LSD

LSD is a British-Australian supergroup known for their unique blend of pop, electronic, and hip-hop influences. Comprising acclaimed artists Labrinth, Sia, and Diplo, the group achieved significant global success with their debut album, "Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present... LSD," released in 2019. The album, featuring hit singles like "Thunderclouds" which earned a Gold certification, has garnered over one billion streams on Spotify. Known for their distinctive studio-only approach, LSD captivated fans with their innovative sound and collaborative synergy, though they never performed live. While the group has been inactive since their last single release in early 2019, with Diplo expressing hopes for a future return, their impact on contemporary music remains notable.[edit]

The formation of the innovative supergroup LSD commenced in early 2018, sparked by a pivotal suggestion from a publisher. This publisher, already collaborating with the acclaimed British artist Labrinth and the prolific Australian singer-songwriter Sia, proposed the addition of American DJ and producer Diplo to a new creative venture. Initially, Diplo was invited to contribute to a songwriting session with the duo. While he harbored initial hesitations about the collaboration, his perspective shifted dramatically after meeting Labrinth and Sia. He later recounted his profound impression, describing them as "two of the most creative people he has ever met." This encounter solidified his commitment, evolving his role from a guest songwriter to a crucial producer and organizer, tasked with harmonizing their abundant creative ideas into cohesive musical works. The group's unique and memorable moniker, LSD, was aptly derived by combining the first letter of each member's stage name: Labrinth, Sia, and Diplo.

Within the studio, the trio embarked on a rapid and remarkably synergistic creative process, blending their distinct artistic identities into a fresh sound. Labrinth brought his deep roots in British pop and hip-hop, contributing a nuanced melodic sensibility and rhythmic drive. Sia, renowned globally for her powerful songwriting and distinctive vocal delivery, infused the project with emotional depth and soaring melodies. Diplo, a pioneer in electronic music, provided his signature production expertise, crafting intricate beats and atmospheric soundscapes that underpinned their collaborative efforts. The swift pace of their work soon led to the first public indication of the project on March 11, 2018, when Diplo shared an image of a cassette tape boldly labeled "LSD" on Instagram, tagging both Sia and Labrinth. Their official debut followed shortly thereafter on May 3, 2018, with the release of their vibrant debut single, "Genius," accompanied by an animated music video that captured the group's whimsical aesthetic. A second single, "Audio," was released just one week later, further showcasing their diverse sound. The group quickly achieved significant traction later that year in August 2018, when their third single, "Thunderclouds," soared to become their most successful track, cementing their early breakthrough with a Gold certification.[edit]

LSD's music blends psychedelic pop, electropop, trip hop, and electronic pop. Diplo's production is clean and bombastic, providing a foundation for the full vocal ranges of Sia and Labrinth. The album's tracks vary widely: Thunderclouds and Heaven Can Wait mix electronic elements with rock influences, No New Friends was designed for festival stages, It's Time is a piano ballad showcasing vocal prowess, Angel in Your Eyes incorporates tropical dancehall rhythms, and Genius features psychedelic pop production. The short album runtime meant each track highlighted different personalities, though some critics felt the dense ideas lacked room to develop fully. Their active period was confined to 2018–2019, with no evolution in sound due to the brief timeframe. [edit]

LSD's cultural impact was limited due to their brief active period. Their main significance lies in bringing together three major artists from different backgrounds: British pop/rap (Labrinth), Australian pop (Sia), and American electronic music (Diplo). The group's music appeared in media, with Thunderclouds used in Samsung marketing campaigns. The group received Grammy nominations, though specific categories are not confirmed. No diplomatic or ambassador roles were identified. [edit]

LSD does not have an official fandom name, lightstick, fan color, or established traditions. As a short-lived studio supergroup, no organized fandom culture developed. The group's multinational origins (UK, Australia, US) and supergroup format contributed to the lack of a dedicated fanbase. [edit]

Labrinth later featured on the track Incredible from Sia's 2024 album Reasonable Woman, maintaining their musical connection. The album has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes, with critics noting that individual ideas sometimes felt rushed. The group's official website is droppinglsd.com. Their YouTube channel handle is @UCI1xJxsUZW4BDK_aCpgsH6A, and their Facebook page is droppingLSD. The group's debut single "Genius" was released on 3 May 2018, followed by "Audio" on 10 May 2018. "Thunderclouds" became their most commercially successful single, earning Gold certification. [edit]