13 October 2016 (released)
13 October 2016
Hi Uncle Lucius, you are a decade into a recording career. Can you recall your initial ambition?
Hello. Thanks for the interest. The initial ambition was simply to support ourselves by playing music. The first few years, we all had part time jobs and toured on the side.
How has the reality of a music career differed to your expectations?
It definitely took a bit longer than we initially expected to reach that initial goal. However, for at least 4 years, this has been everyone's full time job.
You have released four studio albums, what is the biggest lesson you have learnt from the process?
Pre-production is VERY important. We have never had the luxury of taking our time in the studio because of the financial burden.
Do you learn more about your artistry on the road or in the studio?
We are a touring band. The lion's share of our growth happens on the road.
Which domain do you prefer?
The studio. We would like to one day be able to hunker down without being limited by the hourly cost.
Is there anything you would go back to change?
Not at all. Everything we have been through makes us who we are today.
Your sound is hard to categorise, who would file yourself alongside?
Sturgill Simpson, Ray Charles and Pink Floyd.
Your current release is a double A-side - tell us a little more...
The choice was intended to show the band's range. "Don't Own the Right" is the most "country" song on the album. "Flood Then Fade Away" has more of a modern rock feel. Lyrically, both tunes are a call to ourselves and the listener to do some self examination.
The songs are lifted from your album The Light. What inspired the record?
Life experience and introspection.
Can you give us an insight into Uncle Lucius' writing process?
It's a bit all over the place. Some tunes are brought to the table whole by individuals. Some start as ideas and are sussed out together.
What is the band dynamic when building an album?
We let the songs dictate the direction. Everyone plays to serve the tune. Each player has equal say, and we try all ideas. The finished product is something we have all agreed upon.
And finally, have you already started album 5?
There is no studio time booked, but we already have two new songs that are in our repertoire now. There are bits and pieces of others that will soon be worked in and of course a few of us have full songs ready to be explored in a band setting. We will continue vetting them live and let things unfold organically.
Uncle Lucius start their UK tour on October 31st in Sheffield. More details at www.uncleluciusmusic.com
