Diandra Interviews Lydia Luce: Writing Through A Dark River
Lydia Luce’s Dark River approaches themes of loss, love, and the anxiety that builds between both. There is a surprising paranoia that comes not only from heartbreak but also from falling in love. Why? Because both leave you vulnerable. Thus, her record is a quiet, sullen dance with hope that is laced with guitar melodies to guide your every emotion’s move. In our interview, she discusses how music is therapy, and her poetic way off marking her personal growth.
Diandra: If there was an actual Dark River coursing through, where do you think it would lead and what would people find?
Lydia Luce: I think the Dark River references trusting yourself and listening to your gut. Learning how to do this has taken time and practice for me. I hope that people find their way to trusting their own voices as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B0N-scniVY
Diandra: Why did you choose that particular title, and how do you think the album embodies such an image?
Lydia Luce: The themes of the record revolve around trusting my voice, not being afraid to be honest about who I am and learning how to love myself and others well. For me I have always used nature as a way of checking in with myself. I use it as a time to be alone and sit with the challenges I am facing. The Dark River title references that sacred time.
Diandra: What aspects of your personality do you feel reflect in this album, and what song, in particular, captures where you are, now, as a person?
Lydia Luce: Each song has been a chapter of growth and understanding in my life. I would say right now “Somehow” reflects where I am. It’s a hopeful song but acknowledges the difficult moments life presents. In year two of a global pandemic that song seems appropriate. I am also inherently a hopeful and positive person so I suppose that song does reflect aspects of my personality.
Diandra: You are an independent artist, which is not easy. What are the highs and lows of being independent, and what is the best advice that you feel isn’t said enough about going independent?
Lydia Luce: The highs right now are having a team of people that I got to select that support me in my musical journey. I have released several projects completely on my own and just to have a few people around me who believe in what I’m trying to accomplish is such a huge high for me. I would suggest that people try to find their community of creative people. Community is not only our support system but it is our opportunities to collaborate and brainstorm. It is a chance to learn from one another and lift each other up.
Diandra: Your music sings to the clashes between loneliness and self-clarity. What has loneliness taught you about self-awareness?
Lydia Luce: Having spent a lot of time alone, in nature, I have learned that there are moments when I am ready to be alone and moments when I need my community. I have learned that sometimes I need to be uplifted and surrounded by people that love me if I’m going through a rough patch and, maybe, those moments aren’t the times to go isolate myself in the woods.
Diandra: Your music also sings to tumultuous relationships. What has music shown you about how you love in relationships versus how you wish to be loved within them?
Lydia Luce: I write from personal experience. My music reflects the lessons I have learned or am in the process of learning. The work that I’ve done in couples therapy with my partner is what has shown me about how to love in relationships. Relationships take work and are not easy but the reward can be so beautiful.
Diandra: What is a movie, television show, or book that you feel would transfer into a great concept album?
Lydia Luce: Any of Mary Oliver’s poetry would be great as a concept album.
Diandra: What is a great album that you feel would be a perfect film. What would be the premise and who would you cast?
Lydia Luce: Right now I’m listening to A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead. Seems like it would make for a great sci-fi movie with Natalie Portman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3_nNAMNr1c
Diandra: You have been a go-to sessions player for several artists. How did working as the support of others artists frame how you support and mold your own artistry?
Lydia Luce: Working as a session player teaches you how to treat the musicians you play with. Pay them well, respect their time, and ask for creative input.
Diandra: Nashville is a music city: filled with artists trying to stand out. As a song-writer, how do you see the value of story-telling in building your artistry, and what do you find is particular abut your story?
Lydia Luce: Writing from personal experience, I am sharing my own story. My experiences in working through issues in therapy and personal work.
Diandra: What was the inspiration behind Maybe In Time, and how do you feel it embodies a truth about life?
Lydia Luce: Maybe in Time is a song about questioning the existence of God. I grew up in a christian home and I am not a christian. Truthfully none of us know, for certain, if there is a god or not or where we go when we die. We don’t know where we come from or why we’re here, and we’re all speculating. What we can do though is respect one another’s speculations.
Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music?
Lydia Luce: My grandfather used to always ask me to play the violin pieces I was working on at the time. He would cry every time I played for him, and it made me feel very important as a kid. He was always so proud of us.
For More Information On Lydia Luce Click Here.
