Artist Spotlight: Luchi Blue
Striving for success within the music and fashion worlds, the multi-faceted Luchi Blue is a striking talent. Part-Italian, part-Austrian and raised in South West London, Luchi has signed for IMG Models - the home of the Hadid sisters and Hailey Bieber - after being spotted at a Childish Gambino concert seven years ago.
A quickly improving rapper, Luchi has just released his vivacious six-prolonged EP, Trapped In My Mind. The body of work is eclectic and compelling across its six tracks, with impressive features from fellow upcoming names Luke RV and Zara Grace. Engrossingly introspective alt rap beats are the soundscapes on which Blue glides across, spilling stories of the ups and downs that he’s experienced over the past two years. An all-round creative, it’s clear that Luchi is focused on emerging from the depths of the industry and making his mark across the board.
I chatted with Luchi about his new cutting-edge EP, the interlinked worlds of music and fashion, and his future plans.
Who’s influencing you?
A lot of the early influences for my music came from listening to Kayne West and Childish Gambino. Both artists who have always been in their own lane and have consistently broke boundaries and expectations with their music. This is something I have always tried to do with my own creativity. But I also think the UK music scene is at such a strong point at the moment. Artists such as A2, 808ink, Children of Zeus and House of Pharaohs having been paving a way for a new UK genre and influence my creativity each in their own way.
When and why did you first get into writing and creating?
I’ve been writing and creating all of my life. I was writing songs on my guitar from way back in primary school. I use creating music as an escape, to express how I feel and translate my emotions through my art.
What is your current creative process?
Honestly my creative process varies. Sometimes it can be very sporadic. Some of my best music has been created in a matter of hours but other tracks have taken months to perfect. I think it depends on what’s happening in my life at that moment in time and how inspired I am in the moment.
How would you define your style?
I don’t like to define my music to one genre. I feel like this latest project proves that I can execute a variety of styles well. Being unique and in my own lane is very important to me. My style is very much Luchi and very much Blue.
Do you see yourself stylistically fitting into a current UK scene or are you trying to pave your own way?
I am trying to pave my own way as I feel the UK music scene is very saturated. To stand out you need to be doing something different to everyone else. I feel like a lot of people never know what to expect from me next and I love that.
Do you prefer producing or writing? Why?
It’s very much 50/50 for me. The writing is very personal to me and I like to do that part alone, but sometimes I like collaborating with other creatives on the production, just to experiment with my music. But being able to to produce and write all my own music allows me to create a unique sound.
Talk to me about you modelling background?
Modelling has been something I fell into from a young age. I feel very grateful to have been working successfully for so long. The job allows me to meet new creatives every single day, which has helped me so much with certain aspects of my music, such as creating high quality content.
Do you think your modelling has helped / will help you achieve what you want to in the music world?
Yes 100%. The fashion and music industry are very much interlinked these days, so being engrossed in both of them has benefited my success in each industry a lot.
How are you feeling about the release of Trapped In My Mind?
I’m feeling relieved to finally gift this project to the world. So much hard work and energy has gone into creating it, so I’m happy that everyone can now take in it. There is always a lot of nerves that come with releasing music, especially when I highlight a lot of the mental health issues I have faced recently. But I think being very transparent to my audience is integral. Too many artists create a facade surrounding their lives these days. I want to be honest and truthful with my music.
Talk me through the themes and concepts from the new EP?
So I wanted to best capture the main emotions I had felt in the past 2 years while creating this project. We all know the last 2 years have been a rollercoaster in a lot of ways. Each track on my project has its own theme and meaning behind it. c’est la vie, is about the internal battle that creatives feel, between self doubt and self belief. drowning is all about fake love, especially in this industry. line in the sand is about confidence. better by monday is about depression. And love u right, you guessed it, is about all about love. Then the interlude just ties the whole project together, adding the extra narrative needed.
Cool features on the tape! Why did you opt for those particular artists?
I met Luke at my first show back in September last year, he was also playing on the line up and I was very impressed with his lyrical ability and natural talent. He’s a dope guy and I feel like our music speaks from the same place.
I’ve known Zara for a long time now and we have been making music together pretty consistently over the past few years. She has such a beautiful and unique voice and a crazy story to go with it. Being born prematurely, her vocal chords were damaged by being tube fed as a baby, meaning she has a voice like no one else. A real angel!
Who’s your dream collaboration?
Well I think Childish Gambino would have to be my dream collaborator. I think the guy is a genius and would love to be in his presence. But also I would love collaborate with Loyle Carner, I have loved his music for a long time and he seems like such a genuine guy. I think we would make some great music.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what released track of yours would you play them?
That’s hard to say, it would depend on what type of person I’m showing. I definitely have certain songs that appeal to wider audience compared to others. But c’est La vie is a good all-rounder in my opinion.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
My artistry is not going to be confined to just music. This is a journey and I want grow and explore all parts of my creativity. I would love to act at some point in my career. I believe the right opportunity will present itself when I’m ready.
What’s to come from you?
Lots of new music to come, as well as a new music video and also some live sessions, which I am so excited to share! In summer I will be back playing live shows, so look out for them.