On Thursdays, Del Osei-Owusu sits down with an artist on the FOTN radar and gets them to tell their origin story over a cup of tea and biscuits – this week it’s the turn of Lucigenic and she brought custard creams.
Hello Lucigenic how are you?
Hello… all is going great thanks. Excited to be putting finishing touches to our first Vinyl album… a real labour of love.
Congratulations on the release of “Comfort Zone” how does it feel?
Comfort Zone is a personal favourite, which had been a ‘work in progress’ for a long time. It found its final direction with the input of Simon Wolstencroft and producer Thomas Twemlow (Hope Studios) I’m so pleased with the final result and delighted with the reaction we’re getting so far. I had no expectations, I knew I loved it and that was enough, but it seems to resonate with everyone that gives it a listen, which is an incredible feeling.
You co wrote it with Simon Wolstencroft, who’s also on drums how did that collaboration come about?
Simon has played drums on most of our tracks and also played several gigs with us. I was just singing the verse as a warm up at a rehearsal, Simon immediately loved it… it needed a chorus and structure which Simon brought to life with his suggested rhythmic beats and lo-fi tempo which worked perfectly and inspired the new chorus and melody I came up with.
What’s the story behind the song?
Comfort Zone reflects a life of unfulfilled ambitions, aspirations and wasted talent from fear of stepping outside your Comfort Zone with counter reflections of apathy and discontentment when reaching the height of success with all of life’s luxuries.
Tell us about Lucigenic. You’re a collective from Manchester how did you all come together?
Lucigenic are headed up by myself (Lucy) and guitarist Gary Wyatt as the key songwriters. 4 years ago we attracted interest from producer Mike Bennett (The Fall/ Ian Brown) who introduced us to Simon Wolstencroft who joined as our drummer along with Mark Refoy ( Spiritualised: Spacemen 3) and Dave Barbarossa ( Bow Wow Wow/ Republica/ John Dwyer) who also feature on some of our recent releases / Album tracks. In 2023 we worked with Mcr Producer Dave Tolan ( Tory Amos/Charlatans/ Denise Johnson) on further releases and joined forces with Thomas Twemlow ( Bass / Guitar/Producer) and Tomos Williams ( Drummer/Engineer)from Hope Mill Studios where we recorded our final 5 Album Tracks with Simon Wolstencroft.
What did you listen to starting out?
Everything from Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Patti Smith, Chameleons, Joy Division, Mazzy Star
You’ve got a vinyl album coming out this year, what’s your favourite track from it?
That’s a tough one… can I have 2 please…? Has to be ‘Comfort Zone’ and ‘Shine On’
What’s been your favourite part of the process of putting it together?
Seeing and hearing the tracks evolve and flourish from their initial birth on an acoustic guitar and hummed melodies into my voice notes on my phone … I love listening back to those voice notes once the song is finished.
You’ve also supported Dick Valentine on his solo tour, tell us a funny story from the road.
Well, it wasn’t that funny for poor Dick (Who is an absolute legend and trooper…) The Night & Day MCR gig was a big turn out , poor Dick was struck with stomach bug/food poisoning (Worst nightmare with only a couple of venue loos available) Despite all odds, Dick didn’t moan…. he just soldiered on an played a blinder of a set (A little paler and clammier than usual poor thing) Needless to say the beer rider went a long way that night!
Manchester is known for its legendary roster of musicians, what are your top three of all time?
Joy Division
Chameleons
Smiths
What are you listening to at the moment?
Big Thief
Cigarettes after Sex
She Drew the Gun
Wolf Alice
What are you looking forward to this year?
Our first Vinyl Album release and launch party on 12th October at Night & Day Manchester!
