Interviews: The Lucidia Project

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal band The Lucidia Project from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

Thank you for asking that! I actually put a lot of thought into the name. I had this idea to fuse alternative and indie styles into our music so I want to blend something that would traditionally be seen in an indie band, and a metal band. I was originally going to call us "The Oculus Project"... But it doesn't have a very good ring to it. I did my research and really dug deep into what I wanted this band to be about and landed on the word "Lucida", and then the feminine name "Lucidia". Both basically mean the same thing, which is brightness, clarity, distant stars... I always interpreted as shining light upon something. So "The Lucidia Project", is essentially a mission statement. We write about some pretty dark and emotionally heavy topics, and our goal is to bring light to these things, and provide catharsis, and healing not just for myself, but for others listening who might relate to what it is that we are writing about.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I love big dark, dramatic, and cinematic music. I also love alternative rock and softer piano moments in music. The other guys like a lot of the same music, Ben especially brings in heavy indie rock influences to our sound. I guess you can call us symphonic metal but we are trying to take our own spin on it. I feel like this genre fits themes that we want to talk about, and the lyrics that I write. It is just a very beautiful genre with a lot of different ways to interpret it.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We did not! This whole thing started with an idea that I (Chase) had. I had this idea for 15 years, but I could never find the right person or people to create it or make it happen. I wrote a demo EP by myself and showed some of the songs to Ben, who I met through a band mixing website, and he liked the music enough to meet with me for coffee one day. I discussed with him the concept, the vision, the plan for future songs, building this thing from the ground up, and then trying to find like-minded musicians who we got along with. Slowly over about 2 years, after auditioning and trying out other musicians we met, Chris, Dan, and Bruce. During this whole process, we have gotten to know each other, but we were essentially complete strangers 2 years ago.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

This one is hard. It was a toss-up between Katatonia and Evanescence for me. Since Evanescence is my ground zero for all things heavy music, I am going with them. Ben chose a post-metal band called Pelican. Chris really likes Blue Murder. Dan chose Suicidal Tendencies, and Bruce chose Tesla.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Honestly... Life inspires me. Songwriting is one of my therapies, so I am inspired by anything and everything. Now, for this project, I'm diving into darker themes like trauma, pain, and grief, but also hope. I've been writing songs and lyrics since I was 8 years old, it's like breathing air for me.

6. Where was your last gig?

We are actually still working on our live act. We are in the rehearsal period right now, but we hope to start playing live by the end of the year.

7. Where would you like to act?

I would love to play in the UK or Ireland. I know that some of the guys have local venues that they really want to play. But I really would like to bring us internationally one day.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

GOSH! so many bands and artists! It's hard to choose. Here is a short list. If these trees could talk, Radiohead, Insomnium, Evanescence, Within Temptation, A Perfect Circle, Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Dark Tranquility, Tori Amos, Dee Snyder, Judas Priest... It's hard to stop.

9. Whom not?

Probably Kanye West.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I had horrible stage fright when I was younger. I think most of it was because I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. I did overcome it though when I was in college. The way I overcame it was realizing that the people you are singing to are just people. They are no different than you, and probably have had the same fears, hopes, and dreams that you have had in your life. They may judge you but at the end of the day, your own opinion of you is what matters. That always helped me.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

For this project. Radiohead, If These Trees Could Talk, A Perfect Circle, The Cure, Evanescence, Katatonia, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Paradise Lost, Swallow the Sun, Placebo, Tori Amos, Natalie Merchant

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing weird. I did have a fan ask me to write a song for them for their kids' birthday, they were willing to pay me five hundred dollars for it too. I had to decline it because I was very busy.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think that if you relate to our music, or if you have a connection to it, you have probably seen some shit. Over these past 2 years, I've had people reach out to us on our social media saying how our music has helped them deal with the loss of their family members, or getting through a bad breakup, or a toxic relationship... It's been so inspiring to hear their stories, and appreciate them so much!

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it's a great website! Very easy to navigate with a diverse selection of articles! I like it!

15. Something to add?

Just that we really appreciate you taking the time to interview us, thank you for reaching out to our Label WormholeDeath Records. Stay tuned for more music because we have a lot of cool things that we are working on!