Getting to know Lucy LaForge

We’ve been doing some spring cleaning at Kala this week and stumbled across an interview with Lucy LaForge from Lucy & La Mer that we never posted! Originally written by Kala Copywriter, Damian Lehnis, the interview has been updated with more recent projects and news from Lucy by Artist Relations Rep, Nick Fletcher.

Enjoy!

Please introduce yourself and share a little of your background.

I’m Lucy LaForge, a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. I’m the frontwoman for the folk-pop band Lucy & La Mer.

How did you get started playing music? Who/what are your influences?

My dad taught me a few guitar chords when I was a kid, but I never started writing songs until I discovered the baritone ukulele. I love lyricists like Kimya Dawson, Lisa Hannigan, and Twenty One Pilots.

When did you get your first ukulele? How has it influenced your style? 

I found a 1940s baritone uke in our garage in high school and could not put it down. It has a warm tone and which is perfect for writing with and an easy transition from guitar. I’ve since upgraded to my acoustic/electric Kala Solid Mahogany Baritone for live performances. 

Your single "Honey, Put Your Weapons Down" has powerful lyrics and gives us all the feels! What was the inspiration for the song? And for the video? 

The song was inspired by a breakup. I was struggling with my own identity at the time and I was realizing who I was without that person around. It’s a really wonderful and scary feeling to get to know yourself and see how you react in different relationships. 

The music video focuses on technology and how it interferes with our perception of people. I wanted to show how distraction and media disconnects us as a whole community. With the changing social & political climate right now in our country, it’s very important to see people face-to-face and listen to each other and create supportive communities in person.

What is your songwriting process?

I start singing lyrics and then add the music in afterward. Usually, it’s just a phrase or a word that inspires the whole song.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before writing, recording, or performing?

I usually write late at night, with an open notebook and cup of coffee. Whenever I tour, I bring this little unicorn stuffed animal with us. She’s basically our mascot and her crazy colorful polkadots and beaming expression brings a bit of silliness to long days on the road.

Any new projects to announce? Any shows coming up?

We're about to release a new EP called "I Feel Better Now" with some feel-good ukulele tunes. We're going on tour in June through California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. See you on the road!

Looking for more from Lucy? Check out this video and L.A. Times article recapping the first project Kala and Lucy partnered on.