Kyle Lucas – Marietta, Georgia: The Album

By starrymag | November 12, 2015

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as a mix between pop/alternative rock and traditional hip-hop. It’s very hard to put a finger on what it exactly sounds like. I am definitely a product of my influences.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My influences range all the way from Motown with The Temptations and Jackson 5 to more underground hip-hop with emcees such as Chino Xl, Ras Kass, AZ and Pharaoh Monch. Aswell as a lot of pop punk/ska like Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. I’m like a gumbo of influences. [laughs] I listened to pretty much everything growing up.

Q) Your new single “Veritas” is out now. Where did the idea for it come from?

A) “Veritas” came out as an idea to start the album out with addressing where my career was and where it’s at now. That’s why in the first couple lines I talk about the Vonnegutt situation, the Big Boi situation and let it go from there. My career has been through so many different obstacles I wanted to start the album out and put it all out there. Jonny Craig was a huge part of where my careers and now Ennis helps me out so much that it felt only right to ask him to be on it. He said he really liked the track and I’m stoked the first single was the one that featured him.

Q) What kind of fan response have you gotten to it?

A) The fan response has been incredible! The fact that this is the first thing I’ve ever released as a solo artist, that’s for sale, they have gravitated towards it more than I expected. It means the world to me to have such a loyal fan base who is willing to purchase music after all the years of me giving away music for free.

Q) How did you come to work with Jonny Craig on the song?

A) Jonny Craig and I have worked together on numerous on some projects for the last three years. He’s a great friend of mine and I credit him for even making me want to do music again. I was in kind of a dark place when Vonnegutt broke up and didn’t know what direction to go in as a solo artist. Jonny definitely help me out in figuring that out. We recorded a bunch of songs together and he took me on tour. He kind of reignited the fire for me to create music again

Q) What is it about “Veritas” that fans have connected with?

A) I think it’s the fact that it’s about addressing your accomplishments and failures in past and being able to start over, to be able to keep it moving and create something new.

Q) What is your process like for writing music? Do you need lyrics before you come up with the music?

A) There really is no method to the madness when it comes that aspect. I’m always writing little lines, rhymes and ideas in my phone and sometimes I pull from those when I’m working on a song. Or if I hear a beat, it will spark an idea for a hook or line and I go from there. I’ve heard it’s best to write to the beat always, so it flows better, but sometimes it doesn’t pan out that way. Everybody’s different I guess.

Q) Your upcoming debut LP is entitled Marietta, Georgia: The Album. What is it about this city that holds so much of your heart?

A) It started off with the first mixtape It’s Always Sunny in Marietta that was hosted by Big Boi of Outkast. I remember him telling me he thought it was cool that I represented where I lived so much and not told people I’m from Atlanta or tried to play that angle up at all. Then, I released It’s Always Sunny in Marietta 2 and the EP Fear and Loathing in Marietta. After that, I thought it was only right to keep the theme going for my first official solo album. My city plays a huge part in influencing my music. I’m always on the road so I love it when I come home. There’s something about living here that just keeps me at peace. Also, growing up here, I’ve experienced so many things that I talk about in my music. It really has shaped me as an artist and as a person.

Q) You previously were signed to Big Boi’s label Purple Ribbon Records. What did you learn about music and the industry from working with you?

A) I literally learned SO MUCH being signed to him. Prior to that, I had no idea about the industry, how things worked, how to release music or even videos or anything. I didn’t understand anything. I was just a 20 year old college kid who rapped. Being signed with him taught me what to do and what not to do. It really is all trial and error,and every situation isn’t always right for every artist. I learned a lot and will be forever grateful to him for giving me a shot. Nobody knew who I was and he didn’t have to do that. He believed in Vonnegutt and that gave me the confidence to develop into the artist I am today. He’s also one of the main reasons I even rap. So, that was cool, too. [laughs]

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

A) I would love to collaborate with Claudio Sanchez from Coheed and Cambria. I’m such a huge fan of him as a lyricist and singer. That would be incredible to me. I heard some stuff that Josh [Eppard] from Coheed played me where it as Claudio singing and Josh rapping and it was incredible. So, I know having Claudio on a hip-hop/pop song would be so dope.

Q) You’ll be touring with Travis Garland soon. What can fans expect from a live Kyle Lucas show?

A) Fans can definitely expect a Kyle Lucas live performance to be very energetic and fun. I love performing and I love interacting with the crowd. I pride myself in my live performance and the ability to win over a crowd who may not have heard of me before and turning them into believers.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s incredibly important! The music industry has changed so much that I think that’s one of the saving graces. Social media takes away the stigma of an “untouchable, unapproachable rock star” and makes the fans more like friends. I love being able to talk to the fans, hear what they have to say – what they like and what they don’t like and what means the most to them. It’s incredible to me.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) Just thank you so much. I know it’s not easy be a Kyle Lucas fan. My career has had so many ups and downs and the fact I still have such a loyal fanbase and that it’s still growing is so incredible to me. It means the world to me to know that they have stuck around and supported this album like they have. So, thank you!