By: Identity Amplified
Hailing from the tranquil shores of Melkbosstrand, South Africa, Luc Lavigne has made an extraordinary leap from a childhood filled with musical discovery to a flourishing career in the global music industry. At only 22, his impressive résumé includes working with some of the world’s renowned recording studios and acclaimed artists. A multifaceted talent in production, mixing, and mastering, Lavigne’s story is a powerful testament to passion, persistence, and dedication to his craft.
To explore the journey that led him to Hollywood’s elite recording scene and the experiences that molded his artistry, we spoke with Luc Lavigne about his path, challenges, and career-defining moments.
Q1: How did your musical journey begin, and how did it lead you to where you are today?
Growing up in Melkbosstrand, music has been part of my life since day one. Both my parents and grandparents were musicians, so I was surrounded by rhythm and melody from an early age. I started learning drums, guitar, and piano when I was five. As a teenager, my fascination with creating music deepened, and I found myself captivated by the production process—piecing together sounds, refining arrangements, and bringing songs to life.
After finishing high school, I pursued Audio Engineering at SAE in Cape Town. There, I received a life-changing scholarship to study at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Moving to Los Angeles in 2022 was surreal and marked the beginning of my professional journey. I completed my Associate in Science of Studio Recording, and ever since, I’ve been living my childhood dream of working in the music industry.
Q2: What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Growing up in a small South African town presented its own hurdles. The local music scene offered limited opportunities for the kind of mainstream, global sound I aspired to create. It was easy to feel isolated, but I always believed that bigger things were possible. I often joked with my family, “One day, I’ll live in Los Angeles,” and now I am living that reality.
Of course, life in Hollywood has its pressures. The fast-paced nature of the music industry can be exhausting, and it’s easy to feel disconnected from home. However, I’ve learned the importance of leaning on supportive people and remembering that no challenge is permanent. I advise anyone in a tough situation to surround yourself with friends and mentors—never do it alone.
Q3: Tell us about your recent accomplishments and professional experiences.
Since receiving my employment authorization in 2024, I’ve had the privilege of working at legendary studios like Chalice Recording, Paramount Studios, East West Studios, Rostrum Studios, and Sunset Sound, which is famous for its work with the popular series “The Simpsons”. These are spaces where icons like Beyoncé, BTS, Justin Bieber, Eminem, John Lennon, and Olivia Rodrigo have recorded. I’ve also worked with major labels, including Sony Music, Def Jam, Rostrum Records and Interscope Records.
One of my proudest achievements this year was producing, mixing, and mastering Rav Steelo’s “CP Company.” The song reached Spotify UK’s “Viral Top 50,” hit #48 on Shazam’s “Top 200,” and garnered over 3 million streams and 30 million social media views all within just 3 months since its release. It even earned a #1 nomination from Shazam as a top “Artist on the Move.” Additionally, I was honored to be ranked by MUSO.AI’s “ENCORE24” among the top 10% of producers, mixing engineers, and mastering engineers worldwide. I’m also lucky to serve as the lead recording engineer for the popular global children’s YouTube series SadieTV, which has gained over 30,000 subscribers and more than 10 million views, with the numbers continuing to grow.
Having graduated just a few months ago, achieving so much so quickly has been a surreal experience. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Making music is my greatest joy, and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
Luc Lavigne’s story from a small seaside town to the heart of the global music industry is a compelling reminder that big dreams are achievable with talent, persistence, and a strong support network. His journey demonstrates that success comes to those who believe in themselves and keep pushing forward. With a bright future ahead and a relentless drive for excellence, Luc Lavigne is destined to shape the sound of modern music for years to come. Be sure to follow him @lucclavigne to see where his talent takes him!
Published by Zane L.
