Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Lightning.
Hi Lucy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I originally grew up in rural East Tennessee, Huntsville, but Knoxville has become home. While growing up, I always loved music but was too scared to perform in front of people for most of my life. When I lived in NYC, I wanted to overcome that fear, so I started taking my guitar to open mics and making myself perform my songs. When I moved back to Knoxville, I continued playing small shows here and there. Eventually, I got to a place where I was confident performing my songs, and it felt so liberating. My songs are deeply personal, so sharing them has always felt important.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not. Just building my confidence and finding my voice was enough of a challenge. There was also a time a few years ago when I went through a very deep depression that took me quite some time to climb out of. Even though that was extremely difficult, I wrote some of my best songs during that time. My guitar and singing became a source of healing and comfort for me during that hard time and any difficult time I’ve ever had. I’ve come to a place where I feel gratitude for my struggles because they taught me much about myself as a person and an artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I call my genre Appalachian Witch Rock, and I take inspiration from a few sources: Appalachian mountain music, Southern rock, folk music, and classic rock from the ’60s-’70s. A lot of the themes in my music are also very environmentally based, which is something I’m passionate about. I feel like an Appalachian. It’s in my blood to advocate for the land and for the people who care for it. I am deeply inspired by Appalachian activists who have fought for the land and their communities, and my music is infused with their spirit.
What matters most to you? Why?
Being true to myself. Being an artist to me means holding up a mirror to the world and showing them parts of themselves that they may not be aware of – you can’t do that when you aren’t truly aligned with yourself as an artist and human being, first and foremost. For me, there is no creativity or passion present when I’m not being truthful.
- Single Mother Mountain is out on all streaming platforms: https://t.co/lw4xW8Mwn1
- Video for Mother Mountain was filmed near my hometown with a Knoxville film crew comprised of friends and talented filmmakers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cVTHrwT_DU
- I was recently on Blue Plate Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3ZEd972y8k
- I have songs available for purchase on my Bandcamp, where funds go directly to artist: https://lucylightning.bandcamp.com/
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/lucylightningmusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lucylightningmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lucylightning9440
- Other: https://lucylightning.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits:
Ashley Shelton
