North Carolina raised, New York based artist LUCI announces her brand new single ‘11:11’, accompanied by the official music video. Following the critical  success of her debut EP ‘Juvenilia’ released at the end of 2022, ‘11:11’ marks a triumphant return for the artist as it lands 11th July via the influential Brixton based Don’t Sleep imprint (founded by the A&R who discovered Peggy Gou).

A year since LUCI’s debut release ‘Ash & Dust’, ‘11:11’ elevates the artist to the next level with a seriously uplifting summer pop hit contender that sparks joy in every listen (think Kaytranada meets Santigold). Heralding a new sound and chapter in her life she finds herself in a place of great comfort and ease as she confidently aims for the mainstream with a track comprising alarmingly catchy lyrics and beats. On the track, she muses: “I was laying on the vocal booth floor of Lou’s studio (lineage studios in LA), listening to him and Elias chop it up, bonding over drums and chords. I was hunting for melodies and searching for words. We knew we wanted to make something different from the rest of our work together, that’s for sure.”

The accompanying video directed by Emily Garlund is a feelgood offering shot across New York City and showcases queer love with the artist as the main character, LUCI adds: “I’ve laid eyes on a beautiful woman in a local bar and somehow coerced her into enduring the joys of the evening with me. I’ve got this dance I am trying to teach her and get her to loosen up and play with me. While shy at first, she gives in and it turns into a glorious night.” It warms your spirit and enriches your soul, giving you that instant serotonin boost as soon as it fires up.

LUCI 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?

Poetry, expression and dance. Feels like it was an instinct that kicked in around age 10. I was already a writer and had a deep love for music. Something I jumped right into and never came out. Just gets deeper and deeper every day.

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

The list is endless but at the top right now for collaborations would be Drake, Kanye, J Cole, Duah Saleh and Doja Cat for sure. But you know for the way they’ve influenced me throughout my journey, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and Tyler, The Creator... This is such a hard question to answer. But see there’s Meg the stallion. She always blows me away. Her tone cadence and word choices are always a hit. There’s a lot of greatness to pay respects to. And that’s just me speaking to vocalists. I didn't even get into producers and studio musicians.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve got an album coming. Acronym ‘TSTLY’. She's the colour red and she’s giving a little more.

Love, desire, intimacy, introspection and therapy. I'm on a new evolutionary journey. I’ve also been stewing over officially reintroducing my art into the world. There's a book in the works full of prints, poetry rants and BTS. Etccc shhhhh!

4. How would you describe your sound?

It's like butta baby baby baby baby! LOL Nah, It’s hip hop with a raw grunge blues edge to it. Pushing the culture forward by bringing you back to the days when there were no rules. You can’t describe my sound. I'm like Outkast. You don’t describe them. You say OUTKAST. I'm hard. I'm soft. I'm intense and intentional. Poetic melodic. Psychedelic even. I’m a rapper that explores whatever she feels. Is that good enough?

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

Just fucking doin’ it. Most people don’t even make the music and then also put it out. Let alone do it again and again. Hell most people don’t even get signed. I’m honorer. I’m proud that I have persevered this far. And for that to have led to all the recognition I’ve received as the future of hip hop— the future of music. I do want to be a part of that story. Oh and damn. Playing boiler room last summer was gratifying. Countless friends and fans flew into New York from Asheville, NC and showed so much love for my debut performance at the biggest outdoor venue in NYC— The Brooklyn, Mirage.

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

Whatever it is you want to do. Do it. Do it for real and be relentless about it.That is if you love it.

Make sure you’re sturdy asf. Make sure you’re serving your highest purpose because if it's not yours to pursue it will not work. But hey... I haven't made it yet so what do I know? I’m doing this interview and still wondering where my next meal is coming from. Keep that in mind. Are you sturdy? How hard are you willing to go even when times get low?

And know how to maintain healthy relationships *winky face*.

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

Not sure. As far as upcoming? If it ain’t me? Duah Saleh is the only newish artist that gets me hype anytime I hear her voice. Dumb Boy based out of LA is definitely doing something different and exciting. His last tape, ‘2000’, was phenomenal and very much pushing boundaries in music. Jackson Scott is about to have a comeback. Been listening to his new album, can’t wait for it to be out in the world. The last project he recorded with his band Votaries called ‘Psychometry’ is absolutely phenomenal! Definitely check them out.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’ve been in hyper execution mode. I can’t say I have anything on repeat that isn’t my album. I’ll say Orion Sun literally snapped on that ‘Dirty Dancer’ and I can’t stop thinking about random lyrics by Duah Saleh. Meg the Stallion always astounds me. I’m obsessed with ‘Megan’s Piano’.

Other than that I’ve been listening to Kodak, Drake and Lil Durk's albums. I like shit I can throw on that keeps me level while I’m in my feels. Because I’m usually in them. Haha UGH so many!

And Mezzanine by Massive Attack. Angel is my favourite but Man Next Door has been heavy on me for a few months now.

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

I make plans for success. Take myself on dates. As a chef, I’m a foodie. I like to take myself to a new or fav restaurant and vibe out on mixology and culinary excellence. Tipsy midday, find some running water, a view or art show and smoke some weed and do some writing. Go home, watch a movie, paint or... record or stare at a wall. I don’t really hang in the streets much. I always feel like there's work to be done or something at home I’d rather be doing. But if there's a poppin’ show I know of, I'm all in there. Definitely a homebody.

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

Weed, wine and water— BIG W’s.