From Gigs to Grit: How Luci is Building Something Bold in Adelaide
Photo: Zane Qureshi
Comprising Isabel, Jaz, and Erin, the indie-rock band “LUCI” is currently making significant strides in the music scene of South Australia. We recently had the opportunity to conduct an interview with them.
How did you come up with the name “LUCI”?
When we were like fifteen, we were laying down and speaking gibberish & trying to come up with a name. we can’t remember which one of us said luci but it just stuck with us.
How did each of you get into making music?
We’ve all been pretty creative with making music since we were young. We listen to good music and then want to create our own music based on it. Making music with other people is such a good feeling.
To anyone who’s never heard LUCI perform live, how would you describe the music that you make?
Ooh, I reckon it used to be a bit riot girl, punk, rock-is, but as we’ve gotten older, we have started making more experimental music; however, we still have a rock element. We focus on good lyrics & strong fem vocals.
When and how did you three meet?
Isabel: So I started to become good friends with Kiera, with a mutual friend and we were just talking about how I left another band. And I was complaining to her about it and she said you should come jam with me and my friends and then Luci was formed.
What is the feeling and listening experience you want people to take away from your songs “Be Your Doll” & “Lights Turn Red”?
With lights turn red we didn’t actually know people would understand what it’s about but people seem to get it. It’s a song about someone not treating you right & bad people. It’s all really close to our hearts and I feel like people can understand how much it means to us.
Growing up as a young fem person in this world is hard and I think a lot of people can relate to that. Our songs are pretty lighthearted hearted we just wanna lift moods.
What artists and musicians inspire your music and yourselves?
We don’t have one inspiration but a few people who do inspire us are - Mazzy Star, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Mitski, Phoebe Bridges, Alex G. other than that just local bands around adl really inspire us too.
How does it feel to be playing local gigs every few weeks, at such a young age?
Oh, it’s so fun. Good scene to get around when you’re so young. It puts you out there and builds creativity, and everyone is supportive of each other. It does expose them to a different environment, and they’re mostly all good people. It’s nice to find a lot of people with similar interests to you & you can build even a little fan base. Also because of local scene is so male dominated it’s great to be able to encourage more fem artists to perform and play.
What are your thoughts on the Adelaide music scene?
LOVE IT! Adelaide’s a bit underrated when it comes to looking at Australian music. There are a lot of incredibly talented musicians here. If you’re at a local show, you’ll find artists from other local bands. Everyone’s there for each other and supporting each other.
If you three could play anywhere in the wor, where would it be & why?
Sweden - cos Yung Lean. Maybe Berlin. Ooh, a gig on top of Mount Everest would be cool. Maybe in a boat? Ooooh, wait, no Space - Luci on the Moon.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any musician or band - dead or alive - who it it/be and why?
Alex G.
Favourite venue to perform at?
We like Lowlife. Lowlife is so fun to play at. Everyone’s really nice there. We also like Unibar. We also absolutely love Cranker (crown and anchor). We don’t have a specific favourite, we couldn’t do that to the locals.
Top 3 Places in Adl.
Crown and Anchor
Dragon Chow Chow
Subtype & Room on Fire vintage & A Flat Shop
What can listeners and fans expect to see in 2023?
Lots of new songs, live shows, maybe merch?
