FROM THE PIPELINE

by Scott Osika

“Lucid” is a featured band on Plattsburgh Pipeline Radio whose music really reaches the masses. Lucid has been together since 2004 and have played many venues, from the City of Plattsburgh's Mayor's Cup to Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont and the Bitter End in NYC. Lucid also partakes in Backwoods Pondfest ending both nights awesome musical lineup.

Lucid is comprised of Kevin Sabourin on guitar, and lead vocals, Lowell Wurster on harmonica, percussion and lead vocals, Ryan Trumbull on Drums, Andy Deller on keyboards and vocals, Chris Shacklett on bass and vocals, and Jamie Armstrong on the Saxophone and vocals.

“Lucid's” music is rock and blues at the core, but they also bring in other styles. All members have diverse influences, so their rock style ranges from reggae to jazz to folk to punk The band members add, “It would be a stretch to associate ourselves too strongly with other genres. A new genre we've heard thrown around is “Jam Band,” and we definitely fit that category as well. Though we do have some very structured material, a few of our songs are never played the same way twice, and we often enjoy simply making up songs on the spot.”

“Lucid” formed from a group of High School buddies. Kevin, Jamie, and Nick Suavie (the original bass player) started the band in Plattsburgh, New York in 2004. Ryan who is from Jay, NY joined the band when Nick saw what an amazing drummer he was.

Lucid says, “The four of us built up a repertoire, and started gigging a little by spring. While playing around Plattsburgh, we met up with, and recruited Lowell, who was a childhood friend of Jamie’s. We then met Andy while honing our skills at a local club’s open mic night, and he stuck with us as we became that club’s house band. This line up continued for four years.”

They continued, “It was only a year ago that original founder Nick Sauvie left the band for academic pursuits. By this time, we were well integrated into the local music scene, and we knew immediately who we wanted to replace Nick. Chris Shacklett kindly accepted our offer and joined the band.”

I asked, “How did the band come up with the name “Lucid”?

They said, “It was a long road to the name for sure! Our original name was “Styles of the Smooth” which you might recognize as the first track on our first album. But as we used it on friends, we found it felt too long. Kevin and Nick had been studying psychology at the time, and the ideas of “lucid dreams” were permeating all our thoughts, so those two came up with “Lucid Image” as a replacement. After a short time we all agreed that sounded more like a portrait studio than a band, so we finally shortened it to “Lucid.”

Lucid says that the ingredients to a good song are “When the whole band can own the song, effortlessly let the song happen. When the chemistry on stage takes over and the people are apart of it. A good song means something to us and the people who listen to it. The diversity of sounds in the band contribute to why we think our songs are great pieces of art as well.”

Lucid has been in the studio recently recording “Dewdmanwah,” their second, long awaited album which has been released. I asked the band what kind of highs and lows were experienced throughout the process. The band members said that the album took them a long time. A lot longer than hoped for because of the many unexpected detours through the process.

Lucid added, “We recorded “Dewdmanwah” on our own. With our own gear, at our own pace at our friend Benn Erb's house. He was the producer and sound engineer for the album, so the atmosphere was very relaxed as far as it's production went. This was positive in that we had a lot of control over how it sounded. But at the same time it meant that we had no deadlines to meet with it... Overall the outcome and experiences were amazing and we are considering working the same way with our next album that we plan to start recording at the end of September.”

I then asked how fans have responded to their second album “Dewdmanwah.” They said that fans who have provided feedback were all very positive about it. Many fans have said that they love the song selection and also how the recording sounds, which has more of a “live” feeling to it compared to their first album, “Miles Deep.”

The band says that their most memorable gig has been the annual Backwoods Ponfest in Peru, New York. They add that there are aspects of every gig that they cherish. September 11 & 12th, 2009, Backwoods Pondfest, a 2 day festival, will feature 15 bands and “Lucid” will be performing both nights.

I asked, “With Backwoods Pondfest is right around the corner, what can festival goers expect this year?The band replied, “Great music, no hassles, a comfortable atmosphere and some nice surprises from us!!!”

I asked “Lucid” if they have any favorite local bands and/or artists. The band members said that they really do love our local music scene. They love all the great bands like the “Shameless Strangers,” “Elephant Bear,” “Slow Natives/Eat Sleep Funk.” Lucid adds, “They are all great friends and contribute to what we as a community of musicians are trying to do for music in Plattsburgh.”

“Lucid” says, “We are constantly adding new material, so if you haven’t seen us in a while, and you think you know what we’re all about, think again. Also, we like long walks on the beach, snuggling up under a blanket with a warm bowl of popcorn, and mature men and women who know what they want from life, and aren’t afraid to go for it.”

If you haven't seen this band live I suggest that you do! They will have your feet moving and your soul grooving! If you are interested in purchasing “Lucid's” music visit The ADK Soup Co., any Lucid show and also Digital Digsation at: http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000031254. Their entire album “Dewdmanwah” is also being aired on Plattsburgh Pipeline Radio!