Lee Ann Roberts X FAULT Magazine

Lee Ann Roberts: Channeling Chaos into Creation

Lee Ann Roberts has spent much of her career navigating the exhilarating yet chaotic landscape of electronic music. Hailing from South Africa, this producer is known for her unique take on techno, which thrives under pressure and intensity. With the release of her latest EP, TAKE CONTROL, Roberts has embraced a more personal narrative, intertwining her musical evolution with her life experiences.

A Journey Through Personal and Sonic Landscapes

TAKE CONTROL represents a fusion of Roberts’s current sounds with the psytrance culture that shaped her formative years in South Africa. While seeking to acknowledge her roots, she deftly avoids being tethered to them, creating a distinction that is essential to her artistic journey. Lee Ann’s growing pains have played a significant role in her development as an artist. Facing a troubled childhood, including the loss of her mother, the trajectory of her life has been anything but linear. However, instead of letting these experiences define her, Roberts uses them as inspiration, allowing her past to fuel her creativity rather than stifle it.

In a candid conversation with FAULT, Roberts shares her experiences of overcoming various life challenges, from coping with ADHD to redefining her understanding of ambition and self-acceptance. Her journey is not solely about the music; it’s also about reclaiming her narrative and emphasizing personal empowerment.

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Understanding the Intent Behind TAKE CONTROL

FAULT: Your work on TAKE CONTROL is described as the beginning of a new era for you. What personal journey were you undertaking during the creation of this record?

Lee Ann Roberts: The creation of this EP was less about a single moment and more about taking control of my life overall. I reached a crossroads where I no longer wished my upbringing and past traumas to dictate my future. I harnessed the lessons learned from those experiences and transformed them into my strength. In a world that often expects conformity, I aimed to craft music that truly resonates with my authentic self rather than trying to chase trends. This EP is a declaration of ownership over my story and a testament to personal growth.

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Revisiting Roots and Embracing Transformation

The theme of transformation is palpable throughout TAKE CONTROL. Reflecting on her early experiences with electronic music, Roberts expresses how those roots are still interwoven into her latest tracks.

FAULT: Looking back, what elements from your early journey can listeners still recognize in your recent work?

Lee Ann Roberts: The core passion remains unchanged. My early days were spent at outdoor psytrance festivals, losing myself in the music from dawn till dusk. That intoxicating sense of freedom fuels my creative process today. You can hear the same curiosity, energy, and emotion in my current productions as I did back then. Though my sound has evolved, the essence of seeking that euphoric experience remains central to my artistry.

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The Natural Fusion of Genres

In an industry that often seeks to compartmentalize influences, Roberts has managed to strike a harmonious balance between her psytrance heritage and her established techno sound.

FAULT: Reconnecting with psytrance must have been an important milestone. How did you integrate this with your harder techno identity?

Lee Ann Roberts: It was an inherent reconnection rather than a forced approach. Psytrance has been a consistent part of my musical identity, and I realized that I didn’t have to separate these influences. Combining the intensity of techno with the hypnotic rhythms and storytelling of psytrance felt like the most genuine representation of where I am creatively today. It became about authenticity—expressing my sound honestly rather than fitting into rigid categories.

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Emotional Depth in Music Creation

Roberts compounds her powerful beats with a profound emotional undercurrent. The creative process allows for a natural flow of personal experiences and emotions into her work.

FAULT: When creating music, do you intentionally channel personal experiences or do those emotions emerge organically?

Lee Ann Roberts: It’s always organic for me. I don’t sit down with an agenda to express specific emotions; I merely start creating, and my current state of mind or experiences weave their way into the music. Music has a unique way of conveying feelings that might be hard to articulate otherwise, and I find that process incredibly rewarding.

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An Evolution in Live Performance

Roberts’s thoughtful approach to music creation transforms how she envisions her performances as well.

FAULT: Did working on TAKE CONTROL shift your perspective on the synergy between studio work and live performance?

Lee Ann Roberts: Absolutely! I wanted the EP to create emotional moments rather than just provoke crowd reactions. While I certainly consider the dancefloor impact of my music, every track in this collection also carries its own emotional journey. I’ve come to appreciate that the strongest moments in a set don’t always have to be the loudest—they can be the ones that deeply connect with the audience.

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A Unique Path to Success

Lee Ann Roberts’s unconventional journey into electronic music aligns with the narrative of resilience and self-discovery.

FAULT: How has your non-traditional path influenced your creative and career decisions today?

Lee Ann Roberts: I’ve never felt boxed in by conventional expectations, which has become one of my greatest assets. My unconventional entry into electronic music has taught me to trust my instincts and authenticity over trends. I’ve learned that true success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual journey. Meaningful growth often takes time, and I prioritize creating a lasting impact over chasing immediate notoriety.

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The Influence of Trauma on Creativity

Roberts addresses the complex feelings surrounding her painful childhood experiences and how music plays a dual role in both her healing and growth.

FAULT: Has music helped you process your past experiences, or is it more about creating a forward-looking space?

Lee Ann Roberts: It’s a blend of both, really. Music has certainly served as a conduit for processing experiences I might struggle to articulate. It also opens doors for future possibilities rather than keeping me anchored in the past. While losing my mother is an ongoing battle, I’ve discovered compassion and understanding over time. My experiences are part of my biography but don’t define me, and creating music is a constant reminder that forward motion is always possible.

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The Role of ADHD in Creativity

Acknowledging her diagnosis of ADHD, Roberts explores how it shapes her approach to music.

FAULT: How does neurodivergence inform your creative practices?

Lee Ann Roberts: ADHD certainly presents challenges, especially concerning organization and relaxation, but it also allows me to hyperfocus on my music. When production begins, I can immerse myself in every minute detail, allowing me to craft something truly special. Instead of fighting against the way my brain works, I’ve learned to embrace it as a part of my creative process.

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Sharing a Message of Resilience

In discussing the healing properties of music, Roberts highlights the responsibility she feels towards her audience.

FAULT: Do you believe music can be a source of resilience and healing, and do you feel accountable for sharing your experiences with listeners?

Lee Ann Roberts: Absolutely, music has been my refuge, providing purpose during my most challenging moments. While I don’t feel obligated to disclose every detail of my story, I do recognize the value in honesty. If my journey resonates with someone and helps them understand that their past doesn’t determine their future, that’s immensely impactful to me. My hope is that my music encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of adversity.

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Lee Ann Roberts, What is Your FAULT?

Lee Ann Roberts: I care too deeply. Driven by high standards for both myself and the people around me, I often find it challenging to unplug from the demands of my craft. Learning that not everything needs to be perfect has been a significant lesson in this chapter of my life. Protecting my peace matters just as much as striving for the next goal.