INTERVIEW: Lu.Ci on her latest single 'Chains': "I go against the grain and let my art speak for itself."

Published: 7 January 2025

London singer-songwriter Lu.Ci is a multi-faceted artist who counts poetry, painting and writing among her many talents alongside her consummate skill for creating incredible music.

First releasing music in 2020, her songs have been a mixture of R&B, rock, country and pop with Lu.Ci alternating between spoken word and her powerfully expressive singing voice. Reflecting her love of poetry and words, her music is based around beautiful and deep lyricism that tackle subjects including mental health struggles, relationships and the empowerment of rising from low points to become stronger than ever before.

Her latest single ‘Chains’ is perhaps Lu.Ci’s most political and powerful song to date. Set to a dark, brooding beat that gradually develops into a delicious electronica-dance soundscape, ‘Chains’ confronts a society that places money above all else, even the health of our planet, with the result that humanity has effectively become enslaved to the power money wields. ‘More money / More power’ is a repeated refrain throughout the song.

“Money makes the world go round, but how are you gonna spend your money if the earth dies? It’s time to put our priorities straight before it’s too late,” Lu.Ci says. “As a collective, we have forgotten what’s important, and we have put money and power first over life. Choices are being taken away from people, others are struggling to get by and species are dying out. There’s enough money in the world that all of these issues can be irradiated if only we all worked together. As a member of the neurodiverse family, I like to ensure that my music has elements that will calm anxiety, stress and quiet the mind. I really feel that this track has succeeded in this aspect.”

‘Chains’ is an invigorating, rousing and important track from an artist that is increasingly becoming a compelling listen through the release of her previous eight singles. We recently caught up with Lu.Ci to chat more about ‘Chains’ and her music career to date.

Hi Lu.Ci! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat. How is life with you right now?
Life at the moment feels like a roller coaster. Being an independent artist, one minute your up celebrating your achievements and the next minute your trying to do everything you can to keep momentum going. 

I want to start by congratulating you on your latest single ‘Chains’, what a brilliant track! You have spoken about how as a society we chase money while ignoring the fact that our planet is dying. Can you talk to me a little bit more about what inspired you to write this song?
After watching the news and scrolling on social media, seeing how choices are being taken away from some and others being ignored, I simply got frustrated with the whole system. Those in power are simply focusing on what lines their pockets, not for the good and wellbeing of the world as whole.

The message in ‘Chains’ is so powerful, and it resonates so much more after the challenges we have seen in 2024 and how money and power can really distort the world we live in. No one person can change the world, but what do you think we can all do individually to make change within our own community?
Firstly, we need to accept that we are all equal. No gender nor culture should enhance or decrease our value within society and no one should control how we live within our own bodies. That is our choice alone. We need to stop putting money before the needs of our world. If it means going backwards for a future gain, then so be it. If there’s no world left, how will you spend your money? 

If I can take you back to the middle of the year, and your single ‘Jealousy’. I love this song so much, its mix of rock and pop and the empowering lyrics celebrating freedom from someone that previously held you down. Can you talk to me a little about this incredible song, and the story behind it?
Jealousy is a very strong emotion which I see predominantly across social media. Humans have a habit of wanting what they don’t have, but instead of thinking what they can do to better themselves, they tend to want to covet what others have who destroy it. The song is actually saying, “look into your heart and you will see” you want to be better, so instead of watching, do it.

As I mentioned, the lyrics and message of ‘Chains’ are so powerful, and you also write and perform poetry, often merging the two with spoken word sections in your songs. Have words, lyrics, language always been a big part of your life, even from childhood?
I started writing poetry from a young age. I was an outcast, never accepted. I put this down to being undiagnosed ADHD as a child. To counteract the hurt, I put pen to paper and let out all of the feelings I was holding inside. This then turned into lyrics when I put words to sound. Very therapeutic.

For those we may be new to your music, how did you get started in your musical career?
I started off in musical theatre, playing Nancy in Oliver and received my first nomination for best actress in a musical. From there I studied music and drama at school and continued into working with music producers and hanging around in studios.

Who were the artists that inspired you growing up, and what artists have the same effect on you today?
I was brought up on Frankie Valli and The Four seasons, Etta James, many rock and roll bands. As I got older I was inspired by Alanis Morissette, Queen, Rolling Stones and David Bowie. Today, I take inspiration from so many, Lady Gaga, Rag’n’Bone Man and Teddy Swims. 

The music industry has traditionally been a difficult space for women to exist in, thanks in part to be being run by older, straight, white men for so long.  There is pressure for women to fit into a particular box or look a certain way, pressure that is never put on male artists. What are your thoughts on gender (in)equality in the music industry?
I completely agree. Its seems that being a male is easier in any industry but particularly preferred in the music industry. This has to change and there’s no time like the present. Many women feel they have to look a certain way or come across a “desirable” in order to make it. I go against the grain and let my art speak for itself. Shaved both sides of my head and say what I like. There’s more to being a woman than just an appearance. You don’t have to have long hair and a large chest to be successful. Confidence and strength is key.

‘Chains’ is out now what do you have planned for 2025?
2025 is going to be a big year for me. I have a very large project starting the year off, involving charities and I hope it will help many people from all places of society to get peace and support they need. I’m also planning a mini uk tour and my first album. 

‘Chains’ is not now. You can buy and stream here.
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