Over the years, Bluesfest has unearthed some impressive talent. One such star on the rise is singer/songwriter Lucy Gallant, who has just returned from the US.
Lucy, what took you to the US?
I was invited by Peter Noble to go to the US because he wanted to introduce me to some music agents, record companies, and industry people over there. I also did a short tour, and made a new music video for a song I produced, wrote and performed called Sunshine. It was filmed in LA and Joshua Tree by Robert Reed Altman, the son of the Oscar-winning Hollywood director Robert Altman. It is currently being edited and will be released later this year.
What were the highlights of playing over there?
I really enjoyed returning to Baltimore to play! I performed there a few years back and it was great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, and to play again with the guitar god Kevin Robinson!
What is the essence of good songwriting for you?
A good song to me is an honest one that tells a story that people can relate to. A song that you hear once and always remember the melody. A song that is so real and beautiful that you get goosebumps.
Where do you gather your narratives?
Life experiences, my emotions, falling in love, breaking up, nature, empowerment, freedom, changing the world, environment, equality, human rights, and animal rights. I write songs from my soul and I don’t hold back or hide my truth. I would say that they are my personal journal that I share with the world. I love to uplift people with my lyrics. A lot of them are about being free and learning to love ourselves, and the world.
Tell me about your song Freaky. You filmed your clip in Barcelona… and the single and video drop on the same day you play Byron Blues Festival… was this all part of the grand plan or some cosmic coincidence?!
Freaky is a fresh and feisty genre-blended collaboration that features Free Like Me guitarist Daniel Urbina, reggae rapper Lennox Dread, and a team of legendary Byron Bay players. The video was filmed in Barcelona, is fun-fused, and lures viewers into the adventures of a comically delusional dame who falls in love upon the merest acknowledgement from a handsome passerby. She chases and kidnaps the object of her attention as we’re taken on a colourful ride, bedazzled with dancing and mischief.
I knew that I wanted to release Freaky in April, and when I found out I was playing on 13 April at Bluesfest I figured why not release it on the same date, so it really worked out perfectly.
Peter Noble believes that you have star quality. What does it mean to have such a world-renowned festival director say that about you?
It means more to me than words could express! I am so honoured and blown away by having such a legend and world-renowned person believing in me and my music! I am so happy and glad he gets my songs and loves my voice because I know he hears a lot of music and knows what works and what doesn’t.
What is the vision that you have for yourself, for your career?
I see myself as Peter Noble says: headlining major festivals around the world and putting together a great team of people to support me to the next level of my career. I hope to soon be a name that people recognise. I also love to produce music and one day, when I have my career on point, to produce and help other artists to reach their dreams!
How did you come to be able to play so many instruments?
I started first on the drums when I was 15. I had just arrived in Australia from the UK and was at Confest in Victoria. It was the first time I had seen a drum circle and I was inspired. I found a plastic bottle and started to play it as a drum. A month later I started singing and playing guitar. I was travelling around the world like a gypsy, and got a few tips here and there, but pretty much taught myself. I also did not have access to the radio the first few years I was songwriting, so I think this gave me a little originality in my voice and style, which I have kept with me.
Lucy Gallant performs at Bluesfest on Thursday 13 April on the Delta Stage and Monday 17 April at the Juke Joint.
For program and ticket information for Bluesfest go to bluesfest.com.au.
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