INTERVIEW: LUX The Band discuss inspirations and influences alongside new single ‘Infinite Mind’
After finding huge praise and acclaim for their 2022 LP ‘Gravity’, multinational outfit LUX The Band recently returned once again to deliver their vibrant new single ‘Infinite Mind’.
Bringing back more of that rich and riveting indie-rock aesthetic they have developed over the years, ‘Infinite Mind’ makes for an incredibly fresh and inviting listen throughout. So we caught up with them to find out what has been inspiring their sound over the years.
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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?
Sylvain: “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by the group YES.
Angela: With an English father and older brother and sisters who had vinyls about the house I would say The Who.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?
Sylvain: AC/DC, The Who
Angela: R.E.M.
Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?
Sylvain: Perhaps the music for cinema – the music of the likes of Ennio Morricone and John Williams.
Angela: Definitely, I was raised surrounded by albums of American folk music and British pop/rock. The Beatles specifically. And growing up in New York one is surrounded by anglo-saxon music in its entirety because it is played everywhere. You don’t have to work to find it.
What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?
Sylvain: I start to play and see what happens, see where it takes me.
Angela: (NB: I write the words and Sylvain the music). In the case of Sylvain giving me the music first I allow the music to provoke something –an idea, an emotion. Sometimes Sylvain has a theme in mind when he writes also and I am happy to run with that. If I have a strong idea to express I will write out the lyrics in the structure of a song and give it to Sylvain who in turn uses the words to influence his music. Then we edit the lyrics around what he has found. It’s very fluid.
What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?
Sylvain: What I like in playing live is to be able to play LOUD – but that is increasingly rare – because I love that acoustic power.
Angela: I like the element of danger…
What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?
Sylvain: Composing and performing my own music.
Angela: I started to “do” music in a more structured fashion not so long ago. To have managed to create songs that I am proud of and love to sing but above all to discover that there are other people who are touched by that is simply phenomenal.
How would you define success as a musician?
Sylvain: For me, a successful musician is one who has been able to play the music he or she wants to, without making any concessions and having at least a few people (not family) who find it worthy.
Angela: I’ll let you know when I get there.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Sylvain: Do what you want to do without thinking of anything else because your first audience is you.
Angela: I still see myself as an aspiring artist so I wouldn’t presume to give anyone advice…yet!
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Listen to LUX The Band’s new single ‘Infinite Mind’ below.