LUCI - They Say They Love You (Album) + 10 Questions

Recorded in Pittsburgh and LA, 'They Say They Love You' is a 10-track masterpiece exploring themes of love, loneliness, perseverance, self-care, and coming of age. With production credits from industry heavyweights like William J Sullivan, Louallday, Elias Abid, and Edmund Irwinsinger, the album promises to be a transformative journey for listeners. LUCI envisions the album as an experience akin to mushroom tea - warm, multi-layered, and ultimately enlightening. The album will explore themes of love, loneliness, perseverance amid uncertainty, self-care, coming of age, and, as LUCI says, knowing that “at the end of every rainstorm comes a rainbow with my black gay ass.”

Charlotte-born-and-raised artist LUCI has always sought music as a refuge. The Don’t Sleep Records signee’s catalog, buoyed by 2022’s debut EP, Juvenilia showcases a blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, trip-hop, and whatever else she has the whim to explore.

LUCI cites everyone from Young Money to Pink as musical guideposts during her youth on the west side of Charlotte. Though she was always a popular kid who made friends, she often felt like a loner. That solitude led her to confide in creativity. She used poetry as an early oasis to spill about her life without judgment. LUCI’s mother Lu fostered her love for painting, often buying her sketchbooks and other art supplies.

After graduating from Charlotte’s Northwest School of The Arts in 2014, she moved to nearby Asheville and immersed herself in the local music scene. It was there that she formed a band called Defbeat. LUCI says that Defbeat had psychedelic and hip-hop leanings, but went in myriad sonic directions because of the eclectic group’s vast influences. She honed her craft as a vocalist with Defbeat during a period when she says she began to take her music goals more seriously.

By the time Defbeat disbanded, LUCI was ready to make moves on her own. She made her way to upstate New York in 2019, where she learned how to produce on Ableton music production software and filled multiple notebooks with songs. Some of those ended up on 2022’s Juvenilia, including her formal debut “Ash & Dust” single, which music outlet Consequence called “a wildly original statement that points towards the future of hip-hop.

The future is now for LUCI, will explore themes of love, loneliness, perseverance amid uncertainty, self-care, coming of age, and, as LUCI says, knowing that “at the end of every rainstorm comes a rainbow with my black gay ass.”

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. But ever since I started playing with a band in 2015, I haven't been the same. My music hasnt been the same. I’m a monster now. A machine.

That shit showed me my super powers.

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, Future, J Cole, Duah saleh, Tems and doja cat for sure. But you know for the way they’ve influenced me throughout my journey, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi and Tyler, The Creator...haha P!nk. This is such a hard question to answer. 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 like Metro Boomin, Tay Kieth, Jack White, Kevin Parker, Travis Barker, Mac Demarco.

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

My album ‘They Say They Love You’ is out April 19. She's the colour red and she’s giving a little more love, desire, intimacy, introspection and lots of mental and emotional waves. It’s therapy.

I'm on a new evolutionary journey. I’ve also been stewing over officially reintroducing my art into the world. I feel like I just dropped the kids off with their dad’s and I’m going out for the weekend.

After this album I’M SHOWING MY ASS AGAIN! IT'S UP! I’m really coming into my light these days.

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, trends and social media. I have no choice but to be authentic. You can’t describe my sound. I'm like Outkast. You don’t describe them. You say OUTKAST. They can’t guess which way I’m coming or going. 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 on a small level. I’m honoured. 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. And I’m thankful to everyone that has been a part of bringing me to where I am today.

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 AF. 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* at the same time don’t let anyone walk all over you and sell you cheap dreams and false hope. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. Stay right in your spirit.

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. Teezo Touchdown. I've finally dove into his work. I went and saw A. Chal before I even knew his music and I’m a big fan now.

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

I can’t say I have anything on repeat that isn’t my album because I'm obsessing over whether I still like it or not haha. But honestly, I’ve even cut back on that. Aside from that I feel like I’m in a big transition right now. I am evolving big time and during those times i often don't fixate on anything. I crave quiet, stillness and peace. I listen to drake and healing mantras. I’ve got my two or three playlists but I’ve been enjoying lots of silence lately. A lot of new music doesn't really excite me the way it did in 2016.. People are still trying to live up to that year for real.

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

I paint. I eat well. I’m a chef so cooking is another medium I enjoy. I go out to shows and support my friends and fellow musicians. I watch lots of movies these days with my girl and sleep.

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

Weed, wine and water— BIG W’s.