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Photo: Sebestian Buzzalino

Wondrous songwriters are hard to come by—most artists ride the tight rails of TikTok clip chorus success—but that makes edgy retro artist Lucette so much more formidable, a throwback energy that pops off and keeps us honest and grounded with vivid lyricism. After a bit of a career pivot and course correction, Lucette is back as a daring indie artist, softened with some sultry country and graceful Americana hints. Back on our radar with the release of her EP, Nice Girl From the Suburbs, we reached out to see what's the latest, in the suburbs, her career, and traveling abroad.

OnesToWatch: Who is Lucette?  

Lucette: Well, I’m Lauren Gillis. Lucette is actually my grandmother. She is fabulous, dramatic, and wonderfully sassy. I adopted the name when I made my first record. It felt fitting for me to take on the name because it reminds me of my grandma's complexity. Lucette feels like the parts of me that I want to pour into music. I like the thought of keeping the music somewhat separate from my day-to-day life. It’s sort of the emotional side of me that gets poured into the project.

So… how are the suburbs? 

I do live in the middle of the city now, but I grew up in a quiet, middle-class neighbourhood. We were basically at the edge of the city until I was about eight. It was all unkept land behind us until the city expanded. I think growing up, especially as a teenager, I hated it. I always felt like I needed to be somewhere else. I felt so stifled. Now that I'm older, I recognize the peace and simplicity of it, and how lucky I was to grow up the way I did. I'm part of that generation that lived the first chunk of their lives without a bunch of technology. It was riding bikes with your friends until the sun went down, playing kick-the-can in the cul-de-sac, my dad building us a homemade go-kart kind of vibes. I don’t think I realized how the ordinary of the suburbs shaped me in a lot of ways. The title of the EP is supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, since I definitely feel like the suburbs should’ve made me a little less temperamental.

How’d the EP come together?  

I actually was sitting on a full-length album at the time. I was in the process of planning the release when I met Soren Hansen, the producer (to answer your next question, haha). Soren and I wrote "Heading for the End" together and really hit it off. We just got each other. And became fast friends as well. He approached me early last year about making a record and rounded up an amazing band to do it. They all play and record with Elle King and are awesome people too. I was still thinking I’d release the other album, but after making this, I felt so understood. I knew I had to put this out instead. I still ended up using one of the tunes from the original record, "Back in the Blue." I was happy to have one song from that batch released, especially since I made it in my hometown, Edmonton, Alberta. My partner and a lot of my close friends played on it.

You have a very vibrant, timeless sound. How’d that come together? 

Thanks for saying that. I especially take the word timeless to heart because I try really hard to write songs that feel like they could belong in a few different time periods. I draw inspiration from so many different places and genres, so perhaps it gives it more of that feel. As far as how it came to be, I think it’s probably from politely borrowing sounds that I love from other artists and putting my own spin on it. 

Do you feel your style is in place or still evolving? 

I think I'm constantly evolving while still being rooted in what I know. When you stop learning, you start dying, right?

Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

I’m working on a live performance series that I can’t wait to put out. And I’m constantly writing, for myself and other artists. So, without this sounding like a shameless plug, follow me on the socials and you’ll see what I’m up to, what I’m writing, and hopefully releasing soon. I think there’s a good chance I’ll be making another record right away, I’m sitting on a ton of material. And working on touring plans for the fall.

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Right now, traveling. I’m actually in Japan while I’m typing this, and was just in Thailand for a writers camp for two weeks. I was listening to Anthony Bourdain speak about traveling, and I loved what he said about not being afraid to look like an idiot. I think travel really helps to keep your ego in check. Being the biggest idiot in the room is good for you. I also think it brings you back to connecting with yourself and others on a different level. Especially over great food. It transcends language. I’m very much inspired by people and very grateful to get to travel and meet so many cool people. I was actually originally typing this interview at my hotel in Bangkok, and then the earthquake happened. That definitely humbled me and made me feel very grateful for what I’ve got.

Food you’d make for your best friend in need of comfort? 

I’d say it depends on the friend and the time of year, but there is nothing like great chicken soup for a sad soul. Soup is my go-to fix myself food. Especially when I’m hungover. All about pho on those days. And I will mention that I just ate one of the best bowls of ramen in my life about an hour ago, and my soul left my body for a minute. 

Who are your OnesToWatch? 

I think Mk.gee is doing some of the coolest work I’ve heard in a long time. I saw him in Atlanta, and it was absolutely amazing. I left feeling so in awe and so inspired. Also, Mariel Buckley and Billie ZiZi are friends of mine that are doing really awesome stuff. I’ve heard some of Mariel’s unreleased songs, and I think she’s gonna blow some minds. I’m in Japan with Billie right now since my partner plays drums for her. I was in Thailand already, so I thought, why not go?? I think it’s important for me that great artists don’t always live in the big cities, and I want to give some of the best Edmonton artists credit. I’ve also been absolutely loving all of Medium Build's records. And Jacob Banks. His voice and his use of gospel music really touches me.