rock and metal bands, blues, funk, gospel, jazz, fusion, hip-hop—you name it. I had access to so much music early on while also playing in nights clubs starting at 11 years old, thanks to Blackwell picking me up on a school night and taking me with him.
After high school, I went to Berklee College of Music. While I was still in college, I started touring with Larry Graham, Roberta Flack, and Patti LaBelle.

My break into the industry started with my mentor and best friend, John Blackwell Jr.—Prince’s drummer—telling Prince about me. They were looking for a drummer for Larry Graham, and Prince oversaw a lot of Larry’s music at the time. Prince saw a video of me playing and flew me out to Paisley Park to jam with him and Larry. Next thing I knew, I was Larry’s new drummer. We’re still tight to this day. I was also the backup drummer for Blackwell on the Prince gig.
From there, things kept building. I went on to tour with Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Mike Phillips, Lil Kim, Anita Baker, NPG, Dave Weiner (of Steve Vai), and others. Along the way, I transitioned into being a music director and band leader for artists like Syleena Johnson, Wayna, Avery Sunshine, Durand Bernarr, Darien Dean, Gordon Chambers, Angela Johnson, and more. That’s when I really started sharpening my arranging skills and teaching parts to musicians.
Eventually, I started writing my own music, producing for others, and learning more instruments. I’ve always written poetry, even as a kid, so lyrics came naturally to me. Once I had more life experience, I had something to say—and that’s when my songwriting really took off. Funny enough, the first song I ever wrote, back in 1996 or 1997, Summer Wind made it onto my Emerald City album.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Nothing worth having ever is. You’ve got to work for it. It takes a lot of belief—not just in your talent, but in your purpose. For me, it’s always been about knowing what God wants me to do with the gifts I’ve been given. That’s the foundation. “Gods will for my life”
It’s also about understanding the “why” behind your “what.” Loving what you do is a great start, but it has to grow into something deeper. Why are you doing this? Who are you doing it for? That spiritual maturity only comes with time and experience.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that creatives have a responsibility. The art we put into the world matters. Music and film affect people on a deep level—they’re two of the main gateways to the soul. What we watch and listen to influences how we think and feel. You know the saying: “You are what you eat”? The same goes for what we consume mentally and emotionally. I believe we need to be mindful of that as both creators and consumers.
Another lesson is not to wait. If you’ve got a dream or goal on your heart, go for it now! Follow it all the way through. There will be challenges—that’s part of growth. But there’s beauty on the other side if you stick with it.

I want the world to know that my music offers something fresh—something that doesn’t fit neatly into a box. When you come to one of my shows and hear the album, you’re going to experience love, inspiration, positivity, musicianship, and real artistry. The music is eclectic, it’s conscious, it’s funky, and it’s fun. My goal is for people to leave feeling uplifted, knowing they just experienced something unforgettable in the music. LES & LRCFUNK is here bringing something new for the soul, heart and mind!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I don’t really get out much, cause I’m tunnel driven and normally am out and about when its concerning a rehearsal, studio session or performance, so I wouldn’t be the best tour guide. lol but I do know a few spots. Most of my friends are foodies and music junkies like me so……

I will say, I’d eat at places I have always wanted to try like

1. The Little Door
2. Cara Cara
3. Arden
4. Casa Maderna
5. Jade
6. Catch LA
7. Ka’Teen
8. Nobu
9. Meteora
10. The Cellar – Wine Bar Library
11. Queen Violet
12. Cecconis

I’d hangout at the library particularly the Last Bookstore. I do like books but even more, they have a great vinyl collection and I LOVE vinyl. The Last Bookstore has a vibe that is very artistic in the heart of downtown LA, surrounded with tons of places to eat. Amoeba and several other record stores are a must! We’d also hangout at several music clubs. Anywhere their is live music is automatic so I would find where some of my other friends are performing and go to there concerts and possibly a jam session too. We love jam sessions. Definitely would go to the Hollywood Bowl, the Grove, La Brea Tarpits, some museums and of course checkout the beach. Shoot pool and go bowling.

I myself still have much to learn about the area, so we would be searching and experiencing somethings together for the first time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who’ve helped shaped my journey, but I’d love to shout out the core that fueled and shaped my musical foundation which all started in Columbia, S.C.

I must always shoutout the creator and the 1st ultimate artist Jesus Christ, whom blessed me with the ability to create music.

My amazing parents (whom are also great musicians and a major influence), for believing in my gift and nurturing me from the very beginning. It all starts at home and I’m so grateful. My mother is a great concert pianist, vocal coach, choir director and also my choir teacher in high school. My father is a guitarist, piano player and can sing. They both encouraged and supported me in every endeavor and I could not have ask for a better support system and upbringing. We did so many musical things as a family too. We played together and we sang together. It’s one of the things that brought us closer together. One of my favorite family times.

My bedtime story as a baby was my mother and father reading a cute story to me and praying before they tuck me in. Along with that my mother would clap rhythms and sing notes to me and have me mimic her as also part of my bedtime story every night and I credit her so much for my sense of melody and rhythm. When she thought I was sleep, then she would go in the piano room in the house and that would be her time to practice. We had 2 baby grand pianos and she would be wearing those keys out! I almost couldn’t go to sleep unless I heard her practicing. I was getting use to it and love hearing my mother play.

My father and his brothers, (my 5 uncles) had a quartet group called the Golden Echoes. My introduction to guitar in person was through hearing them practice and perform when was a baby. As I grew, I would sit in with them on drums. My father would sing, play piano and guitar with them. He always played a Fender strat. I’ve later learn that the root of my love for guitar started there combined with my mother having a few acoustic guitars around the house as well.

Matthew Jones who is a big pillar, that started me on my drumming journey as a baby and taught me how to read music.

My big brother, the late John Blackwell Jr. (who has taken me under his wing as his protege since I was a pup. He trained me to be his successor and has been a major major influence in my life and in music).

The late, Robert Newton III who taught me how to go deep within to help me find my own voice and sound. Just when you think you’ve given everything, he taught me that there’s always more-if you stay with it and keep digging.

My Uncle Willie E. Lyles, who was also my high school band director and a great influence in how I see the world of music.

Website: https://lrcfunk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/les.is.lrcfunk/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@LES.is.LRCFUNK

Other: Link to Album:

https://leslrcfunk.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-city

Contact email: info@Lrcfunk.com

Image Credits
Peter Lodder – Photo Credit

Les Cleveland – Album Cover Credit