“For me, I think big emotions can be processed easier when you add a little humor.” Lucy & La Mer‘s approach to music is both thoughtful and playful, combining introspective storytelling with a lighthearted vibe. Her new single, “Palm Springs,” captures this balance perfectly. It’s a feel-good track that radiates the easygoing, sun-soaked energy of a relaxing getaway, making it an ideal anthem for those moments when you just want to unwind and enjoy life.
Growing up in a small town, Lucy turned to music as an emotional outlet, starting with piano and later expanding to ukulele and guitar. It was a way to navigate through difficult experiences and express what she couldn’t put into words. Over time, sharing her songs became a freeing experience, allowing her to connect deeply with her audience. In our interview, we talk about her creative process, the inspiration behind “Palm Springs,” and the challenges of staying true to herself in the music industry.
photography by press
Congratulations on your new single ‘Palm Springs’! How do you plan to celebrate this special day?
Thank you! The release day is also the same day as Bi Visibility Day, so I’ll be celebrating with some Bi friends over brunch. Then, I’ll be at rehearsal all afternoon for next week’s music festival – Dinah Shore. I’m so excited to see how folks respond to the song.
Palm Springs is a place known for relaxation and fun. Why did you choose this setting as the inspiration for your song?
When I performed at Palm Springs Pride in 2022, I noticed how calm and casual everything felt. It was like being on vacation. Whereas LA Pride is so intense and high energy. I fell in love with Palm Springs. It’s truly an oasis and it made the perfect setting for this song that I wanted to write about a crush.
What’s your favorite lyric from it and why?
I intentionally spell out “Bi” in the lyric: “I think she might be, I, I think she might be, I…” I thought I was so clever – ha! It’s hard to write a song about bisexuality without being super obvious.
“My attraction is a very fluid thing, and I’m often surprised by the way I connect to different people.”
Your music often blends playful melodies with deeper lyrics. How do you balance that contrast in a song like ‘Palm Springs’?
For me, I think big emotions can be processed easier when you add a little humor. We all have our own deep insecurities, we all want to feel safe and loved. Within the context of Palm Springs, I’m singing about someone who is hesitant to acknowledge and explore their romantic feelings. Most bisexuals don’t come out because of fear, shame, and lack of acceptance. So with that heavy feeling in mind, I wanted to create something relaxing, tropical, and playful. Basically, the whole song aesthetically is a safe space to explore your curiosities.
In a past interview, you described yourself in three words: optimistic, dreamer, and sensitive. Do you still feel these words reflect who you are today?
Sensitive, yes. Always. But as for “optimistic” and “dreamer”, I think the music industry has honestly taken a toll on that part of me recently. Living in LA can feel like one big popularity contest. And that’s not what creating great art is about for me. My mental health and my music are my priority, so I moved a couple months ago to a quieter part of Los Angeles where I can get out of the Hollywood noise. I’m excited to let go of the hustle so I can begin to dream and create from an authentic space again.
“The bottom line for me now is that I admire and want to connect to people who can really see me in all my good and bad moments without judgement and without taking it personally.”
You also mentioned that you started playing piano as a way to process grief. Do you still find yourself turning to instruments like the piano or guitar when you’re processing emotions or difficult experiences?
The piano has a way of unleashing every painful feeling that I want to bottle up and push down. I sit down, and it takes over. I’ll notice that I avoid playing or singing when I don’t want to admit to a feeling. And that’s when I need to play most.
In your own journey of discovering connections and attractions, what has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?
I’ve learned that I truly do not have a type. My attraction is a very fluid thing, and I’m often surprised by the way I connect to different people. The bottom line for me now is that I admire and want to connect to people who can really see me in all my good and bad moments without judgement and without taking it personally.
Where do you feel most at home—on stage, in the studio, or somewhere else entirely?
I love sitting in my car and eating snacks. That’s my happy place. I love the stage – but as a highly sensitive person, I’m also exhausted by the social interaction and need to recharge.
The most important thing in life is?
Learning to love each new version of yourself.
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