Q&A: LUCA Unveils Soulful R&B Journey with "Wake Up" Music Video and 'Decisions' EP

 

Photos By Brea Lynn

 
 

LUCA SETS THE STAGE FOR A SOULFUL EXPLORATION OF LOVE AND INTIMACY with his latest single, "Wake Up." In an exclusive interview, LUCA shares the inspiration behind the vibrant R&B anthem, capturing the essence of the chase before falling headlong into love. With "Wake Up," LUCA offers listeners a poignant glimpse into the tender moments of uncertainty and passion that precede profound emotional connections, setting the stage for his forthcoming EP, Decisions.

Rooted in Harlem's cultural vibrancy, LUCA draws upon a diverse array of influences, blending elements of R&B, neo-soul, and Afro-funk to create a rich and immersive sonic tapestry. His music serves as a testament to the eclectic soundscape of his hometown, infusing each composition with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Through his deliberate production techniques and heartfelt lyricism, LUCA invites audiences to embark on a transformative musical journey, navigating the intricacies of love, identity, and self-discovery.

As LUCA prepares for the release of Decisions, he remains committed to sharing his authentic voice with the world. With an unwavering dedication to his craft and a passion for artistic expression, LUCA invites listeners to embrace the raw vulnerability and timeless allure of his music. With "Wake Up" serving as a compelling prelude to his forthcoming EP, LUCA invites audiences to join him on a captivating odyssey of sound and emotion, resonating with honesty, passion, and boundless creativity.

LUNA: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single "Wake Up" and how it fits into the overall themes of your forthcoming EP, Decisions?

LUCA: “Wake Up” is all about a chase for love, it’s meant to describe the intimate moments before you know you’re in love. Almost like that internal push and pull of insecurity when you’re encountering someone new. My project is meant to tell my story of what it's like to love in and at this age. Wake Up is my EP’s musical take on intimacy and falling in love.

LUNA: "Wake Up" is described as a vibrant, sexy R&B anthem exploring the moments before falling in love. How did you approach capturing the tension and intimacy in the song's lyrics and production?

LUCA: Every one of my songs has to come from a real experience, which is why I release so sparsely. For this one, I took the time to fall in and out of love to truly grasp that feeling. I kept the production sparse as I wanted the story and vocal tone to shine through.

LUNA: Tell us more about the making of the music video for this one. 

LUCA: First off, I have to give huge credit to my creative director Breanna Lynn for bringing the visuals to life. The video for “Wake Up” is the aftermath of a huge party, as I wake up, I encounter all sorts of partygoers that never made it home. The lyrics convey a story of a passionate chase coupled with the feelings of anxiety of talking to someone new. This video shows what it's like to stumble through those feelings in your head. My casting director Nicholas Lindsay and I really wanted to highlight the diversity of NYC in this one, and paint a real picture of how love looks all types of ways.

LUNA: As someone deeply rooted in Harlem, NY, how does the cultural vibrancy of your hometown influence your music and artistic expression?

LUCA: Having grown up in Harlem has 100% had an effect on the music I’m making. From the jazz coming from the steps of brownstones, to the sounds of Senegalese and Nigerian music, it has all managed to work its way into my production. There’s really no place like Harlem in the city when it comes to diversity and energy.  

LUNA: Your music blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, house, and techno with Afro-funk influences. Can you elaborate on how you infuse these diverse sounds into your production techniques?

LUCA: I truly love all music, and I’m always trying to diversify what I listen to. As the person who is often in front of the computer producing the music, I think whatever I’m listening to rubs off on the project I’m making. 

LUNA: You've received recognition from various media outlets and landed spots on Spotify editorial playlists. How has this exposure impacted your career and artistic vision?

LUCA: It’s honestly so fulfilling to receive support from these talented creators and writers. For me, it's just incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to give context to all this music I’m making. It’s only pushing me harder to keep putting out the art that is truest to me.

LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from "Wake Up" and your upcoming EP, Decisions, in terms of both the music and the themes explored?

LUCA: I’m hoping that everyone that listens to the project finds a song that relates to them. It feels like a great crossroads between rock and R&B, and I want people to walk away feeling like they’ve heard something completely new.

LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming months?
LUCA: Besides the upcoming EP, we’ve got some more incredible music in the vault to be released soon after. Just hoping to keep up the momentum with good music and shows this year!

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