Meet Lindsay Lucas | Songwriter, Producer, Vocalist/Rapper

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Lucas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many individuals outside the music industry often perceive it as similar to other sectors, assuming a linear and logical progression: you attend school, excel, advance through the ranks, and achieve success through persistent effort and talent. It’s seen as a simple equation: A plus B equals C. While there are indeed additional complexities in various industries, such as interpersonal politics, networking, and relationship-building, the music industry predominantly operates on these principles. However, success in music is rarely solely determined by talent. Merely being “talented” or having graduated from a prestigious music institution does not guarantee success. This reality isn’t unique to music and extends to other artistic fields like film, visual arts, and dance, but the music business is like the Wild Wild West.

There are winners that sell the dream and its possibility to us all as a real option, but percentage-wise it is much more difficult than most people realize. Due to the accessibility of music and music creation, there is a much larger pool of people trying to make it (with amateurs and professionals often times receiving the same amount of attention), therefore there is no clear blueprint of what success in the music industry looks like. Luck is a major factor. Its unpredictability and unconventional paths to success can leave many incredibly talented artists penniless and with little to no opportunities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has been quite the journey! As cliché as it may sound, it truly has been… a journey filled with numerous twists, turns, forks, detours, and obstacles I’ve had to navigate around. As mentioned earlier, there’s no straightforward, linear path to success in this industry. It certainly hasn’t been easy, especially as a woman in male-dominated spaces—facing challenges like lack of respect simply because of my gender, dealing with sexual harassment, learning to maneuver past gatekeeping, encountering empty promises, personalities, and envy. Navigating this terrain has been challenging, to say the least.

I believe what sets me apart from others is finding a balance between being an artist and a relatable person. There’s much more to me than just my career, and people often realize this when they meet me. I don’t always lead with my art. I enjoy connecting with people, exploring other hobbies, and embarking on different adventures that enrich various aspects of life. These experiences help me grow as an artist, nourish my soul from every angle, and ultimately enhance the depth and relatability of my music.

A significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of artists allowing themselves time and space to DO NOTHING. We need moments to decompress, disconnect, and recharge our creative energies. Unlike computers, we’re human beings but with a superpower that requires periodic rejuvenation. Artists often feel things on a deeper empathic and spiritual level, making us more susceptible to burnout. This brings me to another crucial lesson: PROTECT YOUR ENERGY. While networking, practicing, and maintaining a presence on social media are important, it’s equally vital to recognize when comparison, industry negativity, or injustices become overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to take breaks from social media or skip certain music community events if they’re draining your energy. I remember a time before social media existed when tapping into the creative ether was much simpler without all the noise.

Lastly, always do your homework. Explore, learn, and LISTEN… expose yourself to diverse musical genres as much as possible. Expand your musical horizons, continuously strive to learn and grow, and remain humble while staying encouraged in your abilities. Keep nurturing your musical gifts by listening and learning and cultivating your musical essence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first order of business is… Motown Mondays! I always recommend experiencing Motown Monday nights at The Short Stop in Echo Park. Every Monday night, it’s an incredible showcase of Motown and Detroit-related music. Some of the best LA DJs curate an amazing night of music and dancing. People of all ages come together to dance and appreciate the sonic tapestry of Detroit and Motown creations. The dance floor there offers one of the most joyous experiences I’ve ever known.

Other highlights include enjoying street taco trucks, the best Armenian food from Mini Kabob, Korean BBQ from Castle, Bloody Marys and beer-battered chicken from Shellback with a stunning pier view in Manhattan Beach, outstanding sushi from Izakaya Osen in Silver Lake, drinks and dinner with live music at Perch DTLA (where I often perform), taking a dance class at Playground LA, spending a Sunday thrift shopping in Echo Park/Silver Lake/Atwater Village/Sherman Oaks, enjoying a beautiful hike at the Griffith Observatory or Runyon Canyon, catching great live music at Gold-Diggers, taking a drive into the San Gabriel Mountains, strolling down Melrose Avenue, and then catching a comedy show at the Hollywood Improv.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh boy, I have a few shoutouts to give!

I was fortunate to have had an unconventional upbringing, enriched with a diverse blend of multicultural influences and immersion in the music industry. Both of my parents were composers, producers and music teachers, exposing me to the intricacies of music creation from a young age. I vividly recall the daily rhythms of our household resonating with the sounds of jingles being crafted, and both classical and contemporary piano pieces being taught. It was like a unique family business boot camp, where I absorbed the art of song development across various genres, Via osmosis, I developed a strong musical ear and became a musical chameleon, navigating the landscape of composition, crafting strong hooks, and adeptly emulating a wide array of musical styles. My mom, a Berklee grad, and my dad, a seasoned veteran of the music industry, shared invaluable wisdom and mentoring from their years of experience—insights that transcend traditional music education.

My formative years were also shaped by vibrant cultural experiences, spending much of my childhood in the island of Jamaica a well as New York City. These diverse environments exposed me to an array of musical communities, each leaving an indelible mark on my musical identity.

Years later, I was a background vocalist touring with The Nigel Hall Band, alongside the incredibly talented Lettuce and Soulive bands. This experience was nothing short of extraordinary, propelling me into a realm where I shared stages with musical legends and significantly enhanced my resume.

I couldn’t do a shoutout without mentioning dane.zone, an exceptional music creative and sound designer, with whom I’ve collaborated for five years. Together, we form the production duo Used People, often dubbed ‘the cheat code’ by our peers for our comprehensive music production capabilities. Our original samples have been utilized by artists like French Montana, Roc Marciano, Russ, 03 Greedo, Jay Electronica, among others. Working alongside Dane has been both inspiring and remarkably seamless.

And lastly, there is one pivotal chapter of my journey stands out above the rest—the three-year residency I held at America’s oldest jazz club, the renowned Wally’s Cafe and Jazz in Boston, Massachusetts. Owned by the Walcott/Pointdexter family, Wally’s was an invaluable crucible for me to refine my skills as a performer, band leader, and delve into the nuances of live vocal production. Wally’s, often affectionately referred to as ‘Wally’s University’, holds a special place in my heart. Whenever doubt creeps in or nerves threaten to overshadow a musical endeavor, I simply close my eyes and channel the same energy I felt on that stage. I am eternally grateful to the Wally’s family for their trust and support, which not only molded me into a better performer but also instilled the confidence I needed to believe in myself as an artist.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindstagram/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsaylucasmusic

Image Credits
Erin Porter, Wendy Ngala, Melissa Isabel, Erica Reade, Valerie Anselme