TURTLE TEMPO

Hailing from Winchester, but now based in London, Lucy Wroe is a singer-songwriter with heaps of natural talent. As an artist choosing to defy genres, Lucy recently released her eclectic and unique debut EP Thoughts On A Dream. We had a chance to speak with the young lady about her EP, staying motivated and discovering new music.

Why did you decide to enter the music industry?

Music has always been in my life and passed down through the family, especially from my grandad who I am very close with. When I was about 12 he taught me how to play the guitar after I had first played the cello in school. Since then more and more instruments became of interest to me. I’ve always been a singer and songwriter and I realised that music was the only consistent thing in my life, aside from several other hobbies. It was clear that this is one hobby I wasn’t going to grow out of but more something that I wanted to live, so entering the music industry is the path that I naturally followed!

Can you tell us about Thoughts On A Dream?

Thoughts On A Dream is my debut EP which I created during the recent lockdown and goes through different feelings and genres. I’ve always liked to explore lots of genres, so this collection of songs really encapsulates the kind of artist I’m growing into. It follows the theme of dreaming and preferring to live in your dreams than reality, which is why I tied up the opening song with the final song using an ambient section. To me, it suggests a beginning and end in the same way a dream does.

What was the recording and writing process like?

Being bound to just one room throughout the whole creative process was surprisingly inspiring; I felt like I was on a country retreat. The writing process was particularly full because it was such an isolated few months and I felt that I could give it my entirely undivided attention.

Recording was a little more difficult as it was limited by only using what I had in my room, but like the writing process, I could dedicate so much time to it that I really felt it was somehow easier to undertake. It was great being so in control of the project.

 

 

Does the album have any significant meaning for you?

Each song is so different and they all hold special meanings to me, but I think the theme of family has always been prominent in my music and more so in this EP. It may be based on the concept of dreaming, but also the thoughts and feelings I have within my dreams on family and inspirations. ‘Qumari’ is the most special track to me even though it is the shortest because it is the most intimate in meaning and vibe.

What do you hope people take from your music?

Above anything else, I would hope that the sentiments of every song can connect with another person in any way they choose. The meanings people take from my songs might be very different to the way I interpreted them in the writing process, but if someone connects with my music in their own way that is the most rewarding thing.

What is more challenging – melody or lyrics?

For me, melody and lyrics always come hand in hand and seem to just melt onto the page if the music I’m composing is compelling enough. I would say that melodies fall very naturally when I am writing over some music, so the lyrics are the final flourish and can sometimes take a bit of thinking over and crafting to make sure they really fit with the whole composition.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Sometimes rejection or failures can push me to want to succeed in another area of my music. Of course, it’s not a nice feeling, but I try to let it drive me on rather than get me down. Over the last few years I have learnt not to compare myself to any other artist and this has really helped me to settle into realising that if I just keep working at my own rate I will not only enjoy it more but I’ll evolve in my own time.

How would you describe your sound?

My natural style leans towards relaxed but sincere vocals with some meandering melodies and warm guitar sounds. It is sometimes complemented by a bigger band where I experiment with darker notes while sustaining catchy, folky melodies.

What do you think is the best way to discover new music?

Always go out to gigs, big and small. Some of the best artists spend every night gigging around small venues to meet new audiences. Also, just getting involved with blogs and magazines alongside their social media because every day hundreds of great independent musicians like me are involved in discussions just like this one!

What does the future hold for you?

I’d love to play to bigger audiences and really grow into the artist I hope to be. I also aim at concentrating more on my songwriting as this is something I will always love to share with people. Regularly working with others in this area is a goal of mine along with performing a lot more.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Definitely a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me through the early stages of my musical career, particularly with the release of Thoughts On A Dream. There’s always new music in the works with me so I’m sure something new will be on the way in no time at all.