IN CONVERSATION WITH LUCIFENA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Lucifena is one of the most exciting new voices pushing rock into uncharted territory. As the first female rock artist signed to Young Money after being discovered by Lil Wayne, she’s carving out a lane that blends shoegaze, hardcore, alternative rock, metal, hip-hop, and pop into a sound that’s entirely her own. Ahead of the release of her debut album Warzone, she’s opening a bold new chapter for both herself and the label, following the buzz surrounding her lead single Tyrant featuring Lil Wayne. We caught up with Lucifena to talk about breaking genre boundaries, building Warzone, and why she’s determined to redefine what a rock artist can be.
Congratulations on Warzone. At what point did you realize this album represented the sound and artistic identity you wanted to introduce to the world?
I realized I was doing something that was lacking in the metal and rock world, taking chances of not playing it safe, blending genres and adding screams and insane riffs in a new and exciting ways midway through the record. I knew we were creating something special. I want my music to not be compared to anyone I’m carving my own lane in this industry.
You’re the first female rock artist signed to Young Money. What did that milestone mean to you personally, and what do you hope it represents for the next generation of artists?
It was a blessing to sign to someone who I respect and know is a true artist. I wouldn't want to be signed to anyone else and I’m grateful Wayne sees the vision and is willing to always be 10 steps ahead, and be open to creating a new sound for the label.
Lil Wayne discovered you and features on Tyrant. What was your first meeting with him like, and what has his support meant throughout this project?
It felt surreal. I walked in the studio for our meeting and he was playing Eddie Van Halen’s guitar and was recording. Then we spoke and he really wanted to hear my story and what inspires me. I felt nervous at first, but getting to talk more I felt seen and I really appreciated him for that, and after I felt really happy and just grateful to be having a conversation with such a legend and down to earth person.
Warzone blends shoegaze, hardcore, alternative rock, metal, and hip-hop. How did you find the balance between those influences without compromising your identity?
Everytime I go into the studio, the goal is to make something different and to experiment. I love to listen to so many genres and I feel like implementing that, but also staying true to my core by adding screams but adding melodies and heavy riffs.
The album title, Warzone, is incredibly striking. What does it symbolize for you?
Warzone symbolizes what I’ve been experiencing in my mental health, love life and in this industry of music, and what I see daily around the world when I open my phone or hear some news. I’m holding the sword because I feel like I’ve been in battle in every way.
Before your solo career, you toured with You Only Live Once and played festivals like Warped Tour. How has that experience shaped the artist you’ve become today?
I really paid my dues growing up. Nothing was ever handed. Any opportunity we got, we worked our asses off to get. And also being a young teenage girl, I felt like in the metal/hardcore scene men wouldn’t take us seriously. I constantly had to prove myself. I was determined to go harder than these grown men in bands.
You were one of the early artists blending trap and metal long before it became more mainstream. Did you always believe audiences would eventually catch up to that sound?
Honestly, I’ve been misunderstood. Then I see years later things I’ve been doing and get praised. It's kind of been a part of my journey at this point. Doing that trap metal sound, my goal was to make it harder than what anyone else was doing, and my producer Morgoth was really just experimenting sounds with me. I am very grateful for him.
Rock music has been evolving rapidly over the past few years. Where do you think the genre is heading, and where do you see yourself fitting into that evolution?
I see it coming back to the mainstream and I think rap merging with heavy rock will be more common. Wayne is always ahead of the curve, so what we did with Tyrant is ahead of its time. Eventually people will catch on and replicate in their own ways. I plan on pushing pop culture in a new direction. I’m here to make a statement.
Fashion and visual identity often go hand in hand with alternative music. How do visuals help you tell the story of this new era?
I’ve been more hands on lately as far as editing all my visuals. I really want to put more of my energy in making my visuals in every department for the upcoming release.
Looking back at your journey, from the underground scene in Los Angeles to signing with Young Money, what has surprised you most about the path you’ve taken?
I always took the unconventional path, but Young Money definitely came out of nowhere, so I’m grateful to have that be a part of my journey. That label created rap superstars, so I plan on holding up to that standard, but in what I do and stay authentic to myself.
Finally, you’ve said your goal is to push pop culture in a new direction by breaking genre boundaries. What does success look like for you beyond chart positions and streaming
I want my music to be listened to years later. I want timeless art that makes people feel something. Success to me is to be free to express myself and that’s what I do. I don’t comprise.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent LUCIFENA
photography ROXY RODRIGUEZ
styling BRANDON NICHOLAS
interview JANA LETONJA