-Interview- Lucid Optics (5/13/14)

Lucid Optics
www.facebook.com/lucidopticsmusic
From: San Jose, CA
Sounds like: Electronic/Jazz/Hip Hop

http://www.facebook.com/lucidopticsmusic


​ 1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Lucid Optics” and is there any meaning behind it?

I always had friends and family playing in bands and it seemed too fun not to try. I went from teaching myself different instruments to software production and it just made sense to blend the two. I developed a little in different areas and took inspiration from friends and anything from rap to electronic to folk punk. Lucid Optics comes from wanting to do more than just make noise. It stuck around after my writing took a transition and it marked the start of being proud of what I released.


2. What do you want listeners to take away from "Life In A Nutshell"" album? How's the response been since its release?

I'd like my songs to remind people that how we act effects how things play out, like how doing nothing translates to getting nothing. The response has been pretty inspiring… I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and support from different places and it makes all of the work worth it.


3. How would you describe your music to the average listener?

The beats are funky and the writing is thoughtful. It's somewhere in the ballpark of conscious Hip Hop.


4. What can people expect from your live show? What are your favorite songs to play live?

Even if you've seen me before you can expect to hear new songs and see a refined act; if my plans work out that pattern will go on. I like playing Mad Lab which is from a group I'm in with Museum called Modern Language. His production skills are ridiculous and that one always seems to get good reception.


5. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?

MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, Alone in the Universe. Atmosphere.


6. Any crazy show stories?

Nothing too out of the ordinary. I played a show where a majority of the crowd was on psychedelics and peoples' reactions were kinda crazy (in a good way). The venue had weird lighting and halloween props set up... I'm not sure why but that one got some good feedback.


7. What’s your take on the current state of hip hop?

Ideally there would be more biodiversity. On the other hand it's easier for creative art to stand out against the repetitive stuff. I also think touring and being able to drift out of your comfort zone is an important aspect of all music as well as Hip Hop.


8. What’s the current music scene like there in California both locally and state wide?

There are ups and downs like everywhere else but I think there's an opportunity close by in almost every part of the state. Locally there aren't many (any?) good promotion or production companies that prioritize being fair to new bands so booking shows can be difficult for starting acts. But, for the most part it seems like one of the better places to be for musicians.


9. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?

I think ten dollars for unlimited listens to hundreds of hours of work is reasonable, but at the same time if someone rips music off the internet and plays it around other people they're kinda doing the artist a favor.>br>

10. What’s next for Lucid Optics?

I've got some side projects to finish up and a bunch of shows to play. I've been keeping in touch with a booking company that has some plans for me and I'm also starting to book some of my own tours. As long as I don't slow down I'll be on track.


11. Any shoutouts?

The people at inkiscape.com for bringing together dope music, Anthony by Himself and Alone in the Universe for being my senseis, my uncle for similar reasons, and Mike Bohn for helping out a bunch. And mom. Hey mom.