Lucie Silvas

12 years have passed since Lucie Silvas released her major label debut Breathe In to a flurry on critical praise and massive radio exposure. The British songstress followed the release just two years later with The Same Side before taking a break to focus on songwriting. A decade after her last release, she finally returns with her third studio album, Letters To Ghosts.

Hi Lucie, it has been quite a journey to Letters To Ghosts. For those who haven't heard from you since your last UK release, can you bridge the gap...

Hey there! I’ve always been influenced by a few different genres … mainly Motown, Country and Blues. Living in Nashville for years has given me a big education with Country music and Americana. I love artists like Tedeschi Trucks, JD McPherson, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton and Brothers Osborne. All these artists are making the kind of music that sounds classic and timeless. I don’t wanna just release music now that will be a flash in pan. I want it to last. It’s real songwriting and a lifestyle that I’ve fallen in love with.

You are now based in Nashville, how has your location shaped your sound?

It’s such a eclectic place for music and everything and everyone is in close proximity so it’s easy to be inspired every day. The lifestyle definitely has an impact on the way I make music. I feel more laid back about things but excited at the same time to get creative and not feel distracted by the wrong things. I understand the music I grew up listening to more living here, and therefore music is all the more enjoyable to make.

As you have been enjoying great success as a songwriter, were you tempted to remain away from the stage?

I guess I was for a minute there, yes. I felt like it would be simpler and less pressured, but it’s something that really drives me. Once I’m on stage I feel at home. It’s a huge buzz to perform live and I could never give it up. I love writing but getting to sing is another thing all together. It’s not easy for your personal life to be traveling all the time and always feel pulled from pillar to post, but if you can remain level headed and find balance, it’s an exciting life to live.

How would you say your ambitions have altered over the years?

My ambitions have always been big, but expectation and ambition are two very different things. I try to keep the expectations in check but I’m more motivated than ever to dream big and not waste any time that I’m here. I still want to travel to so many places and play those bucket list stages. The want for my personal life, though, is just as big… I don’t want to spend my life just chasing one thing alone.

Your husband is in The Brothers Osborne, how closely do you work together?

We work on a bunch of different things together but then in some cases are careful to keep things separate where we feel it’s better for us. He co-produced the new album and we worked long hours night after night getting things right. It can be all consuming but it was really exciting for us ‘cause we are so proud of it and we agree on so much creatively too. I respect him hugely for his talent but also he has such a level head. He works harder than most people I know and he inspires me in the process.

Their album has done well in the US, would you be tempted to fully introduce them to the UK audiences?

I don’t think I’ll need to. Hopefully UK audiences will find out on their own that their music is so brilliant and I know they are excited about the prospect of coming to the UK. They are working their way there.

Returning to the album, tell us what influenced the record?

So many things… the place in my life, the music I was hearing around me. But also I always wanted to bring in my childhood influences like Fleetwood Mac, Jackie Wilson and Jackson 5. I am in love with Bonnie Raitt; she is one of my biggest influences so I was listening to her non-stop again during the making of the album.

How did you choose what structure Letters To Ghosts would take?

There’s just one cover on there which is one of my fav Roy Orbison songs “You Got It.” I wanted to do a different take on that song, and after hearing Whoopi Goldberg sing it in that movie “Boys on the Side,” I wanted to create my own version. I didn’t really plan the structure of the album. The songs just came together and I knew which ones I couldn’t leave off the album. They each had a story to tell in the order they appear; every song being from a very personal place. I just wanted to make sure no part of the story was left out and that the sound of everything flowed right.

Which song were you most nervous for people to hear?

Probably “Villain.” Its a poignant song for me and probably anyone who has had to face heartache… both heartaches they endured and caused.

Lastly, if you could advise someone in a similar position to you, what advice would you give?

I’d say keep working and be kind. Never let your ego mess up whats important. Just do what you do, and put your talent into hard work and keep moving. You don’t have to chase something, just make your own rules and path and stay on it… and let what will be, be.

Lucie Silvas is on tour in September. All dates at www.luciesilvas.com