Washington, D.C. based artist Lakaff has always described his sound as “heart music”. It’s quirky, soulful and genre bending, because “soul music” was already taken.

A singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Lakaff draws on influences as wide ranging as Oasis, Disclosure, Shania Twain, The Prodigy, Kasabian and 50 Cent, blurring the boundaries between rock, EDM, house and hip-hop with dexterous basslines, diced-up beats, indie-rock guitars, horns and unexpected textures.

His path to this sound began in elementary school on the French horn (originally just to skip class), moved through euphonium and rock bands, and eventually into self-taught songwriting, singing, and production.

Released back in January, “may.Be” is Lakaff’s third single since 2023 and his most ambitious yet.

Featuring Grammy winning saxophonist Johnny Butler, fresh off his work on Beyoncé’s 4, and mastered in Dolby Atmos by Emmy-winner Cheryl Ottenritter, the track marks Lakaff’s first foray into immersive audio.

Musically, “may.Be” is a sleek electro groove built from artful drums, shimmering guitar and Butler’s silky flute and saxophone work.

It embodies the collaborative spirit Lakaff has nurtured around his music, including longtime visual partner Masato Okano who designed the single’s artwork. This is truly a track that is expansive, detailed and an invitation to Lakaff’s “heart music” as he calls it. A universe that is as much about connection as it is about sound design.

With “may.Be,” Lakaff shows how far his vision has evolved. From immersive production, top-shelf collaborators and a song that still carries his signature warmth and accessibility.

It’s both a milestone and a promise of what’s next for an artist who’s steadily turning everyday life and wide ranging musical influences into something uniquely his own.

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music