Interview with Nat Jack - Lead Singer of Lucid Afterlife
Lucid After Life
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I started out making rap music actually. I stole my older brothers hip hop albums and then realized rapping was something I could do so I kept at it. I did not start making rock music until I was 27 years old after bieng gifted a guitar by my uncle. If I was not a musician I would be an entertainer for sure, maybe I would be a porn star revolutionzing the genre into something more conciuoss and inclusive.
What do you like to do when your not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like to practice meditation techniques and lucid dreaming. A lot of my song ideas and themes actually come from these states of conciousness so the influence is there.
How long has your band been around?
Lucid AfterLife was officially formed in 2012 I think. I am the only original member since the formation.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We are based out of Vancouver, Canada. Compared to the cities we play in around the world it's kind of a small city so I think that drove me to leave and explore more of the world. There are alot of concious people that live here in Vancouver and people are open minded to expanded outlooks on spiritualism, perhaps this fostered a space to create mystical music with esoteric themes.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.
The name Lucid AfterLife came in form of a channel, it was the first thing that popped up when I was feeling out for words that could somewhat convey the project. Lucid AfterLife is state of conciousness, it is also a place and most of all it is the name of a ship. Lucid AfterLife to me was never a band of certain individuals but more of a pirate ship and me the captain on this strange musical journey.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
I dont think I ever had a bad show, and I am thinking very hard, challenges have always fueled my stage presence. The best shows hands down have to be from the tour we just finished in Mexico, hands down the wildest fans we have yet to rock out for.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?
The favourite venue I ever played at was a make shift bar in some small beach town south of Lima, Peru. The sound was crap, the place was dirty as hell and the indoors covered in graffiti. I think a ghost came into my body that night we rocked so hard, I was literally convulsing on the filthy concrete floor speaking in toungue, great show.
I would really like to play a concert on a farm, but for cows only, not humans.
If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?
Black Sabbath (with Dio)
Graveyard
David Bowie
Mozart
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Just Play!
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Dont listen to anyone else, not even to me right now, just do you.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Pharma Matrix Karma Spaceship is a big one for me, its a lateral abstract copmilation of my entire reality, fears, accomplishments and visions all rolled into a rock/hip hop/soul/metal soup of dopeness. It's emotional for me listening to it at the end of the song. The track will be released among another 5 new songs on the album Descendant May 21st
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Love Is Beyond has been the most requested song on the latest tour. I like playing DMT, a sort of spell takes over the room and I can feel the crowd traveling to a strange place out of body with me.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
We like to jam out ideas, I find our best work comes out when we are just together in the moment.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I just speak my heart and mind, maybe the message is something around that. Do what you feel is the right thing for you, be different, be bold.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
No, not really, we are pretty chill. If ever we have differences of opinions we dish it out and try to see things from the others perspective.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?
We are currently putting the finishing touches on the new album Descendant and just released a new video for one of the songs "DMT". We have no confirmed dates but have got calls from USA, Asia & Mexico so we are just deciding where to head out next.