Lucky Luke
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Cloncurry, North West Qld and currently live and work in Mount Isa Qld which is 130km away (When I was born it was Good Friday and Friday the 13th at the same time, hence the nickname that turned into my rap name).
When did you first start playing music?
I started music just under 2 years ago, my two cousins would always ask me to freestyle rap when we were partying and one day I joined in and found out I liked it. Since then I bought a laptop and mic and started perfecting my skills at home until I felt like I was ready to make an album.
Tell us a little about your process of writing music and what inspires you.
My process for writing music is to find a beat that I really like and can freestyle to, then I load the beat to my phone, put my headphones and sit out the front of house and freestyle along to it until I find a great opening line and flow style. (Flow style is how I rap to the beat, for example bounce my words to the beat) My inspiration to write is my life/work experiences and how I was brought up by my Mother, Violet Dargan, to always advocate for our people plus some stories or issues in my community are a great influence. (I believe in the true essence of Rap, it's the voice of the people about the people for the people and to stick to that is to be real).
How has story telling had an impact on your life and music?
My favourite form of story telling is music, I find story telling with an instrumental and a mic is a great way to be heard and shed light on issues close to your heart. Story telling has been a great guide to my life because there is always a lesson to be learnt. Sometimes I don't pick up the lesson straight away and get stung twice lol. Story telling in my life came in many different ways either in passing such as a yarn, Dreamtime, family history, music, books etc but I find oral history to me somehow sticks more than reading something so I try to put that in my music. Hip Hop is a great way to deliver a message.
What’s the first song you remember hearing?
I can't remember my very first song but I'm sure it was Slim Dusty. He was my Grandparents’ favourite.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Briggs and Kendrick Lamar.
Where can we see you perform?
I have some shows in the works but unfortunately I'm an independent artist so everything comes out of my pocket and I live from payday to payday so I miss out on some good shows and the opportunity to get my music out there.
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
Hearing my music on Triple J.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on my second album at the moment, my first album Whichway took a year to make and I'm trying to do this second album in shorter time while my music still has a buzz, strike while I'm hot lol.
Most valuable piece of advice you've been given.
Never look down on anybody, we are all equal.
5 things you can’t live without.
Family, good food, music, happiness and dreams.
If you could have a coffee with anyone in the world, who would that be?
My Grandfather Arthur Davis that passed away years ago.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Surround yourself with like-minded people who have the same goals and dreams as you, make your music unique create your own style and push the boundaries of your music knowledge never be satisfied with just okay music, take your time to release your music to the public because once it's out you can't take it back. A good system is to have mentors/friends/family that will give you real critical feedback on your music.
Note: stay away from people that make one word comments on your music because it's not helpful and a waste of time, instead find people that will tell you straight up that they don't like your music and explain why but are also supportive.
© Lucky Luke