Who is Lucy & La Mer

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Lucy & La Mer is the LA-based indie project of singer/songwriter Lucy LaForge.

Interview conduct on July 29, 2019

Known for her bright melodies and disarming lyrics, Lucy wrote her debut EP Little Spoon while living aboard a sailboat after a bad breakup. The folk pop EP charted on College Radio in 2015, followed by a national tour and 2 semi-finalist spots in the International Songwriter Contest.

After landing in LA, Lucy began performing live with a full band and caught the attention of major press like the LA Times. Lead by Lucy’s welcoming stage presence and unmistakable attire (the band wears colorful bowties and decorates the stage), their live shows have gained attention for their interactive audience participation and focus on community activism.

You are from Temecula, CA. What was growing up there like?

It’s a beautiful, safe, quiet place to grow up. We lived outside of town on a dirt road where we could have chickens and a goat and space to play. I was outside climbing trees most of the time.

How did you get into music?

My dad played guitar and my mom loves live music concerts. I didn’t plan on being a musician, but I had something to say and needed to express it. Once I picked up a guitar I couldn’t put it down.

How did you create your name?

“La Mer” is French for “the sea” and I love the ocean. I wanted an artist name that left room for a band, too, not just my name.

How is your Love Is Gay Tour coming along? How are your fans treating you?

Are you gaining any new fans?

It’s the loveliest tour I’ve ever been on. I’m flying from World Pride NYC right now to San Francisco pride for a show tonight. The tour is unique because we’re focusing on queer youth and all-ages spaces. So instead of a bar/club tour where it’s a bit rowdy and everyone’s drinking, we are playing in community spaces that encourage socializing and making new friends in the LGBTQ world. Everyone is so friendly and attentive. We’ve made many new fans and had the pleasure of meeting some of our younger fans for the first time as well.

Since you are from Temecula, CA, I am going to name some bands from that city directly. I would like to say something about each if you can:

Grateful Dead: This band released a line of ukuleles that I sold when I had a day job selling instruments in Hollywood. Also, you must check out Grateful Shred, they’re an epic cover band from my neighborhood.
Finch: I had a crush on a pro dirt biker during middle school and this was his favorite band.
Keenwild: don’t know them yet but will dive in!
Alaina Blair: also don’t know but I believe is a country artist? Temecula loves country music

Temecula, CA is known for its championship golf courses, serene views, hot air balloons and wine country. What is your favorite type of wine and what snack do you like to have with it?

I don’t drink, honestly. I grew up next to wineries and they are beautiful to walk through in the afternoons when the wind picks up. The golf courses are gorgeous, too. I was on the Golf Team. But I was terrible. I just like walking outdoors which is 90% of golf.

What did you think of Taylor Swift making a surprise performance in New York City’s at the Stonewall Inn?

She what?! Ok looking this up now…wow. Well, I think any attention to queer issues is important. It’s the 50th anniversary of Stone Wall and many people don’t know how the movement began.

What do you think of her song “You Need to Clam Down”? Which call out to those who attack the LGBTQ community?

To be completely honest, I wasn’t thrilled on the first listen. Major corporations have been monetizing the lgbtq community more and more each year, and though she is an artist and a great songwriter, she also represents a massive multi-million dollar business with an expanding audience. Her recent activism and collabs (with Hayley Kiyoko and Panic) felt a bit inauthentic. BUT – I think it’s incredible for an artist with her reach to be singing about the LGBTQ community and any positivity that can be spread is completely welcomed and vital for progress. We need our allies.

Have you heard about the documentary by Jesse Tyler Ferguson on the documentary about the Stonewall Uprising 50 years ago?

I have not but I’ll be adding it to my list right now! I’ve only read about Stone Wall in History books.

What cities do you feel is the friendliest LGBTQ city? And why?

Definitely Portland. Every part of Portland feels welcoming, it doesn’t just have one “gay” neighborhood, the whole town is the gay-borhood.

What city did you film the video Rebel Babe?

The music video was shot within a few square miles in Long Beach harbor, CA. I directed the video and wanted to diversify the shots with new settings (on a sailboat, beach, harbor) and I’ve always loved the culture in Long Beach.

Can you tell us about the meaning behind the video?

It’s a celebration of non-binary identities and standing up to the subtleties of toxic masculinity. Specifically, I was dating a wonderful androgynous woman and I felt exhausted by people expecting us to fit the femme-butch dynamic. Sexuality is a spectrum and gender is fluid. Stop putting people in boxes.

How was it to record it at Abbey Road Studios?

The record was mastered at Abbey Road but recorded in Los Angeles. So I haven’t yet recorded in the studio there. I did stop by though during my UK tour last year. It’s right next to the famous Abbey Road crosswalk from The Beatles album art. Magical place.

Your songs have so much meaning. What is the process you use to write your music?

Tears lol. I’m usually feeling overwhelmed with emotion when a melody and lyrics start to pour out. I used to write songs after panic attacks to help calm down. But now it’s mostly big build-ups of emotion needing an outlet – sometimes it’s so much joy that I think I’ll burst, other times its extreme loneliness. It helps me process.

If you could open up for any artist who would it be and why?

Elton John. So I could actually get tickets to his concerts.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

I don’t think my hair will still be blue. I’ll probably have a few more heartbreaks under my belt and a few new friends that inspire me. I’d love to be producing benefit concerts and festivals myself in addition to performing.