Added by Electronic Brain | 17 June 2017

NO SLEEP FOR LUCY

An interview by Mike Newdeck

Sweden's No Sleep For Lucy has been kicking around the music scene for a few years now, seemingly unable to get things together for a debut album release, they had a few songs here and there but nothing of any substance − until now. Choosing to finally release their debut album independently is a double edged sword. On one hand we get to hear this wonderful debut, reviewed in this issue, and yet the fact that the band remain label-less ultimately means that it won't get the exposure that a release of this calibre deserves. Fireworks caught up with vocalist Lukas Meijer to chat about the band and how the future looks.




Why has it taken so long to get this album released?

It has been different bumps on the road that has been holding us back for different reasons. Let's just say it's much easier when you don't have anyone else to listen to but yourself and the band. We think it's all worth the wait.

Why have you not got a record label?

We're really proud of our material and everything with the band. We've been talking to some labels but nothing turned into a full commitment. We're really committed to our music and expect the same of whoever would be our partner, which maybe makes it harder to find the perfect match. I would say that what we would be looking for is a really good partner, rather than any record deal just for the sake of it. Hopefully we someday find someone who is willing to take this project to the next level.

It's a real labour of love, this band. What keeps you all going?

It's all about that feeling when you write something and feel, "Oh hell yes!" You imagine 10,000 people singing along and just freaking out. I think we all have that image in our heads more or less and it keep us motivated. All the good feedback from our fans feels incredible too and has a great impact for us as a band.

How did you get involved with the band?

Lukas met Christian and Kristoffer through Christian's sister. They had the same class at the University and she told him that her brother was searching for a singer. Christian and Kristoffer, who've been working as songwriters for a long time, wanted to go back to their roots and start a band, and there he was, a singer looking for a band as well. First time we met, we wrote three songs together and the journey began.

Why are you only a three piece?

It's all because we were the ones who had the most time for song-writing, photo and video shoots and other band stuff like that. We have a lot of talented musician friends so we knew we could make it work as a three piece and still turn up with a really solid band on stage.

The album is expertly produced who did it?

Our guitarist Christian Rabb has been the main producer of all the songs except two of them, 'Feel Alive' and 'Going Down'. Chris is a phenomenal producer and really nailed every element on this album. The other two songs are produced by Mats Valentin.

How did you finance the album?

We've paid for every little penny ourselves. It has cost us a lot of money but more especially time. But we think it's worth everything. We have our own studio here in Stockholm where we tracked all the guitars, bass, vocals, live strings, except the drums. We went to another studio for drums.

How would you describe the band's music?

No Sleep For Lucy has its base in the melodies. It's an epic, big sound where we want to blend sophisticated and catchy melodies with a modern, alternative touch.

What's the plan now that the new album is done?

After this release we want to come out and play more. A support act tour in Europe would be wonderful. We're now working on a live production so we are ready when the right opportunity comes.

I think it's one of the best albums of its kind ever recorded. What is your opinion on this new album?

That's just so fantastic to hear. After years of hard work those words really go straight to the heart, thank you so much! We're really proud of this album and this is really No Sleep For Lucy at its best. We think 'Until The End' contains a mix of all the elements we've been searching for. You find punch, aggression, vulnerability, all surrounded by the big melodies which glue it all together. We put in a lot of effort so to hear words like that make it all worth it.

There's all sorts of influences in there: U2, 30 Seconds to Mars, Lifehouse ...are they bands that you like?

Yeah, that's right. All of the band you name have always been an influence for us. Especially 30 Seconds To Mars who we think is the band nearest to our genre. They have the balance of great melodies, epic sound and a modern rawness. That's kinda what we're also looking for regarding sound. A bit of fun information: our latest single 'Don't Let Go' is co-written with Stevie Aiello, bass player of 30 Seconds to Mars!

Are you a Christian band? 'The Source' and 'Leaving Ground' seem to refer to Christ in a subtle way.

No, we're not a Christian band, but I see what you mean and I think that's the beauty of good music and good lyrics. It means different things to different people. For instance, 'The Source' is written as a tribute to Lucas's family and was actually the song that got Christian and Kristoffer really interested in Lucas as singer in the band in the first place. Eventually the song was tweaked and became more of a No Sleep For Lucy song than it originally was.

What's the long term plan for the band?

Our first mission is to come out and play this new material for everyone. We need to do the best we can regarding promotion and stuff like that. Hopefully more people find out about the band and maybe we get some extra motivation for a new album.

The debut album 'Until the End' is available now at Amazon and iTunes.