Lucie Silvas has the mark of a seasoned veteran. And she is: Silvas who moved to Nashville from the United Kingdom several years back, started writing at the age of 10 and went out on the road for the first time at 17. Since then, she has played with the likes of Elton John, Tom Jones, and Lionel Ritchie, written original songs for the now-defunct NBC musical drama Smash, and sold more than a million albums in Europe. In simpler terms, she's had the kind of success many people migrate to Nashville to find. We caught up with the singer-songwriter to find out more about her self-titled EP (out February 3) and her favorite things about Music City.
You're releasing new music after nearly a decade why is now the right time?
Woh. Can't believe it's really been that long! I don't even know how to say when the right time for something is... other than that I just feel really good and excited about this new music. I didn't want to do anything just for the sake of it, it had to mean something to me and be fun. It's only now, after a few roller coaster years, that I've felt ready to be out there again and enjoy myself and able to articulate what I've wanted to say in my music. I also think there is so much incredible eclectic music out there at the moment, and I love how many artists are taking things into their own hands, able to tour and make music on their own terms, more than ever before without necessarily having a big label paying for all of it.
Of the 5 tunes on the new EP, which do you like performing most?
That's a tough one because I honestly love all of them for totally different reasons! When it comes to playing live, I'd say "How To Lose It All" gets really exciting on stage when the full band is going for it. I've got singers on stage doing the bgvs, which is my little nod to the motown I grew up listening toit's so much fun to play and makes me feel really uplifted.
You mentioned this album 'tells the truth' about yourself, can you unpack that a bit?
Either I don't care what people think anymore, or it took me ages to figure out what the truth actually is! As I get older I definitely see myself a lot clearer. All the good and the badthe things I completely eff'd up and the things I am proud to have done. It took me a while to be brave enough to write about so much personal stuff in my songs. I was never the kind of person who loved being in the spotlight or to have people know a lot about me, and now I've just made peace with all my own sh*t, and not afraid to show it.
Do you have a favorite lyric that continues to resonate with you?
I think one of the most resonate lyrics for me comes from "Roots." "Roots that run that deep, pain that you don't see // Anyone could look around, think all is well above the ground." That hit me hard, as nobody ever really knows how deep pain can go in another person. We all get good at hiding the things we're holding on to. I also know on a personal level that past pain can serve as some kind of messed up comfort blanket, which we never want to get rid of. I've been one of those people and singing this song still reminds me how hard it is to let things go.
After starting to tour at age 17 you've seen all sides of the music business what advice would you give your teenage self looking back now?
Take more risks! When you're young you have a naturally fearless attitude, and I would tell myself to use my instincts more and not listen to too many opinions around me. Your gut feeling is usually right.... and even if it's not, at least you weren't stuck in one place by being too afraid to make a decision. Oh... and don't spend all your money (but that's the boring advice)!
Lightning Round:
Best brunch: The Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles!
Best karaoke spot: Santas Pub! Everyday of the week...
Date night spot: Deja Vu... check it out and BYOB
Something you always take on tour: A Camera
Dream person/group to write or perform with: Bruno Mars! His live show at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville was unbelievable.
Watch "Unbreakable Us"