Justin Hoyt, a Los Angeles-based attorney and law lecturer, is the musical alter ego of Seven Layer Piano Cakes. Justin, a classically educated pianist and singer, was motivated to write, play, and produce music that harkens back to the complexity and sounds of bygone times. He is best known for his genre-bending tunes that include aspects of dream pop, alternative rock, classic rock, and indietronica. Evoking Queen, The Beach Boys, Thrice, Elton John, Beach House, and Sufjan Stevens, Seven Layer Piano Cakes chooses his musical form very cleverly to deliver some quirky and eclectic sounds.
His newest single, Remy is a sweet, dream pop composition that lulls you gently into the world of the song. One thing is certain with Seven Layer Piano Cakes, you’ll hear some unusual chord progressions and discordant tones. Seventh chords, multiple musical layers, expressive piano, and sophisticated vocal harmonies (the “cakes”) are constantly present and it is so true with Remy also. With a slow but catchy intro, the song opens with a beautiful set of harmonies and the melody guiding the song. The song is sentimental and has these choral synth vibes which are enhanced by the rock elements that chime in. The song maps out memories and the experiences of a parent looking at their child grow up. Remy will definitely tug at your heart-strings.
We had the opportunity to interview Seven Layer Piano Cakes about his single Remy, and here is what he had to say:
1.Your new single, “Remy” was very fun and inspiring to listen to. Can you tell me your inspiration behind it?
Thanks. It’s about my son, and how I feel when I’m away from him. But I think the lyrics could touch anyone who has a child, boy or girl, and how it feels when you realize how fast they grow up.
2.What led you to music in the first place?
My parents forced me to take up the piano when I was 3. I hated every minute of it but I’m glad they made me do it. I went on to pick up the bass and guitar a little bit later, and then got into singing when I was a teenager.
3.What is the story behind your name Seven Layer Piano Cakes?
I love cake, and all my songs feature piano or synths, so it just sounded like a delicious name.
4.The single had a very electronic edge, that I did not expect. Can you tell us who your biggest musical influences are?
Nickelback. Just kidding. I would love to answer that, but I think it’s more fun to let the listeners feel what I’m making and come to that conclusion by themselves.
5. How do these influences come through in your music?
I love the vibes that some of my favorite artists create and deliver, and I study music carefully. I think when you listen to songs that move you, over time, what you love about them seeps into your own material, whether consciously or not.
6. Do you have more music planned for us? What do you see for yourself in the future?
Always. I have a big duet in the production process right now, very excited to share it. It should be coming out in April, and it’s going to hit hard. I have no idea what the future holds, but it will definitely involve cake and dream pop.
Don’t miss out on Remy by Seven Layer Piano Cakes.
Go stream it, here:
Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader is the soundtrack to my life.
Perpetually a Burrito.
