A Quick Q&A With Lucia & The Best Boys

At the forefront of Glaswegian musical exports are Lucia & The Best Boys, a raucous three piece fronted by the enigmatic frontwoman Lucia Fairfull. Combining elements of Grunge, 80’s power ballads and alt-pop, the band have quickly earned the praise of many, supporting the likes of Dream Wife, Miles Kane and The Snuts, respectfully. Following the release of their latest EP, ‘The State of Things’, we caught up with head honcho, Lucia, to have a virtual chin-wag. 

First & foremost, thank you for speaking to us – congratulations on your forthcoming EP, ‘The State Of Things’, we were lucky enough to have access to it pre-release. ‘Perfectly Untrue’ is one of the catchiest songs we’ve heard for a long time! Before we dive head-first into the new EP, we wanted to talk about the earlier days of the band; the formative years if you like. Where did it start for you all? 

I would say the true beginning was when the 'Best Boy' EP was released, which I think was 2016/2017? It is the point in which I remember not having focused on anything else since and also having changed the name is a constant reminder of the beginning point which is always cool to reflect on and see how far we have come since then.

The group’s name has evolved in recent years from ‘LUCIA’, can you talk more about the decision to change the name? 

I should have known this was the next question! The boys are such a huge part of the live element if the bang of course, and I think it is important to give that recognition, and as I said before is kind of an ode to the Best Boy EP, and how we are constantly building up from it.

Fast forward to January, you returned with the much-loved ‘Eternity’ EP, do you think the release of that EP was a symbolic moment/turning point for the group?

I would say so. I think I have experienced more vulnerability and have learnt a lot about myself in the last couple of years, so I was starting to be a lot more open and personal. I think live wise, this EP really showed another side to us, and showed we has more energy to give through our performance.

You’re back with ‘The State Of Things’, it has been described as, ‘moving away from the gritty and grizzled sound of their earlier work’. In your own words, can you summarise the direction for this EP? 

There was no planned direction, that's exactly what I mean when I talk about them being honest as I am aware there may be changes in sound, I really don't think about it, whatever happens or comes out in writing or melodies is fuelled by true feelings, so this is an unplanned direction whatever it actually is, and who knows what will come next!

You spent some time recording in LA with Alex Greenwald of Phantom Planet and Chris Greatti of Blame Candy; how was recording with the pair and how did you come to meet them? 

I met Alex at a party on July 4th, and I met Chris at one of his Blame Candy shows in LA. They are both really down to earth, talented people and I feel lucky to know them and get to work with them. I was really pushing myself out of my comfort zone and wasn't in the best place during my time there, but they made it very easy to be open and relaxed.

So far, ‘Let Go’ and ‘Perfectly Untrue’ have been released from the EP. Lyrically, can you discuss the inspiration behind the EP? 

It’s the true stages of me going through heartbreak and that’s why some songs may sound a little contradicting, but that’s what happens I guess, you feel something one minute and another the next, but I think it definitely is still a storyline of what I experienced. I think when you listen to each song it all becomes very self-explanatory.

You’ve recently released the video for ‘Perfectly Untrue’, the video features you in several different guises; what was the inspiration behind the video? 

The inspiration was all the different versions of myself I found whilst going through heartbreak. In the video I am reflecting back on them, most of which I masked how I felt completely until the scene with the arrow, which is how it really was.

All of your music videos are stylised and well-shot, how important are music videos to you as a band and do you think they’re neglected? 

I've always thought visuals are super important, when I write songs I use so much imagery and have ideas for videos almost instantly. I personally like the feeling of having a song in my head but being able to picture it too. I definitely think they aren't valued as much as they used to be maybe, but I will always continue to make them because it's one of my favourite parts of being an artist, getting to work with all different creatives from different fields in the industry.

You’ve recently linked up with fashion designer, Charles Jeffery, who has styled the band in his latest collection, ‘LOVERBOY’. Obviously, fashion goes hand-in-hand with music, are there any particular musicians/eras/sub-cultures that have inspired your look as a band? 

I think it's the same with music and fashion for me it always changes, depending on how you are feeling and what you are growing in and out of. I take bits of inspo from about the place like a lot of people do but I can't actually say I have one in particular; If I had to, I would say my mum, I steal her clothes too much.

A lot has happened in the world, especially since your last release – how have you been keeping yourselves occupied? Any unexpected hobbies acquired? 

I feel that I have adapted much quicker than I expected and constantly remind myself I am lucky and don't have it half as bad as many people do. Like most I think I am definitely better at cooking, have learned to enjoy my own company again, and have just been taking time to slow down and reflect.

Looking forward to the future, you’re on tour with Dream Wife in 2021. Are you all itching to get back on tour?

Absolutely. Dream Wife are incredible and good friends, we can’t think of a better way than to bring back live music (when we can) than with them.