It’s not what you think. The exotic one-name thing. In fact, nothing about LUCIA is what you might expect. Yes, she goes by a single name. And yes, she’s a strong-willed chanteuse. But she’s not another one-named diva - a producer’s fantasy made manifest for mass consumption. The world barely has a use for the ones currently littering the pop landscape. Rather, LUCIA (pronounced Loo-CHEE-ah) is her own creation.
Crave: What made you decide you needed to do a solo album?
Lucia: I have always dreamt of making a solo album, where I could explore the more vulnerable side of myself. My existing fan base is so used to hearing the aggressive side. I wanted to expose the different layers.
Crave: Was the recording process very different then with kmfdm?
Lucia: Yes, extremely different. I moved to London for 6 months and worked with a producer I had never worked with before, who had a very specific way of doing things. We both were on a learning curve adjusting to our different approaches.
Crave: What has the response to "From the Land of Volcanoes" been like?
Lucia: There is quite a bit of positive support considering we have pretty much zero radio presence. New fans are discovering the album everyday through word of mouth.
Crave: How did you get started in music?
Lucia: I've been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. When I was14 my oldest sister encouraged me to start taking voice lessons. My voice teacher encouraged me to write my own material and my writing partners encouraged me to form my own band.
Crave: What would you say the biggest pitfalls are in the industry to look out for?
Lucia: One thing I always try to convey to new artists starting out is to have a good attorney. Do not sign anything without having it reviewed by a lawyer who specializes in the music business. Quite a few new artists sign contracts under pressure and later regret it.
Crave: What inspires you to write?
Lucia: Every aspect of life
Crave: Is the Seattle music scene very different from what you were used to in New York?
Lucia: I think every city has its scene. Artists orbiting each other playing the same clubs, becoming familiar with one another. Same idea different place.
Crave: What’s your favorite city or venue to play?
Lucia: Of course, NYC is my favorite place to play. I’m extremely nostalgic about my hometown.
Crave: What was the first album you ever owned?
Lucia: Probably “The Cure”
Crave: What CD have you been listening to lately?
Lucia: I’m revisiting “Curve” Chinese Burn
Crave: What is the writing process like, does the music come first or the lyrics?
Lucia: It varies from situation to situation. “So Clever” was inspired by a bass line, Northern Star, with a lyric and melody idea that I later brought to Patrick Leonard.
Crave: Who has been your biggest inspiration, personally or musically in life?
Lucia: My mother. She has taught me how important it is to be an independent woman and has always told me to reach for the stars in whatever I do.
Crave: What would be a perfect day off for you?
Lucia: Lying on Windsor Beach in Bermuda, sipping a frozen drink under a palm tree and staring out into the deep blue sea.
Crave: What do you do to prepare for a show; do you have any before show rituals?
Lucia: I do vocal warm-ups, stretch, drink tons of water, try to relax as much as possible.
Crave: Do you have any advice for new artists looking for a career in music?
Lucia: Be focused; don't get caught up in the cliché's of the business. Treat people the way you want to be treated and learn your craft. Be influenced by everything but emulate no one.
Crave: What's in the future for Lucia?
Lucia: Only time will tell
Click here for a CD review of "From the Land of Volcanos".
