Lloydminster-born DJ and producer Laura Malanchuk, known as T3MPR, is bringing her hometown roots to the national spotlight.
Malanchuk will perform at the Shambhala Music Festival, a dream she’s been chasing for years.
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“It’s surreal,” she said. “I was lucky enough to land a spot at Pagoda Stage. That’s been my dream stage.”
Now in its 26th year, Shambhala features over 200 artists across six stages at the Salmo River Ranch, a 500-acre farm in the West Kootenay mountains.
Growing up, music and performance were part of everyday life for Malanchuk.
“We had a studio set up in my living room, my whole life. My dad was a drummer and all his friends played music. There was always live music going on,” she said, noting her dad was a firm believer in chasing dreams.
Her late father, Barry Malanchuk, who worked as a tile setter in the city, was a well-known local musician with the band RETRO.
“He didn’t get to put out music,” she said. “My grandfather didn’t either. So to know the Malanchuk name has music out now means a lot.”
Malanchuk began performing early through dance at Studio Encore.
“Studio Encore taught me to be a performer,” she said. “That love for dance is what got me into music. All those moments shaped me.”
At 18, she made the decision to continue in the arts.
“There wasn’t really a career in dance anymore, but I fell in love with dance-music culture,” she said. “That was my turning point.”
She began learning more about music production and released her debut track with Destructo’s All My Friends label.
“I met Destructo on a cruise called Holy Ship,” she said. “He became my mentor. Releasing my first track on his label was a dream come true.
“It feels like it’s all falling into place, the timing feels right.”
Malanchuk now splits her time between Canada and the U.S., often working in Las Vegas alongside fellow Canadian artist Sherry St. Germain and comes home when she can.
“My dad is buried here, my grandparents, too. Lloyd will always hold a special place in my heart. I still hang out with the same girls I went to high school with,” she said. “I see myself maybe living here again one day after all the crazy stuff.”
According to Malanchuk, women account for only about 5 per cent of the industry. So, how did she succeed where others have failed?
“It takes a strong woman. We face challenges, but that’s part of what makes me love it. I believe in inspiring other women to get into the space,” she said, offering advice to aspiring producers.
“Hone your craft and get really good at what you want to do. If you don’t believe in it, it won’t happen.”
Looking back at her journey, Malanchuk had one message for her younger self.
“We made dancing a part of our lives. I thought my dance career was over at 18, but dance led me to music. This isn’t just my win, it’s ours.”
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