This week I had the pleasure of meeting Big Lux, an artist originally from Westerly, Rhode Island. Lux mixes elements of bluegrass, hip-hop, jazz, and his classical violin training to create unique beats and modernize the traditional sound of violin. More importantly, he turns his uncommon life experiences into vigorous flows and captivating stories. I eagerly approached Big Lux after a small concert outside of Boston to learn more about him.
Here’s what we found:
How did you get started in the music industry? How was your journey to where you are today?
There’s never any one path into the industry, but mine has to be one of the stranger stories. I grew up playing classical violin as a kid but decided to go into the Army instead of into music. I was active duty for 13 years and one of my last duty stations was Korea. I was in Seoul for 2 years – they have an amazing music culture, they are a whole country of listeners. I played in the street, it was my lab. If people liked me, they stayed, sometimes I made some money. I started to meet other musicians, got invited to join a band and soon I was playing my own gigs, made my own band, and was touring and playing festivals. When I got back to the US I had to start over again, I spent the last 4 years building up my fanbase, developing new skills and adding new venues. It just came down to word of mouth and being dope everywhere I played.
What do you like to do other than music?
Lift weights, play basketball, snowboard, read, dance salsa – Most of my hobbies help contribute to some aspect of my performance, whether it’s balance, patience or just taking risks.
Is it primarily you playing on your tracks?
My latest EP I worked with the producer Phil Beaudreau who played guitar, bass, and piano. We have been looking for a good banjo player to get on a track, but found a really dope Protools plug-in to do the dirty work.
Did you have other career paths, or passions that maybe clashed with music?
The Army gave me so many experiences that are at the core of my writing, but of course there was a lifestyle clash. It’s hard to get up at 6AM after playing until 2 the night before. After I got out of the army I was doing construction management in Miami and I was trying to take calls from venues and music clients during the day and it got to be too much.
You’re a violinist and rapper, can you tell us how you decided to mix such different sounds?
Violins are incredibly versatile instruments, the way they produce sound is closer to the human voice than any other instrument. Our brains are wired to pay attention to the sound. So it’s no surprise that strings are in every genre of music. Strings have been in hip hop from the beginning. But not every violinist raps too.
Who or what are your biggest musical influences? Biggest violin influences and rapper influences?
Violin: Black Violin, Nuttin But Strings, Lindsey Stirling, Boyd Tinsley (Dave Matthews Band), Charlie Daniels, Josh Vietti
Rap: Kanye, Jay, Dilla, Nas, Kweli, Common, Outkast, Lupe
Has your musical vision shifted at all since you started?
When I started, I didn’t rap or sing as much. I couldn’t use a loop pedal (it still kicks my ass sometimes). I was always thinking really small, I’ve learned to pump up the size of my dreams, take more risks and to write more.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a musician for you?
As a black kid growing up in Rhode Island I had a great childhood, but it’s hard not to feel different from everyone I grew up with. I learned I can adapt to any situation, hang out with anyone. But at the same time, no one really understands what it’s like to be me – so I am creating my own universe and putting everyone inside it. I’m building my own world and its so dope when people like what they see.
Who would be your dream to collaborate with?
Lizzo is everything right now. If you had asked me 10 years ago or even 5 years ago I probably would have said Kanye, he’s a genius even if he is mentally unstable.
As an artist, what are some of your major goals in the next five years?
- Play at a major Music Festival – SxSW would be insane!
- Tour in Europe
- Collab with a major artist
- Stay Independent and stay in RI – we gotta build up our scene!
What can the DropSpot readers expect from you in the near future? Do you have any new music or live shows coming soon?
I’m playing shows all the time all over New England! Y’all should check out my webpage www.bigluxviolin.com for my full schedule. 5 Mar at the Phoenix in Pawcatuck, CT is gonna be one of the biggest tho. I’m also working on a new EP for summer release!
Leave A Comment