A Catch-up With Uncle Lucius On The Eve Of Their UK Tour

Uncle Lucius started 2016 on a strong footing with the release of the awesome The Light, their fourth studio album. We're firm fans of their rock driven sound that has Americana and lo-fi indie edges and were excited indeed when then they announced a run of UK dates, starting at the end of October and running into November.   As a follow up to our conversation with them earlier this year, we got back in touch to find out about how life has been treating them and to celebrate their upcoming UK dates by asking a few questions. 

Musos' Guide: Hey guys! You're currently on the road. What's the funniest moment of the European trip so far?

Uncle Lucius: There have been a lot of funny moments so far. Just tonight we spent fifteen minutes in the entryway of the hotel trying out all our keys before we realized that the door was unlocked. We tried some surströmming in Sweden the other night. It’s fermented herring and is known as ‘shitfish’ for its, er, distinctive smell. More like rotten eggs, really. Our guts were equal to the task, no returns on the merchandise. Pretty hilarious watching each other’s faces as we tried to get it down!

MG: How do European audiences differ from those Stateside?

UL: Generally speaking, European audiences are more focused on the music than the party. Though we do play listening rooms in the States, a lot of the taverns and halls tend to be split between drinkers and dancers. Our first few overseas gigs caught us off guard because people were listening so intently. Sweden is particularly attentive, almost severe in comparison to their rowdy counterparts back home. They call the gigs ‘concerts’, not ‘shows’ — an appropriate distinction.

MG: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made during a show?

UL: There are so many to choose from! I’ve started the wrong song a few times, I’ve hit the transpose button on my keyboard accidentally, rendering every note a 1/2 step sharp or flat. I’ve handed a tambourine out into the audience; inevitably it winds up in the hands of a drunken star-in-their-own-minds. Mispronounced the name of the town we’re in, given a shout out to the owner or soundman and gotten their name wrong. If I had to pick the biggest mistake, it’d be sleeping through the first part of a gig - a gig that started @ 11 PM mind you - and trying to sneak my way onstage without anyone noticing. Not being there at all might qualify for the worst among equals.

MG: What is the best performance you have ever done?

UL: Personally there was an open mic one Valentine’s Day about 15 years ago that sticks out. I was in my work uniform and on my way to my third shift gas station job, and there were a few couples in the audience, and something about the moment inspired me. That’s the only gig when I can remember every single thing that could have gone right going right, one after the other. A few Uncle Lucius gigs stand above the rest but if I had to choose one, it’d be the American Music Fest in Berwyn, Illinois, outside Chicago. The band was hot, the crowd was locked in, it was like every heart in the room beat together.

MG: Complete this sentence, being on stage is....

UL: Being truly alive. When the song grabs you, and your bandmates are acting as one, and the crowd is right there with you, there’s no fuller feeling. That rare moment of true synchronicity - when the universe seems to exist entirely for that show, that song, that note even - reminds me why pursuing music is such a lucky life to lead.

MG: You're about to start your UK dates. What can we expect from the tour?

UL: A great show every night, and a different show. We like to mix up the setlist, cater our program to the contours of each room and each crowd. Getting to travel like this is such a privilege that you can bet we will do our utmost to make each set special and a little better than the night before.

MG: You have a double A-side coming out. Is that because you couldn't decide which song you preferred..?

UL: While they’re not companion pieces, we thought that the two songs showcased our range well when heard together. 'Don’t Own the Right' is the nearest to a straight country song on the LP, while 'Flood Then Fade Away' gives a nod to more contemporary sounds.

MG: How do you select a single?

UL: We have a roundabout, somewhat convoluted democratic process in the band. Everyone has an equal vote, and sometimes that makes decision making slow and cumbersome. Choosing a single was relatively easy though, there were a handful that obviously made more sense in radio land, songs that were compact and catchy. We’d love nothing more than to put out 6 minute singles and hopefully with time we’ll have some leeway to push the boundaries a bit!

MG: Tell us about the meaning behind both the songs.

UL: 'Flood Then Fade' has to do with confrontation, specifically confronting your own preconceptions and defense mechanisms, and seeing these shadowy figures in the light of day. A lot of our egotism is tied to the past, the beliefs we’ve held, the identity we believe is ours. Letting go of these comforts is very challenging, but doing so can help you be more present, and confront each moment honestly. 'Don’t Own the Right' is a ‘getting stoned in glass houses’, er, ‘don’t throw stones from glass houses’ kind of idea. It’s easy to condemn someone for habits you don’t have, but a little more difficult to get beyond being judgmental in general.

MG: Lastly, if you could support any artist in the world, who would it be

UL: Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine (if they reunite). If I have to pick one, Tedeschi Trucks, because life would be very good indeed just hearing them night after night. What a great band.

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Uncle Lucius take to the road in the UK from today, the 31st October, with a first gig in Sheffield and they play their final UK date on the 7th November in Leicester. For more information about their upcoming UK shows, check out the band's Facebook. You can also keep up with them on Twitter and Instagram.