We got Lucias Malcolm to answer some questions about his music and we love it! Let’s see what he has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
I should be able to answer this by saying “Lucias Malcolm is my name”, but it’s not! I’ve been in the band Call Me Malcolm for so many years, it was easier to adopt a new second name than start playing solo music under a completely new, albeit real, name.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
When I was 10, I was ruining a classical guitar lesson by trying to play power chords. My teacher stopped the lesson and said “You just want play loudly don’t you?” He couldn’t have been more right. I’ve played punk and ska in various guises since my teens, but the last 12 years I’ve been writing and touring with Call Me Malcolm. I love listening to, and playing, a huge variety of genres. But when it comes to writing, it’s punk and ska all the way.
How would you describe your sound?
From the outset of writing this debut album, I just wanted to write a punk rock record. As it developed, certain sounds started making themselves more prominent, these are the ones I enjoy the most. So my sound treds a line between pop punk, emo and hardcore.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Jimmy Eat World, The Menzingers.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Right Here With You by Hundred Reasons, from their new record.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I actually use many. I buy records and CDs of DIY bands I’ve played with, or seen shared on socials. I also scour sites for recommendations. Generally I stream things though, then buy the merch afterwards.
Who is your dream producer?
I’m not sure I’d ever use anyone other than Oz Craggs at Hidden Track Studios. It’s just such a calm, expressive recording environment. For someone that has dealt with an overactive anxiety from an early age, trust is key to a studio relationship working.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
In 2020 I did some guest vocals on a single with Millington. Truth told, I’d love to write a record with Cody. I love his process, he’s got an amazing ear and is really methodical in his approach to creativity.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
My one year old daughter wakes up in the morning singing to herself. This is something I used to do (so I’m told), so music was always going to be the path I followed. It’s deep in my bones. Through the years its developed into a sort of self therapy. The majority of my work focusses on mental health, and struggles with various issues I have. I try to be open about this so others will be comfortable being more open about their own battles.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
It normally begins with a hook, a melody I hear in my head whilst I’m going about my day. I usually grab a guitar and demo it on my phone so I don’t forget. From there I record that section in my home studio. If it sounds half decent, I’ll build it into a full song. Which is where it gets tricky. I always leave it two weeks, then come back to it and smash it to pieces and build it back together to try to make it better. Usually I break a song apart 4 or 5 times before it’s finally ready. This can take a few months, or longer. There’s a song on my new record that I started writing 10 years ago. Bottom line though, if the song isn’t ready, I won’t record it.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Come to a live show and come chat at the merch table! But online, definitely Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are the most active platforms. I always encourage people to message, I love talking music with people!
What’s next for you?
My debut solo album is out March 10th, followed by the release show with a full live band at New Cross Inn on March 24th. I’m booking up more live shows for later this year too, so there are plenty road trips to come.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Just to thank anyone reading for checking out new music. It’s harder now than ever to make and tour new music. If you share stuff you like with friends, if you go to shows, if you support bands you love, the scene is thriving because of you. So thank you.
