Host Spotlight: an opportunity to shine a light on our wonderful radio hosts and wider community, be it a new music release, a brand new music residency or simply to champion them as an individual. Originally from Wales and now residing in Liverpool, we chat with DJ, producer and ‘Broken Record’ host, Lucy Grey! Lucy has been making waves not just locally but also globally recently, with guest mixes on Marseille’s Ola Radio as well as her Melodic residency. Now with a debut EP on the way, we find out more about where it all began…
Hey Lucy! How did you first get into music?
Eeeek – how long do I have! I first got into music when I started playing my sister’s keyboard at around age six. I used to sneak in to play it when she was out. One day my mum overheard me and I decided I should start some lessons.
I enjoyed the piano… but to be honest, only because people told me I was good at it and because I ‘did well’ in the exams. It wasn’t until later on, when I found artists and music that resonated with me, that I found my love of music. Music became my sanctuary and was my form of self expression, even from a young age. Piano allowed me to question and explore who I was and I’m sure that other musicians feel that way too. These days, music is my meditation – a hella cheap escape from the craziness of everyday life.
How has your background in classical piano led you to where you are now? Do you think it informs your DJing/production and vice versa?
I definitely think that being classically trained changes the way you experience music, but I don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing. I believe it’s limited me sometimes, as I feel stuck in the boundaries of ‘rules’ that have been ingrained in me for so long. Like, you can fall into really dull production and songwriting habits that are hard to break from. I’ve definitely found that the best creative output, whether that’s production or songwriting, is a combination between classical and traditional influences with something new – something that breaks the sense of familiarity and keeps the ears hooked.
What are the main ideas behind your Melodic Distraction residency, ‘Broken Record’?
The idea of Broken Record is to find beauty and meaning within the unfamiliar. I want to inspire people with music that they may not necessarily listen to, and to allow people to escape to a different landscape through music.
I don’t know if this makes sense to anyone else, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve experienced all music through shades of light and dark. Broken Record gives me the chance to play different shades of music that I wouldn’t necessarily play in a club. The shows have gotten darker and darker recently and I’m excited to see where it goes.
You’ve welcomed some incredible guests onto your show, such as LUNÁTICA and Sines. Why do you think it’s important to connect with other scenes and artists from across the globe?
Aaa thanks! To be honest, it would feel kinda wrong for me to host a global-oriented music show without showcasing DJs and producers from around the world… I already feel suuuper lucky and proud to have had these guests on my show. I’ve also got Dirty K coming down this month while he’s still based in the UK – I couldn’t be happier!
As a co-organiser and resident for Anti-Pattern, can you tell us a bit more about the project and your involvement?
Despite all going to Manchester Uni and having the same friends, I actually only met Leslie and Will once I had moved to Liverpool. My mate Hal (big up) from Late Night Shopper played one of my unreleased tunes on his Limbo Radio show, which caught Leslie’s ears. He got in touch and asked me to play at AP, and soon after asked me to get involved with the organising. We’ve put on two incredibly fun nights so far which have both sold out. Sadly Grow in Tottenham is no longer functioning as a venue due to the new luxury apartments next door *sigh*, but we are gonna try to get a party boxed off this year once we decide on a new venue.
What’s your take on the music scene here in Liverpool? Any local producers/nights/promoters on your radar?
I am always impressed by what’s going on with Liverpool’s music scene. It’s such a welcoming and friendly environment and it’s so nice meeting more and more fellow music nerds. I’m always in awe of the energy in Liverpool, especially at parties like Red City where people actually DANCE! I also love love love what QUARRY is doing – they’ve opened their new backyard just in time for sunny weather and I’m so excited to head to some gigs there.
What’s coming up next for you?
Me being me (not complaining!) I take on quite a lot of projects at the same time… but the most current and exciting news is:
I am planning on taking a small DJ hiatus and am finaaalllyyy going to get my s*** together to finish my EP. I feel super lucky that I’m able to release my music on a label that I love (~TBA~). I’m kind of nervous as I’ve been sitting on these tunes for so long, but it’s cool to think that people might enjoy them.
In my non-electronic music world, I’ve recently started up a post-punk project with my mate Mike, who runs Moonfrog. We’re both super excited to see where this goes as we seem to work really well together musically. We’re hoping to do some live gigs this year… stay tuned!
Listen to the next Broken Record on Melodic Distraction on Saturday 12th March. In the meantime, check out Lucy’s feature on Renslink’s ‘Curiosity is a Type Of Youth’ with č below, and be sure to catch her DJing at Bridewell Studios for Humble Abode this Saturday! Tickets here.
|| LUCY GREY || ANTI-PATTERN ||