Lucette to play the Music Hall Loft June 15

Edmonton, Canada’s Lucette (a.k.a. Lauren Gillis) is set to make a return to the Music Hall Loft on Saturday, June 15 in support of her new record, “Deluxe Hotel Room,” which was produced by Sturgill Simpson.

EDGE caught up with Gillis, who set the record straight: This is not a country record. It’s indie-pop. And it’s also, quite good. She also enjoys lobster rolls for breakfast. Read on ...

EDGE: Let’s talk about “Deluxe Hotel Room,” your sophomore album. How’s this one feel? What sort of lessons did you pull in from the experience of recording your debut?

Gillis: This album feels really different from the first. I’ve grown a lot as a person, and I feel as though that’s reflected in the writing on this album. I think I’ve learned to speak up more, and assert myself more since then. It’s no knock to the first album, but it’s just simply growing up; I was a teenager when I started the first one.

EDGE: There’s a lot going on within this body of work. You’re defined as a “country” artist, which is definitely a piece of it, but sonically the sound is quite vast. What inspired your exploration of expanding the “bounds” of country music?

Gillis: I honestly think it’s funny that I’m described that way. I’m influenced largely by country, but this album is straight up not country. I’ve always loved pop and R&B, so I wanted to add more of those influences, as well as '60s to '80s rock and pop. I’m all over the place basically, so I wanted the album to pull pieces of everything I love.

EDGE: How does Sturgill Simpson figure into all of this? How’d you meet him? What did he add to the sound and process of this record?

Gillis: Sturgill was actually asked to be in my music video for “Bobby Reid,” and we met that way. It’s a funny turn of events, but we’ve been able to maintain a creative bond through making music over the years, and I knew he’d be a perfect fit for the record. I think he understood that this album needed to focus on my voice, and simplicity in instrumentation lends itself to that. It was also his idea to add the sax, so I mean, that pretty much made the record! I mentioned having horns, but that sax was definitely the right fit.

EDGE: In general, why music? Why do you seek it? Why do you create it?

Gillis: Honestly, it’s always been a part of who I am. It probably sounds pedestrian but I didn’t grow up in a musical family, so I really had to follow my intuition that I had something.

EDGE: Is songwriting an easy or arduous process for you? Where do you typically draw influence from when you open up the notebook and start crafting bits of prose?

Gillis: It really depends. I am constantly writing down little things here and there, and recording the little melodies that pop into my head. I write when I allot time to write, so sometimes it pours out and sometimes it’s painful. Either way, it’s usually fun. Especially when I’m co-writing with a friend. Sometimes you come out with garbage, but you have fun anyways because you might be cooking, or drinking wine, and laughing.

EDGE: What’s the importance of telling a good tale? What do you appreciate about trying to wrap a musical soundscape around your stories? How does the music help deliver the narrative?

Gillis: I think it definitely has to sound cohesive between music and lyrics. The way the album is produced helps drive the words. I don’t know about the importance of any song, but what I can tell you, is that this album has been important to me for healing. I suppose the more personal you get, the more relatable you are to others. Honestly, I just hope that someone feels what I was feeling when writing these songs.

EDGE: What are you looking for people to take away with them when they experience your music? What do you get out of the experience of making music?

Gillis: I hope people can relate to me on a somewhat personal level. For me, it’s cathartic. The feeling of creating something that was never there before is awesome, and with this album I dug pretty deep to get the demons out.

EDGE: You’re heading to New Hampshire for a gig at the Music Hall Loft on Saturday, June 15th. What are you most looking forward to when you visit us here?

Gillis: I have played at the Loft a few times! It’s always such an enjoyable venue with great people.

What else am I looking forward to? Honestly, eating seafood. I go to Row 34 every time I’m there and get a lobster roll, usually for breakfast. It’s a definite splurge, but I always look forward to it. I also love the state motto “Live free or die.” It sounds like a song (laughs).

EDGE: Do you enjoy the road? What are the thrills? What are the challenges?

Gillis: I love it. I love seeing new places and seeing how people are the same everywhere, but also so different. Each town or city has a rhythm and it’s fun to try and tap into that, or completely stand out. I’d say the challenges are few, but it’s always tricky for me traveling from Canada, if I’m being completely honest.

EDGE: Is it weird to set foot onto a stage to play music to a room full of strangers – just sitting or standing there staring at you?

Gillis: I’d almost rather play to strangers than friends. There’s something about being able to let go a little bit more when your peers aren’t the ones in the audience.

EDGE: What can folks expect when they come out to see you play?

Gillis: I think people should know this is a soulful journey, and not a rock show (laughs). Don’t come to party your ass off, come to get to know Lucette a bit more.

Check out www.themusichall.org for more information.