What makes the world go around? What are your priorities? Global poise is predominantly mastered by money and power—Twickenham’s artist LU.CI argues for a more collective action toward improving current affairs and issues. Her new single ‘Chains’ is a fierce alt-pop anthem poking the bear, asking to inspire a positive change amongst people with a proactive attitude.
Initially intrigued by the therapeutic elements of writing poetry, LU.CI is a multifaceted artist with a punchy spin on conveying a message. As a member of the neurodiverse family, LU.CI is adamant about her music being a medium capable of quieting the mind and calming the stress and anxieties of our day-to-day lives.
The urgency of ‘Chains’ is mainly carried via LU.CI’s powerful vocals and the transcending energy of her pure lust for life. In our conversation, LU.CI opens up about ‘the sometimes soul-destroying experience’ of being in the arts and the importance of real commitment to the craft.
Pushing the boundaries and championing togetherness, LU.CI shares more about her new single, ‘Chains,’ her DIY approach, neurodivergence, and how we can all help and make the world a better place.
With your new single ‘Chains,’ you aim to send a message of having priorities straight disregarding money and power as the most important things. What are your top priorities as an artist and in your personal life?
My top priorities as an artist is be consistent with my releases for my listeners and to make people stop and think, leaving them a message. In my personal life, just to do my family proud.
Where and when did you get inspired to write ‘Chains’?
I wrote Chains at my home studio after watching the news and getting frustrated that those in power only serve themselves rather than the actual issues facing society and the earth.
What would you like your listeners to take away from listening to ‘Chains’?
I would like people to understand that the world could be a better place if only we worked together as a collective. Most of the world issues could be solved if only money and power wasn’t a priority.
What is your usual songwriting ritual?
I usually shut myself off from the world, turn my phone on silent and start playing with keys and melodies. I get a lot of inspiration from what happens in the world and my personal life.
Growing up, what was the first medium you expressed yourself and your creativity through?
Poetry was the first medium I expressed myself through. Getting everything out of my head and putting it to ink. It’s very therapeutic.
Who from your inner circle embraced your creativity the most?
My mother. She saw a spark in me from a young age and got behind me, getting me cast in musical theatre.
Have you ever felt like the challenges of being in the arts were discouraging?
I find the arts to be a very hard and sometimes soul destroying experience. You have to have such strong belief in yourself and a real passion to keep going. Things don’t happen over night so you have to ensure you have real commitment.
You want your music to have elements that can calm anxiety, stress and quiet the mind. How do you judge if a song has succeeded in this part?
Being an ADHD’er, I sit in the studio and listen to each sound individually and how they complement each other. I play with panning different sounds, mellotron and aprggiators. If the overall sound feels good to me, I know that it will feel the same for others whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical.
What do you love the most about London?
There is so much history here in London or so many legends of the arts, literally everywhere you look. There’s a certain buzz in every street and tube. Like it has its own tempo.
Do you have a favourite music memory from being out and about in London? (Gig, encounter, meeting a fan)
I think the best memory has to be when I heard the crowd singing one of my own songs back at me. That’s stuff that dreams are made of. Just incredible.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is an alternative pop laced with electro rock. Raw, punchy and powerful.
What are you planning for next year?
Next year is going to be a big year for me. As well as putting together a tour, I intend to release my first album and I have a large project coming up which will involve charities and I hope it will help a lot of people.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova