Check out our interview with independent and self-published artist/songwriter based in Manchester LACUNA J. Like her name, her music is alluring and evocative, referring to herself as genre-fluid, LACUNA J will not be defined to a certain box. Relating more to the stubborn daisies flowering through the cracks in the pavement than to English roses, this songstress is quite simply a force to be reckoned with.
With a distinct authenticity and individuality, LACUNA J’s music is a total breath of fresh air. 2021 sees a new era of music, from exotic melodies streaked with neon, to moody lyrics that pack a punch. Her latest tune “Fool (For Loving You)” narrates her perspective as a spectator. Written as a means of attempting to crack the rose-tinted glasses of a loved one, LACUNA J shares, “I guess it’s a silent plea for them to figure it out on their own without my interfering but the frustration of also sitting back not wanting to be officious.”
Describing her songs as “diary entries” she shares, “It’s almost like my subconscious is spilling all the tea on what I’m really thinking or feeling.” The lyricism is chilling, beautiful, raw and most definitely relatable. The production has an empowering tone with the trumpet-esque synths that elicit fierce feelings and a diverse catalogue of dynamics. With an R&B style beat that floats into a more pop feel, “Fool (For Loving You)” is glazed in waves of bright, luminous melodies that thrive amongst the vibrant soundscapes.
Follow Lacuna J @lacuna_j
Hi LACUNA J, please tell us a little about you?
Hey, I’m a singer songwriter from Manchester and I’ve jumped out of a plane voluntarily hahaha
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Big laugh, Altruistic, Wild
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Musically I’ve always liked to sing around the house, then at 13 a friend of my mums had a little studio set up and I did some backing vocals for them and then I started to write songs properly and wanted it as a career
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fluid, Authentic,
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I don’t think I ever really set out to make music intentionally, from really young I just found it a way to communicate how I was feeling, for me it’s like another language. My influences vary, my first big influence was Barbra Streisand LOL, she was played a lot in my house and I really admired her voice ability, Simon and Garfunkel too and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all shaped me musically.
Do you play any instrument?
I’m self taught on the Piano and Guitar, I’ve also been practising my new toy —a Kalimba (it’s sounds soooo pretty)
Do you ever get nervous?
I wish I could sound cool and say no, but I do. I get nervous because I want to give everyone the best experience and I don’t want to let them down.
Tell us about your new single “Fool (For Loving You)?”
It started out as a poem and then developed into 2 different perspectives.
What’s the story behind this song?
I’ve been the person blinded by love *rolls eyes and I’ve also been the spectator watching someone I care about get hurt, but won’t listen *rolls eyes again. So it’s about how foolish and blind love can makes you.
Tell us about the feeling of having almost half a million streams across all your platforms? That’s amazing, Congrats!
Thank you!! 😀 It’s a little surreal really, at times I think i’m not doing enough and I should be doing better —as i’m quite hard on myself. Then I have to pull myself out of that mindset and remember how lucky I am that people have heard my music, and some people like it…that’s just crazy and makes my heart smile.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It’s rewarding when people like what I’ve created and if it helps someone, because it’s basically bearing your soul for everyone to hear, so it’s quite exposing.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Nature is a big one for me, Family and Friends, the Arts as a whole
What’s next for LACUNA J. in 2021?
I have some more cheeky tunes in the works for this year, which I can’t deny I’m pretty psyched about. I’ve also got some support gigs lined up for November too! One in London at the O2 Islington on the 2nd of November and another at YES in Manchester on the 18th of November supporting Lucy Deakin!
What is your favorite song? And why?
Wow that’s a hard one. A fave song of mine or someone else’s? It’s hard to pick one because it depends what mood I’m in, it’s currently ‘Addicted’ by Jorja Smith, the music and the melodies and words are just a VIBE. A fave song of mine…I do really love my song ‘Taurus’. I wrote it myself in around 15 minutes with a guitar in a hotel room, it was my birthday, I was incredibly sad and the song just came out all at once, I pretty much adlibbed 80% of the song on the spot. It’s one of my favourites because it’s the most raw and authentic side of me.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Secret…I read it and I’ve watched it too. It really changed the way I think (for the better). It makes you check yourself and focus on what you want.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Do I release music during a pandemic? I decided to go for it! I’m so glad it did too 🙂
Any loves other than music?
I really love the arts, I used to dance (including ballet) – I guess anything that lets you express your inner self. I like to doodle too.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d really love to meet Billie Eilish, because I admire her creativity and artistic expression. I really want to write with her
Best advice ever given?
Celebrate even the small wins, fail fast and hard so you get to where you want quicker.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I get up (look at my phone – hate that I do that), do a little bedroom workout, then maybe have some fruit, have a shower and put on some funky clothes, go get coffee and then start working on song lyrics or artwork design for new music
Name one your strengths?
I can be highly efficient when I need to be, I also think I’m quite good at reading people’s energy.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Coffee, some sun and a guitar in the park with friends
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
If I’m being honest it’s The Wizard and I from Wicked, although I have recently been obsessed with Addicted by Jorja Smith
What is your own definition of happiness?
Love, showing people love and generosity, making the people around me happy, that’s what makes me happy (sickly I know)
Do you support any charities?
I’ve done some things with ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ Foundation, they grant the Wishes of children living with a life threatening illness. It’s a really humbling experience, but such a beautiful charity.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I really love a good Sea bass salad
And your favorite cheat food?
It’s either Cadbury Orange Chocolate Buttons, or Hobnobs
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
The other person being rude to other people tbh, or constantly on their phone.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Singing to thousands of beautiful faces who are singing my words back to me, also writing and collaborating with other cool artists…maybe even some awards ????
How would you describe your fashion style?
Again, it’s pretty fluid. It’s an expression of how I’m feeling that day I guess. It’s usually a chunky trainer and some oversized clothes…but then other times it’s a tight LBD and some cheeky
What do you think of Social Media?
A blessing and a curse. It’s amazing because I can interact with people who like my music and it helps me get it out there, but I also feel so guilty not replying to people straight away. I just hate being a slave to my phone (which I can be sometimes).
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Spotify / Instagram / Youtube / Tiktok
Quote: Listen to your gut, that G always has the right advice.
Movie: Moulin Rouge/Kill Bill
Travel Destination: St Barts
Sports Team: …I’m from Manchester I can’t pick a team LOL
