Lachi Takes Full Control of Her Sound: Recording Vocals with the KSM44A

LACHI has spent years as a vocalist and songwriter, working with top artists as a topliner but this year she is taking full control over her music and recording her first EP, all from the comfort of her new home studio. She tells us about her experience using the KSM44A and how it captures more than just great sound.  

Hi. I’m Lachi. I am a vocalist, songwriter, and that blind woman you saw strutting ‘round Manhattan with heels and a glammed out cane. I use my voice to amplify intersectionality and Disability Culture. Since collaborating on the trance track “Far” with Markus Schulz back in 2018, I wafted into the wonderful world of Electronic Dance Music Toplining, eventually becoming a go-to singer-songwriter for EDM producers to collaborate with on their projects.

For many artists, music and lyrics are a way of conveying culture, getting people to relate and understand the message, the creative intent, and the greater cultural meaning behind the art. For me? My message will require a voice. And behind every great voice, is a great mic.

CRAFTING THE MESSAGE

 I will always love toplining and continue to do it forever and ever amen; but my true message on embracing all parts of my identity, including my intersectionality, can only be conveyed on a creative project in my control. Thus, in 2022, I began to work on my own EP, and crafting my own message. 

As word got around that I’d be recording my first Lachi-centric EP, I was asked more than once what mic I’d be using. I originally thought that an odd question – like, I’ll use whatever mic is in whatever studio I work at! But as I continued to consider the personal depth into which this album was headed, I realized I don’t just want any microphone to partner with me on conveying my message - to be there with me as I lay my insides bare, or to celebrate with me as I share my story.

I decided I want a mic that is powerful, versatile, and competitive when it comes to female vocals, because I’m a pretty powerful, versatile, female vocalist! Very few mics fit that bill. But the most seemingly versatile mics was Shure’s KSM44A, and the team reached out like “Hey, we heard you’re recording a new album?” And here we are! 

CREATIVE INTENT

Don’t get me wrong, the EP is no post-graduate thesis, it’s a quirky EDM meets Pop-Rap mash of ear-worm hooks and club-style drops. I like to get dressed up, go out, get loud, and spend money. That’s the vibe I want the album to convey – yes I’m blind, yes I’m different – but I really can’t think of any one who feels sorry for Lachi.

I’ve learned that the best way to get folks excited about a new concept – Disability as a culture to be celebrated, as opposed to a “woah, I’ll be over here...” – requires them to be genuinely having a good time when taking it in. For me, that means big beats, quirky lyrics and, something I love to do most, vocal play and manipulation. From scatting to lilting, to bell-curve belting and everything in between, I’m obsessed with screwing around vocally to truly emphasize the message that, look folks, nothing in life is really that serious!

And guess which mic has been the be-all and end-all companion, withstanding pretty much everything I’ve thrown at it? Good ol’ KSM44A. With a large diaphragm design, ideal for female vocals, a wide range of polar patterns to choose from depending on the recording setting, an internal pop filter, and pre-amp technology that allows for the clearest of sound, this mic was pretty much made for me – to be used in the many colorful ways I love to manipulate my vocal instrument.

THE GREATER CULTURAL MEANING

The larger cultural implication of the EP is to say look, instead of being amazed at how successful Lachi’s become despite her blindness, consider thinking – hey, what can I do to ensure more artists who identify differently are celebrated without them having to work five times as hard. 

The truth of the matter is (according to a study by Attitude Is Everything), 70% of musicians conceal their disability, unable to celebrate a part of their identity, because society is like "yeah, no one likes that" – when in actuality, using my voice to propel my blind identity is precisely (literally precisely!) why I am finding success now. And because we’re just on the precipice of elevating Disability Culture through music, via RAMPD.org and other such propellers, you’re going to get the richest, most vibrant dark-horse and come-back kid stories yet to hit the waves.

So I’m here, ready to give voice, with my KSM44A and my message, creative intent and cultural meaning, and I'm ready to lay down what will hopefully become or influence some Cultural shifts.

As a blind singer, songwriter and producer, LACHI is working to improve diversity and accessibility in the music industry. Click Here to read her story. 

Follow Lachi on Instagram: @LACHIMUSIC