Lucas Omni is an 18-year-old hip-hop artist from Iowa in the States, who is now making a big noise on the urban scene. Lucas, whose music has received more than 10 million streams, describes himself as chaotic in his workflow. I wanted to find out what makes him tick.
Words by Lewis Abbott
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Lewis) Hi Lucas, tell me about ‘I Don’t Know’ and what inspired you to write it.
Lucas) I’ve been working every day for five years on my music and in March I finally started to gain traction, leading to my current partnership with Symphonic Distribution. As my music started to advance into the limelight, my headspace became more chaotic as friends and family started becoming disingenuous in their interactions with me. Everyone was telling me they never thought I could do this, and these unintentionally backhanded comments put a fire in me that needed release. ‘I Don’t Know’ came out of this turmoil and is a statement to everyone who thought this wouldn’t happen. But hard work pays off for those who have the heart, soul and pure intentions.
How do you go about writing your music?
I create a vibe around me with my environment. Once the mood is right I’ll find my desired instrumentation. I may have to give myself a few options to find the one but, once I find it, it’s all in. After all of this I start recording and freestyle what’s in my mind at that very moment. I find going off the top of my head is more organic and real. You can’t fabricate real life and what’s around you.
What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement to date?
I would say finally signing a deal with Symphonic Distribution – after working night and day, waking up and repeating for years – is the greatest thing to happen to my career yet. It showed that it was bigger than the bedroom I came up recording music in. Real recognises real.
If you were to curate a festival, who would the headliners be?
I feel like Kids See Ghosts (Kanye West and Kid Cudi) as a headliner would be insane just for the environment. Festivals are all about the energy around you and to have two artists of that calibre sharing that kind of chemistry together and with the crowd would just be perfect. I would also have to say Outkast. They are the best hip-hop duo of all time in my opinion and don’t often do shows any more to the best of my knowledge. Honestly, I am just an André 3000 stan. Finally I would have to say a Tame Impala/Travis Scott co-set. Kevin Parker and Scott have had several musical and live collaborations so it would only make sense. You can’t beat the live energy of Travis Scott, period. Then Tame Impala got the vibes. I don’t see how you can go wrong.
Who else are you listening to right now?
My current music rotation consists of:
Jack Harlow – ‘Ghost’
The beat is produced by DJ Drama and the way Jack rides the melody with his flow is just something else. A song for a hype occasion.
Lucas Omni – ‘Omni (On Me)’
This was one of my first records and I released it on Soundcloud after being a Major DSP exclusive for six months. So in celebration I brought it back to where everything started on my Soundcloud years ago. Omni’s beat knocks, the hook is catchy and the record is perfect for parties/hype occasions.
L.O.V.E. – ‘Just Friends’
This song is super catchy and an overall smash for any fan of Blackbear. I love this song and it’s been on repeat ever since I first heard it. Plus L.O.V.E. is another artist from Iowa – the same state as me. Gotta show love!
YBN Cordae – ‘The Lost Boy’ (album)
Album of the year in my opinion. I saw Cordae first break out with the Eminem joint and watched him grow. The kid’s just as raw as they come. He’s cut from a different cloth I swear.