We had the pleasure of interviewing Lucky Mays, and here’s what he had to say:
Q: What’s the story behind “Is There Gold”?
MAYS: After the loss of our teenage son, I really struggled to find inspiration and meaning in all aspects of life. Continuously challenged by all the emotions that come through after a loss. I wanted to create because that was the only thing that I could ever do in life to express myself adequately. But I felt guilt for wanting to express myself through music – I didn’t give myself permission. After a series of dreams about our son, I began to feel encouragement and hope and, eventually, gave myself permission to create again. Throughout the writing and production process, a flood of emotions was released. I wrote ‘Is There Gold’ as a love song of hope to my wife and surviving children. For me, this process has been a journey in healing and a rekindling of the fire for living. I believe that so many who have experienced a great loss can understand and relate to this.
Q: What effect were you going for while creating this song?
MAYS: I wanted to create a safe and nonjudgemental space just outside of the confines of ones comfort zone. I want to allow listeners to stretch and release any pent-up grief emotions they are struggling with. I want listeners to have hope and give grace to themselves. It’s a lot to ask of a simple little song, but it is helping me and I believe it can do the same for others.
Q: How would you like listeners to respond to it?
MAYS: My hope is that listeners will interpret the meaning of the song in their own way – perhaps giving them a bit of solace in their healing process.
Q: How would you describe the type of music that you typically create?
MAYS: I generally write songs with an organic plot while leaving room for the listener to interpret and take ownership of the meaning from their perspective. The end goal is to have written a song that feels nostalgically classic yet with enough modernity to be relevant for the times we live in.
Q: What drives you to make music? Could you possibly see yourself doing anything else professionally?
MAYS: I’m not sure why, but I have had an innate drive to create and tell stories since I was three or four years old. My early attraction to music became the obvious form of expression to effectively convey what I feel. If I could not have music in my life, then I suppose I would turn to other artistic forms of expression, like painting or pure literature.
Q: If you could be an instrument, what would you choose to be? Why? Which do you play?
MAYS: If I could be an instrument I suppose I’d have to choose the piano because it has such a wide frequency range and because it falls into the realm between a percussion and stringed instrument. It can take a beating and still make beautiful music! Plus the piano has a lot of really cool math. Let it be known that although I am not a great pianist, I do play it along with guitar, bass, drums and anything else I come across – I’m willing to learn!
Interviewed by Zoey King
FOLLOW LUCKY MAYS:
