LUCIIA returns with ‘SAME THING NEW MAN’, the enticing first single from her upcoming EP WITH II EYES, set for release in October 2023.

A silky-smooth jam that merges classic 90s R’n’B with LUCIIA’s cutting-edge sound, ‘SAME THING NEW MAN’ is yet another testament to the growth in global interest for the Cuban/Swedish artist, after she was recently handpicked by Coldplay to open four consecutive shows at Ullevi Stadium in Sweden in July.

"My self-confidence is starting to emerge, and the lyrics are written with a sense that what I receive in relationships is never enough”, LUCIIA says about the meaning of the song. “I feel misunderstood again and again, and with that comes men who don't quite know how to approach me. In the song, I express that frustration."

To say LUCIIA literally grew up on stage is no overstatement. Shaped by equal parts Havana, Cuba and Möllevången, Malmö, her father toured the world with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, and her mother ensured her daughter participated in talent shows from the age of four.

The stage is where LUCIIA feels most comfortable and at ease, something she demonstrated in front of an international crowd at the Brilliant Minds Symposium in Stockholm, headlined Debaser with Dr Martens last year and  secured two official showcases during SXSW 2023.

The upcoming EP WITH II EYES (to be released in October 2023) is characterised by a warm and affectionate expression unique to her. With the assistance of London-based producer Maleík, LUCIIA has managed to forge her own sound, where classic 90s R&B blends with the sonic image of the future.

LUCIIA sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I was born with it, literally. "This little girl will become a big singer one day" was the first words that described me by the nurse who delivered me.

My mother saw my talent from early and let me join singing contests from the age of 4. Since then I have been performing a lot, recording and writing music as long as I can remember.

I always felt like singing has been my main language of expression and I feel more comfortable on stage than anywhere else.

In 2019 I felt like I started to find the right people to work with and felt comfortable releasing my stories to the world.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R, Donnel Jones, Whitney Houston, Summer Walker, Mnelia, Col3trane, Destin Conrad. I really want to work with Khamari, his project ”A Brief Nirvana” is on repeat atm.

3. You just released the single "SAME THING NEW MAN" . What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Im dropping 2 more singles and then finally the entire EP "WITH II EYES" in October.

Super excited for this new chapter of my life and career. About a year ago I met Maleík, we clicked instantly and I knew from that day I wanted to work with him for my entire project. Its hard as a independent artist to find other creatives who can make that time for you and the best thing about the whole process is the fact that he is as passionate and excited about this journey as I am.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Nostalgic. 90s vibes with a contemporary twist.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I came to a point in my life about a year ago when I started looking inwards, the self reflection, taking accountability for my self and my actions. I made some important decisions and shortly after I was blessed with opportunities I only dreamt of before. Im quite spiritual, that transition payed of.

Everything you see unfolding today is a result of me showing up for myself then. That is my proudest moment.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

It really is a MAD game. 1. Don’t wait on others to appreciate or show up for you. You need to do the work, show up for yourself, appreciate yourself and just figure it out, and the rest will come. 2. Release the music!

Ive often felt like I have moved on from a song when it is "time" to release it, remember that what you create can relate to so many others and at the end of the day.. as much as you make music for you, you need a audience to be able to continue. It is all a journey and people love to see and be a part of that journey! 3. stay true to yourself and what you want to create, many people will try to tell you "do this, do that", its great to stay open minded to ideas but the music is yours so your gut need to approve the moves.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Shaé Universe, JVCK JAMES, Khamari, Mnelia, Col3trane, Tejy, Diedrick, Aida Lae Aaron Taylor and SARU.

8. We know you'll be supporting Coldplay on tour. How did you meet and How excited are you?

The emotions are mixed and all over the place! As much as it feels unreal and something I only imagined in my dreams, I have been manifesting performing on a stadium stage my entire life and in that way I kind of known it was going to happen one way or another. To have the my dreams come true this early on in my career is really a pinch me moment and mostly i’m very grateful. My manager Wilhelmina made it happen through her US Mentor Lydia who actually know the band, so it happened super organic and been in the talks for over a year...

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love to cook, hang out with family and my closest friends. I recently discovered that I love painting, last year we went for a break in London and went to see the Vincent Van Gogh experience, they had a room where you could interpret his work and then scan it. It made me feel at ease and the painting was actually impressive haha.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Positive energy.
Snacks.
Vitamin Well.

Connect with LUCIIA on Instagram here.

Pictures by: Silvia Fox