The latest from singer/songwriter Luchi is a new single entitled ‘You’ll Hurt More’. What you’ll notice first is the emotional piano part, which throughout the song outlines the chord layers, dancing around, gently passing over extra chords to keep your attention. In the breakdown this piano turns into a gorgeous arpeggio that supports the vocal in this section. The bass and the guitars also add to the texture of these chords, breaking them up into a 16th pattern that drives the track forward, allowing the drums to be an anthemic addition, with echoing snares and fills.
As always, Luchi’s vocal performance is evocative and heartfelt, especially paired with the vocal harmonies which accent these feelings wherever necessary. ‘You’ll Hurt More’ is a track that takes the concept of being heartbroken after a breakup and brings in a refreshing, positive and confident perspective, pairing Luchi’s signature soulful sound with an upbeat pop-feel.
Musichitbox had the pleasure of sitting down with Luchi himself for this exclusive interview.
Where are you based ?
I am based in the north of England now but I was born in raised in Glasgow, Scotland. I lived in London for about 6/7 years too.
Tell us about your new single ‘You’ll Hurt More’.
The day I wrote this song, I got a message from my ex, years after we had split up, wanting to meet up for a coffee and a chat. I am a firm believer in not going backwards when it comes to relationships because there was a reason it didn’t work out in the first place so instead of replying to him, I wrote this song. It’s everything that I would have wanted to hear all those years ago. When you go through a break up, it can often be the case that one person struggles more than the other and if you’re anything like I used to be, you sit at home crying, stalking their social media then getting angry with seeing them out living their “best life” or how fast they move on so this was my way of addressing that. It can become a game, that no-one knows they are playing, of “who won the break up.” When I wrote the song last year, it started out with just a vocal and guitar but I could hear it being a big pop anthem in my head. I felt that this song was a really empowering break up anthem and I wanted to reflect that in the production. So me and my producer Chris Stagg got to work and I love that it’s quite different to the other stuff I have released recently in terms of it’s sound and it has a bit of sass in it. There’s still vulnerability in it like all my songs have but it’s one to listen to with the windows of the car down, up full blast and singing at the top of your lungs.
You’ve had a remarkable journey in the music industry, starting from a young age. Can you tell us about some of the experiences from your upbringing in Glasgow that have influenced your unique approach to music?
Growing up in Glasgow really gave me a good work ethic and a very down to earth approach to life. The people of Glasgow are very friendly and it can sometimes get a bad reputation but it really is a special place. In terms of influence, there are so many great artists that have come out of Glasgow that it was inspiring to see that you can be successful no matter where you come from. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and I think that has also contributed to my work ethic where I know that success takes a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I have a really supportive circle around me and they are really understanding if I have to miss an event or something because of work so that helps too.
Your transition from writing songs in your bedroom to working with top artists and songwriters is impressive. How did you manage to hone your craft so effectively, and what were some pivotal moments that shaped your growth as a musician?
I think I was lucky in that I took the time to learn. I didn’t come from any experience or musical training so I took the time to work in studios and learn my craft before jumping in. I also have a very open attitude and think to myself the worst thing that someone can say is no so why not ask anyway. I’d also say just saying yes to as many things as you can helps as you grow from every session. One of the pivotal moments was moving to London. It was such a big step but necessary at that point in my career. I didn’t know anyone and in a strange city and it really helped me grow up fast.
Releasing music independently is a bold choice. What inspired your decision to take creative control over your music, and how has that decision influenced the direction of your career?
For me it became an easy decision because I had a clear vision for my career and I’d been offered a few deals and they all wanted to change me into something that I wasn’t. It took me a while to find my feet with it all but it really was the right decision for me and means that I can do the music that I want. It’s hard at times because you are juggling a lot of balls from the creative side and the business side but the rewards outweigh the bad.
“Don’t Look Back” and “Coming Home” made a strong impact on the charts. Can you share some insights into the inspiration behind these singles and what emotions you were trying to convey through your music?
I can remember releasing “Don’t Look Back” like it was yesterday as I was so nervous to release my debut single as I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. The song was inspired after moving to London, I had gone home for Christmas and realised that everyones lives had moved on without me and I felt a bit lost as to if I fitted in anymore. I had also changed and matured and I had to find a new way to be around people that were used to me being a certain person. I was still the same person but a lot more independent and evolved. I remember my mum saying that I left as her little boy and came back as a man. With “Coming Home” it came from a conversation with someone I know and they had just lost someone close to them and they kept picking up the phone wanting to call them but then realising that they couldn’t anymore as they had passed away. I really wanted to do the song justice as when its someone else’s story, you feel a responsibility to make sure that the song is authentic to their story. I also got to show off vocally with that song as it was a big song to sing which was really exciting and well received from my audience.
Your involvement in writing for other artists showcases your versatility. What motivates you to collaborate with other musicians and help them shape their stories into songs? How do you balance your own artist project with these collaborations?
I love to hear peoples stories so I love working with other artists as they can bring such a fresh perspective into a session. I also love helping younger artists to learn and not fall into the same issues that I’ve had. I wish I had someone who was open and honest with me when I started so I love to be that for others. In terms of balance, I write a lot so I find it easy to switch up hats and now with things like zoom and online platforms, it’s so much easier and has really opened up the writing process.
You’ve had the privilege of working with prominent names in the industry, such as Stargate and their team, and being mentored by artists like Ne-Yo and Charlie XCX. How have these experiences influenced your growth as an artist, and what were some key takeaways from these collaborations?
I really love learning from other artists and prominent names in the industry because they have all been in similar positions so the advice can really be beneficial. Some of my key take away are really to have confidence in what you bring to the table and believing in yourself. Also to never give up and keep doing it, consistently is key and knocking on every door you can until the right one opens. The Stargate mentorship came along at the perfect time as we were in lockdown and it really gave me the boost I needed to keep going. Also I grew up with their music as my soundtrack so it was really an
honour to learn from them.
Your music is deeply personal, drawing from your own life experiences. How do you navigate the fine line between being honest and vulnerable in your songwriting while ensuring that your audience can still connect with the emotions conveyed in your lyrics?
This is a tough one but there are songs that you write that are so deeply personal that you will never release as they are too specific. As humans, we all experience the same emotions, just wrapped in different situations and experiences so I always try too approach it from the emotional side of it and I
think thats what helps the connection. I also picked up a tip from another songwriter that the verses of a song are the part that you can tell more of your story but the chorus is the part to keep universal as thats the part that most people sing along to and know the best as its repeated quite a few
times in the song. Also another tip was to read back the lyrics like they are a story and make sure that it makes sense and is relatable. Success means different things to different artists. For you, it’s about making a meaningful impact on listeners’ lives.
Could you share a memorable message from a fan that resonated with you and affirmed your belief in the healing power of your music?
I like to keep the specifics of my messages private to protect the people sending me the messages but I did get a message from a lady who was struggling with an abusive relationship she was in and a song that I released earlier in the year “He Said” really helped her as she was able to see through the manipulation of her partner and said that she felt like someone had finally understood her. I checked back in with her and she had found the strength to walk away from this toxic relationship and she thanked me for caring enough too check back in but when someone shares something so deeply personal with you, it does leave an impact on you and those messages really mean a lot to me, knowing people find strength through my music is such a privilege. Anyone who has shared their story with me, I just want to say thanks for trusting me with that and that I am sending out all the positive energy to you.
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