Artist Profile: LO!

Ryan Moya, a.k.a. LO!, is a Chicago based producer and DJ with a refined and marked style – in this profile I want to put together some of the pieces of his energetic and exciting catalog that represent the LO! sound. Collaborations, releases, and performances include top names in the drum and bass scene, and these achievements are truly telling of his ability. I have met Ryan a number of times in Chicago and we have been able to enjoy some great conversations about the happenings in drum and bass, as well as music in general – his musical knowledge and experience runs far and wide. In addition to mastering drum and bass, he has a distinct interest in multi-genre production and diversifying the creative output of this project long-term. Ryan has explored many artistic realms in life (such as instrumental music and making leathercraft for fun), so it is no surprise that his music is explorative, experimental, and highly stylized. Every time I hear a LO! tune my expectations are dashed – I don’t know what to expect at this point. How exciting is that!

When in the studio, Ryan is very efficient on his workstation. He uses Logic to capture lightning in a bottle whenever the feeling strikes, and focuses on compositional flow therein. He is absolutely dedicated to creation, sometimes following inspiration in the middle of the night to translate a musical idea in the studio. The profound influence of experimentation within the mind and soul of this artist shows his creative flexibility and represents a clear interest in constantly evolving, improving, and finding new sound.

Check out his first release with AFT Records out of Bristol, called ‘Chemicals’. Pay attention to the variety of sounds and styles. The driving grooves, break-y steps, and experimental title track all showcase a piece of the LO! foundation sound:

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I love the dark jungle drums and raw distortion in ‘Bleed’, as well as the wobbly grooves in ‘Slack Line’ and ‘Twenty4’. When I listen back to some of these original tunes it is apparent that there are central pieces of sound here that echo everywhere in his catalog.

Later the same year on AFT Recods he released ‘Turmoil’ (as well as ‘Timeout Dred’). ‘Turmoil’ showcases more of this rugged 2021 style, ending with a smoked out halftime track called ‘Dead End’ in which the quote declares “…You haven’t seen the last of this guy…”. Indeed.

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LO!’s bag of tricks expands with these EPs, showcasing some creative flexibility while being prolific in output. 3 EPs in 2021 amongst many uncounted originals – an absolute workhorse.

In 2022 Rebel Music released part four of their ‘Rebel Alliance’ series which included LO!’s ‘Tremor’, a track that showed major growth and progression in skill. Compared to earlier releases ‘Tremor’ has a cleaner drum sound, wider stereo consideration, bigger bass with more room in the mix, and a perfectly orchestrated low-mid hoover. Check it out:

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Listening to these pieces in chronological order uncovers the soul of the artist a bit more clearly than picking and choosing tracks would, so I appreciate anyone taking this step-by-step. The next release brings something smooth and soulful; flexing some liquid chops with Prestige Music Group, here is ‘Dayys/Go Back’:

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A totally different sound emerges in this two-tracker, with LO! employing lush orchestration and digging into jazzy piano lines. He uses a bit less bright splash in the top end as compared to traditional liquid songs, which allows the groove to breathe and accentuate the funky backbeat.

Next, LO! debuts on Liondub International with ‘Redux’. This EP contains an array of gems from ‘Always Here’ to the title track – these tunes push a rushing top end percussion line with guttural dub-by basslines to create and release tension. ‘Redux’ is energetic, driving, unforgiving, and forward thinking.


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At the beginning of 2024 LO! released ‘Talk 2 Me’ as a debut on Dubplate Dread, a label under the mighty jungle drum and bass powerhouse Dread Recordings. This is a particularly important part of the artists journey as the introduction and relationship with Dread Recordings boss Ray Keith would lead to meeting in real life and performance together. ‘Talk 2 Me’ shows up with a different energy – it’s clean, deceptively simple, self-assured, and pushes a classic sound. ‘Talk 2 Me’ and ‘How it Feels’ (a second EP on DPD) are both part of a path forward for LO! that stands up to trends in a big way.

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‘Talk 2 Me’ contains highly replayable songs with catchy melodies and satisfying drops that stick with you, whether bass or treble. LO! continues to showcase this style in ‘How it Feels’: this EP offers more of the ‘2024’ sound. ‘Talk 2 Me’, ‘Listen Up’, ‘Smoking Gun’, and ‘Finer Times’ are some of my favorites. These two EPs have permanent crate status – they fit into any set. Check out ‘How it Feels’:

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‘Talk 2 Me’ is available directly from the Dubplate Dread website, and ‘How it Feels’ is available on Beatport and Juno, amongst all other reputable vendors.

The last LO! EP I want to share (SMNL053) features funky drums, wobbley bass, clean top-end breaks, and an absolutely devastating low end. Both of the tracks feature confident drops, subtle progressions, and stereo content that keep the listener engaged. This versatile and banging EP should be in every DJs box:

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You can see the creative machine that LO! is. He truly loves this music, the art of production, self-improvement, and sonic exploration. This is the name of the game, and it is palpable in his catalog. Ryan and I have spoken about his future plans and trust me when I say that these releases are only the beginning. The material that will be coming out in the next year and beyond will change the game.

LO! and I were able to catch up and talk a little bit about his history, influences, and future:

T: Hello Ryan! Thanks for taking some time to chat with me. First, lets talk about roots. How did you find your way to drum and bass? I also see that you produce music of all kinds through various aliases.

R: I got into drum and bass in the mid 90s through raving in Chicago. After moving to Boston for college, I got more into the production side of things, DJing more around town, and hosting a drum and bass radio show out of MIT for three years. I have always dabbled in downtempo and jazz, and still produce that music today. You’ll be seeing more of that in the coming months.

T: Is there a particular focus for the LO! project going into 2025?

R: I have a few releases coming up in early 2025, but I am looking to do a full album with a variety of sounds as my next big project. LO! is more than drum and bass and I’m excited to share that with the world.

T: What would you say is the role of relationships in this business and in collaboration?

R: I think that relationships are super important in collaboration. How I vibe with someone is everything to me. Doesn’t matter their clout or status… if we don’t vibe, I can’t get onboard. Collaboration in the arts is all about energy, and if the energy is off, that absolutely will be reflected in the outcome.

T: Any advice for other producers, perhaps trying to shop their tunes around to labels?

R: My advice for any artist is to just be you. Be your authentic self. Do not worry about the outcomes, the reviews, the responses… Your art is not for everyone. In fact, it’s not for anyone – its for you and you only.

T: What a great answer. Lets get a bit of studio process: when you sit down on the rig do you try to fit a specific label catalog, or does the workflow stay the same regardless?

R: My workflow is the same regardless of the genre or sub genre the tunes fall into. I just focus on writing what I like, and what I would like to hear played out. I have actually been pleasantly surprised that some labels are picking up tunes that I would say are NOT their typical sound. After all, labels need variety or the catalog can fall stagnant. I found this to work in my favor because just one folder of my unsigned music may contain 15-20 tunes, all different flavors and tempos. Drum and bass for everyone.

T: Just out of curiosity, your Chicago hardcore band ‘xXFIRSTBORNXx’ lists Pete Wentz as one of the members on your bandcamp. Is that the same Pete Wentz of Fallout Boy fame?

R: Yup! Same Wentz. He was one of my best friends growing up; getting into trouble and playing in bands throughout high school until FOBs start.

T: How has your relationship with instrumental music affected how you source your sounds in the studio?

R: Growing up playing classical piano and eventually guitar gave me a strong appreciation for instrumental music and definitely inspires me to write and play most of my own sounds and create my own samples. 

T: How did you get connected with the Dread Recordings crew?

R: Connecting with Ray Keith was as natural as I could have hoped. No demos, no soliciting emails, etc. One of my good DJ friends (shoutout Pree!) was opening for Ray at a party in the city and he dropped my Brown Paper Bag bootleg at the show… this one caught his attention and as he trainspotted she let him know about me and he asked for her to put us in touch. I sent him a ton of music, enough for a couple of EPs and an album, and well… That’s where he headed! I was hyped to showcase a bunch of my new music at the 30 Years of Dread Recordings show here in Chicago in November – it was amazing to perform with the bossman himself!

“Mans”

T: This year you had a major signing with Bassroutes, who also hosted the 30 Years of Dread Recordings tour. What are some challenges you’ve faced as a touring DJ, and has the decision to sign with an agency helped in that regard?

R: Working with Bassroutes has been great so far. Just getting things underway and as my name gets out there more, I see more and more opportunities come my way. Chemynne at BassRoutes has been great to work with and I really appreciate the efforts that they or any agency put in for their artists. It allows the artist to focus on my craft and the agency to focus on theirs.

T: Any releases coming out soon to look out for?

R: On December 6th I have a release coming out on Driven, and then another release on Rebel Music in January 2025. In the near future look for a split EP with Jon Cross called ‘The Future Sound of Chicago’.

T: Thank you so much for taking some time to talk to me and share knowledge!

One of the many things that continue to blow my mind about this artist is the inclusion of a lot of (and sometimes ENTIRELY) LO! originals. In this regard, understanding the output of LO! goes way deeper than what the public will usually see. Ryan is poised to realize his vision as an artist, and his releases thus far are just a piece of his vision. Keep your eyes peeled for more music from LO!, he doesn’t miss. 

Links to some of the current mixes that LO! has recorded:

American Junglist Podcast #81: LO!

LO! Live at West Fest Chicago (ALL ORIGINALS)

LO!s linktree, all releases. Support the most recent release, ‘How It Feels’ Bassroutes roster