Meet.... Lu Wright

London-based Lu Wright is slowly becoming the hottest topic of the city.

Photo Credit: Elsie Matilda

Making her musical debut with the track 'More Than Friends' in 2018 whilst studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, Wright now places herself between the counterparts of Josie Man and Sasha Keable. Though still finding her way within the oaths of the music scene, the rising singer-songwriter is the newest star to catch your heart onto.

Grown-up in a house filled with every music you could imagine, from heavyweight jazz stars such as Nina Simone to the stars we have grown to love of Rihanna and Amy Winehouse. Wright admits, "I'm not sure if there was one specific person who influenced me in going into music. But I think it was seeing other artists start from the bottom and work their way up."

After finding a special love for songwriting, Wright went onto a series of singles that's now led to the beautifully crafted debut EP Notes To Self. Fulfilled with the breeze of modern pop entwined with soul tendencies balanced between the delicately placed lyricism, Wright captures the life of a young woman.

As she relishes the release of her debut work, we asked Lu Wright a couple of questions about Notes To Self, how it all began and what the future holds.

Let's get straight into it! You released your debut EP Notes To Self a couple of months ago. What has summer been like for you, and how have fans reacted to your first ever project?

Yeh, let's go!!

This summer has been super different to all the other summers for me. Trying to juggle part-time jobs, work and music/gigs is a serious minefield to get your head around. It’s so great to be busy though. I am really enjoying gigging again. I performed a sold-out show in June at Hoxton Underbelly. The same day that my EP Notes To Self was released. It was surreal being back on stage, I LOVED it. The reaction to Notes To Self, has been great, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am happy with the outcome. I am super grateful to Spotify for adding me to three editorial playlists, and all the incredible reviews including, COMPLEX, Wonderland, CLASH & Earmilk.

Delving into the narrative of vulnerability and self-discovery as a young woman, do you think the five tracks achieve want you wanted to portray?

I hope so! What I enjoy is when people say that they relate to a lyric or idea, as that is exactly what I want to achieve. I think everyone has felt vulnerable and perhaps struggled with their identity, so why not embrace that together? I am super excited to write about more recent experiences I have had - keep listening out, and you can find out what they are.

Talking about the whole EP, how did Notes To Self come together, and how would you describe the creative process?

It began as I was writing an album for my dissertation. I started to develop particular songs such as ‘What I Like’ & ‘Always You'.

I then wanted a project post-uni, so I decided to write three more songs that I was happy with and release a five-track EP. So, in the summer of 2018, I spent most days in the studio or writing. I wanted Notes To Self to be released in the summer of 2019, but then covid hit, and I was yet to finish all the vocals, so it was postponed to the winter of 2019. Having to push back on release dates meant that after listening back to all the recordings of vocals I wanted to change things for the better. Other ideas then arose at this time that I wanted to explore. i.e., having a feature on Lovely (feat. Civil) or having a trumpet in British Daisy. So, it all worked out in the end.

Out of the five tracks, which one is your favourite, and why?

There are bits in each track that are my favourite moments, but I think as a writing experience, I enjoyed writing 'Pretty Blue'. I had just done a long shift for one of my jobs and was super tired and stressed, so I plonked myself onto the keyboard and got writing - it was therapeutic. At the time, my best friend, who I have known since I was born, was going through an awful time, and I just started writing about it. Overall, I wanted it to be a positive, hopeful message for her. The song means a huge amount to me, and I hope that anyone going through a shitty time whilst listening to the song feels the positive energy coming through.

Looking back at your time within music of fulfilled soul and jazz from a young age, what pursued you to take that next step?

I just loved songwriting, singing and being in a studio. Genuinely when I’m happiest is when I am vibing in the studio. It is seriously addictive once you get going. I am super determined and am/will work as hard as I can to get to where I want to be. I also have never wanted to do anything else, to be honest.

From listening to Amy Winehouse and Eminem to even Nina Simone in the mix, who influenced you overall to follow your dreams? And who are your top three rising artists right now?

I'm not sure if there was one specific person who influenced me in going into music. But I think it was seeing other artists start from the bottom and work their way up. That is what inspires me the most is seeing people grow in an authentic way.

Top three rising artists would have to be Sasha Keable, Cleo Sol and Sam Fender.

Further, you undertook a course and graduated from the BIMM Institute - what was that experience like, and do you believe that made you into a better artist?

The best thing about studying at BIMM, was being around other musicians. To learn how the industry works and how the cookie crumbles. I started writing Notes To Self whilst at BIMM, which was very memorable.

I also learnt further how to take criticism. I once wanted to do musical theatre and auditioned for various conservatoires and got absolutely demolished with rejection, which taught me how to take criticism well. I also learnt how to be confident with my skills and not change my sound but to develop it further.

With a debut EP to your name and continuously rising, what secrets do you have up your sleeve before 2021 ends?

I have a gig coming up and hopefully will get some more booked in. My first is on the 9th of October at the Camden Assembly, so that will be fun. I am writing with new people, to then release more music soon, I hope.

As we talk about your rise, what have you learnt so far about the music industry?

I need to be as open-minded as possible but also stick to my guns when it comes to specific things. I have had management approach me a few times but have tried to slot me in categories that don’t make sense for me to test out right now.

Finally, what is next for Lu Wright, and what will you bring to 2022?

I am very excited for the future and raring to go! I want to perform live as much as possible and create a fun/safe space for my audience. I want to release more music and collaborate with as many people as I can. So, let’s see what happens!