An Interview With Uncle Lucius

Four albums into their recording career and Uncle Lucius have shown us that the Texans are only growing better and better with each release. Ahead of their UK tour later this year, we caught up with the band to learn a little more.

MG: Uncle Lucius! Introduce yourselves...

UL: We are a collection of thirty-somethings with no sense of fashion and a drive to remain afloat financially by creating and performing music. We're averse to the rat race and remain steadfast in our determination to never have a “straight job” again. For the last ten years the band has toured the States extensively and released four studio albums along the way. You could say we are jaded by the business side of the music industry, but move forward despite that. Deep down we hold to the belief that as long as we pursue our bliss, everything else will take care of itself.

MG: Your latest record is The Light. Tell us about it.

UL: This one is a culmination of our ten years as a band. It reflects our musical influences and delves into the question of self and the journey toward understanding.

MG: Tell us a secret from the songwriting sessions.

UL: No matter how complete a song may seem, it doesn’t make the cut unless we are all in agreement that it passes muster.

MG: How does your songwriting process play out?

UL: There’s no set formula. Sometimes we collaborate, sometimes songs are brought to the table fully written. Once it’s on the table, though, everyone has free reign to edit.

MG: The current single is "Age of Reason". What is the age of reason for you?

UL: A time and space in which common sense takes centre stage.

MG: What inspired the song?

UL: I didn’t write it, but a very close friend of mine did. I am honoured to be the voice through which this message is delivered, and agree with every word of it. I would venture to guess that current culture of fear, the twenty-four hour news cycle and the hateful rhetoric so prevalent in society may have inspired the song.

MG: How did you select it as a single?

UL: This one’s timely. It was almost a no brainer. The fact that we enjoy playing it so much didn’t hurt! 

MG: Do you each have a favourite song on the album?

UL: Not really. The answer to that is constantly in flux.

MG: What is the best feedback you have received to date?

UL: We’ve had a few people tell us it’s difficult to classify our sound.

MG: And the funniest?

UL: From a first time Uncle Lucius live show attendant: “You’re like a mix of Pearl Jam and Dolly Parton!”

MG: Comparisons in the industry are inevitable, aren't they? Who are you compared to most often?
most frequently?

UK: Dolly Parton! Just kidding. The Band seems to come up quite a bit. That’s pretty humbling.

MG: If you had to file yourself between two artists, who would they be? The Band and The Temptations.

MG: We've heard that the Uncle Lucius live show is something to behold. What does it consist of?

UL: I’ll start by telling you what you won’t see. There are no choreographed moves, matching outfits, smoke or mirrors. What you will find is a band that is comfortable with each other. You’ll find a level of tightness that comes only by playing so many shows together. You’ll see five men who enjoy and believe in what they do.

MG: Are you a band who prefers life on the road or in the studio?

UL: We prefer a balance of both. The road builds your chops, the studio gives you the creative outlet.

MG: Lastly, if you could collaborate with one artist, who would it be?

UL: Quincy Jones, obviously.

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To keep up with Uncle Lucius, keep an eye on their website and social media. You can download The Light on iTunes.