LCY puts club bangers in a conceptual framework

When LCY sits down to make music, they usually visualise an entire universe in their head before booting up their laptop. ​“I like to write and draw storylines to help contextualise things,” they explain, huddled in front of a radiator in their London home, as a fluffy black cat jumps up behind them.

This kind of thinking formed the basis for /​Y\, LCY’s new project, which is released via their own SZNS7N label. LCY imagines /​Y\ in two parts. The first half of the six-track EP replicates the feeling of being wrapped in cotton wool – like the lead single, Cherubim, which features delicate breaks and soft vocal harmonies against a celestial beat. The final three songs are equally as textured but with an abrasive, bass-heavy twist, illustrating the contrast between ​“binary and non-binary, and how they’re interchangeable,” as LCY puts it.

“I wanted the first part to be simplified, because it’s about safety – almost feeling captured inside of a box, but feeling a kind of safety in that. I wanted /​Y\ to be a bit more conformist in its approach.”

Before going solo, LCY had carved out a reputation as the most mysterious member of club music crew 6 Figure Gang, alongside fellow DJs Sherelle, Jossy Mitsu, Yazzus, Dobby and Fauzia. Since 6FG officially disbanded last January, LCY has sharpened their futuristic sound, bagged a BBC Radio 1 Residency and kept a busy touring schedule of credible clubnights and leftfeild electronic music festivals.

Mind you, this is a career path LCY has been pursuing since they were just 13-years-old, avidly collecting copies of Mixmag. ​“And I come from a super musical family,” they say. ​“I also went to church and there was loads of music there, plus the internet, you know? My brother was a big rock fan and I was always trying to impress him, which never worked. I wanted to be a Megamind of music.”

Now, with /​Y\, LCY is eager to let listeners engage with the music in their own way. ​“Some people like to delve deeper into music, others like to just take it as it is. I wanted something that people could do both with,” they continue. ​“I don’t want to overcomplicate the explanation so people can take their own meaning from it, which is the most important thing.”

10% Where were you born, where were you raised and where are you now based?

I was born and raised in Bristol, and I’ve now been based in London for about five or six years. I miss Bristol, though! I always want to move back there, but something keeps me here.

20% What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?

I had a previous alias which I used to do more happy, joyous, bubbly music. Then I have the opposite side of me that’s aggressive and drum-heavy. It’s hard to find a balance sometimes.

30% If you’re cooking to impress someone, what would you make?

Tuna steak. I feel like that’s impressive and easy to cook. Maybe with fried chicory. I’m very specific about food – I tend to just eat tuna mayo! I have weird food fixations. Fancy food doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’m learning.

40% Tuna steak is pretty fancy.

It’s basically the same as tuna mayo, right?

50% What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?

Not to take anyone’s advice. People will give you so many opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do. I think everyone’s journey is different. Even when I give advice to people, I always tell them to take it with a pinch of salt. Your instinct is the most important thing.

60% You rule the world for a day. What’s going down?

I’d abolish all the horrible things. I’d make sure everyone was fed and get rid of the Tories for good. I’m on a socialism tip.

70% What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?

Probably my food fixations. I don’t mind them, but they’re embarrassing. I’d quit vaping as well.

80% Would you smoke a tuna mayo-flavoured vape?

Oh my God, no! I can’t have this in my repertoire. I might try it, but I’m a sweet tooth person. Maybe sweetcorn?

90% How did you celebrate your last birthday?

I went to the seaside with a friend and I journaled, made sure I was reflective and thankful. I have a bad rap with birthdays. It’s usually a really cursed day for me, so I bubble wrapped myself this year.

100% If you could go back and watch an iconic music act perform, who would it be and why?

I’d love to have seen Kemistry and Storm perform together. On a pop level, I was also a huge Amy Winehouse fan growing up. She’s a babe.