From OWSLA to Anjuna: The Musical Journey of Luttrell

It’s not often that a producer earns the authentic support of Skrillex and Above & Beyond, but in his decade-long career, Luttrell has done exactly that. His journey as an artist has taken him to many places and led him to flourishing relationships with record labels OWSLA and Anjunadeep. Exploring his background, it’s easy to see why Luttrell’s lush, comforting deep house sound receives such high praise.

Fans might know him for his initial success with The M Machine, a trio that quickly rose to fame thanks to buzz from peers and fans like Porter Robinson and Mat Zo. The indie dance trio signed with OWSLA, putting out their Metropolis EPs, a remix EP, and singles via Skrillex’s label. The M Machine graced some of the biggest stages in the world during their run, playing at major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, and Tomorrowland.

However, the members of The M Machine felt that it was time to lay the project to rest in 2018, officially putting a pause on the group. After the split, Luttrell found more space to express his creativity and develop his individual sound.

Lutrell had already explored a different sonic roadmap for several years before the split. Following a solo set at Burning Man 2015, Luttrell began making more music that fit his interests in melodic house and techno, with a twinge of indie rock and pop folded in for good measure. The freedom of exploration that The M Machine’s end provided Luttrell allowed him to traverse even more uncharted musical territory and craft a singular sound.

After a chance conversion with Mat Zo, Luttrell connected with Anjunadeep in 2017, laying the foundations for a long-term professional relationship that has culminated in many releases with the label. Luttrell’s debut album, Into Clouds, was released through the Above & Beyond-helmed label in 2019. More recently, the artist was overseas supporting Anjunadeep at showcases in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and London, England.

However, Luttrell hasn’t forgotten his roots and still taps into what he learned as a part of The M Machine.

“The way The M Machine worked was one of us would write the beginning of a song. So there are songs where you can tell it’s my production that started it, the kind of music that’s very Luttrell-y, like ‘A King Alone.’ Melodically and production-wise very much in the same vein of what I do now.” Luttrell told EDM.com in 2019. “So the orchestral stuff we did as The M Machine, I bring that into Luttrell sometimes. I’m just a sucker for strings and chords that make you feel good.”