Getting to Know… Zoning Out | Interview

In the 497^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from the London-based indie-pop project Zoning Out.

That is always a win, Zoning Out! Lucas, the creator of the indie-pop project, adds, “I feel I’m at ease when I’m on stage.” Excellent! We get the inside scoop on the London-based project’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… Zoning Out: Interview No. 497!

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For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Zoning Out distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I feel I write catchy songs with memorable lyrics. Also, I feel I’m at ease when I’m on stage – it is my comfort zone, and I feel my music, which I think the audience appreciates.

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Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Zoning Out form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

I wouldn’t call myself a band per se, it’s more of a solo project as I write everything, although I have people play with me, we are not a collective band. In the beginning, I asked people whom I knew through my university and who I thought would be good with my type of music, so I recruited them to play for me. I would say the vision I had early on was to be playing with people who had good chemistry on stage and worked well with me.

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Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or perspectives changed since you first started? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

I have always had high ambitions, but over time, I have realized that things don’t happen overnight, and it’s a gradual process, and I won’t give up on my dreams. I have also learned that I can’t just wait for things to happen; I have to make things happen myself by going out and seeking opportunities.

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Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences, and how are they influential?

I would say the people who have influenced my writing would be artists such as Stevie Wonder, Mac DeMarco, John Mayer, and Bob Dylan, as they know how to write songs which have a sense of replayability, as they are memorable, but also because I feel they are musicians who have a passion for their music and that they haven’t diverted from what makes them unique.

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Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

I have two funny stories regarding to performing, such as during my first performance with a full band I thought it’d be a good idea to wear a shirt for every song in the set so I proceeded to wear eight shirts to start with however after the first song of the set I soon realized this was easier than it sounded so I ended up playing the entire set with eight shirts on which made me look peculiar to say the least. Another funny story in a more recent gig, due to the venue providing a broken snare stand, the snare drum kept falling off, and at one point had to be kept in place by the bassist holding it down with his foot.

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To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

I would say it’s a toss-up between three songs of mine, as they all make me feel the way, but for different reasons. The first song would be “By My Side” as it’s the first song we kick off every gig with, and also, its chorus is quite memorable and has quite a warm feeling. Another one would be “Elissa” due to it being a fan favorite, and the reception it gets when being played live is electrifying as they sing the words back to me, which makes me feel quite proud as a songwriter. For the same reason, I would also say that “Loosey-Goosey” is my other favorite song to play live.

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Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

As I am neurodivergent, I possess a huge knowledge of random facts which I am always very keen to share with others. The reactions of people tend to be a sense of confusion. However, their confusion is either mixed with either a happy or irritated reception, which can be a bit of a gamble at times.

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What are you currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

I intend on releasing a couple more singles for the remainder of the year; however, I do intend on releasing an album in the following year, hopefully with the backing of a label. Stay tuned.

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

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Getting to Know… Zoning Out: Interview No. 497 [📷: Zoning Out]

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