Starting from humble, Leicestershire beginnings with Zimbabwean and British heritage, Lucy DK’s music is a fusion of sleek, anecdotal pop imbued with – in her own words – “a mixture of polish and chaos”. The first in a string of singles set for release in 2022, ‘Glitter’ follows ‘Southbank’ and ‘Queen Bed’, which delved into very personal themes of depression and absent fathers. Lucy DK does not shy away from real topics, once saying, “I’m here for turning daddy issues into great flows.”
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
My Grampy. He has an old guitar in his study. I didn’t know how to play but as a teenager I would sneak in there, strum along and make up songs. He’s always shared his love of music with me. Specifically, storytelling through music.
What differs you and your sound from other rising singer-songwriters in the music industry?
My alt pop RnB sound combines influences that are usually kept worlds apart. Like, the electronic elements of FKA Twigs, mixed with the Taylor Swift narrative you know. I’m influenced by hip-hop, and by country music, because those are genres based in storytelling. The most important thing to me is that I always sing about something real. I never sugar-coat my truth.
Your latest single ‘Glitter’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the release?
I wrote the song two years ago when I was in love with a boy, but also becoming more and more aware of my queerness. I didn’t know how to express that, and I still attached a layer of shame to my attractions to girls. Once the relationship ended, I began to explore my sexuality more. It was so freeing to be able to define what that meant for myself.
Releasing this song now is cool because I’m on the other side of that struggle in lots of ways. I love being bisexual, I love being queer. Owning that has changed and opened my life. The video captures that journey.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
Probably a song called Waterlilies. My sister gave me the idea for the song. It’s about how no one has the power to take your worth and beauty away from you, that they are always yours. It’s the most meaningful song to me because people tell me it really helped them access a sense of comfort and self-love. Shit like that is so special.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments?
I lived in Copenhagen for a while and when I was there, I was part of hosting an event for women of colour. We thought it would be a tiny event, but people came in from all over the country. I played a song and people just got it. They just understood my experience and what I was trying to say. I love playing for all kinds of audiences, but that level of connection was magic for me. It reminded me of why my music matters.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
That it’s not for the faint of heart. But that if it’s in your heart, you should do it anyway. Because nothing else will ever compare.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
This is kind of the first taste of a new era for me. I’m getting ready to release some more tracks and start performing live again later this year. I’m ready to take over London baby!
‘Glitter’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Lucy DK
Credits: All photography by Tia-Ama Amihyia
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