Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Radu Carnaru and
courtesy of Lucid
Street soul, a combination of Hip-Hop, soul and R&B, is the sound being created by the Netherlands-based duo Lucid. Formed in 2012 and comprised of vocalists Janice and Juliet, the sexy Dutch duo originally met in university while both studying media before switching to music and gaining acceptance into the Herman Brood Academie in Utrecht. After a trip to the U.S. that same year, Lucid went full force with their careers, returning to America in 2013, playing live at various venues and forming musical collaborations. In the works to release their debut album Poisoned Pawns, Juliet and Janice dropped a video for the hypnotic song “Stranger To Me” earlier this year, followed by their recent video “Celebration”, which documents the ladies’ recent voyage in Brussels. The LP will straddle the sounds of Hip-Hop, soul, R&B and trap. With sultry vocals backed by rich, soulful production, Lucid are a pair of talented beauties that you should definitely get to know.
How would you describe your style of soul music?
Lucid – A promoter we once performed for described our sound as ‘Street Soul’. The street represents the urban influences in our music, Hip-Hop is mainly found in the beats. We tend to use a lot of instrumentals that you could hear rappers on as well. Our vocals are mostly a mix of R&B and soul. In our performances we throw in a little flow sometimes too.
You met at university. When did you decide to form a music duo?
Lucid – It pretty much happened naturally. In 2012 we visited the states for an internship at a record label and met quite a lot of producers. A few gave us beats to write on together. We enjoyed working as a team and our voices blended well. We’ve been writing & performing songs as a duo since then.
What did you learn as artists from your travels in America?
Lucid – People will promise you the moon but don’t believe anything before you see it. You truly attract what’s on your mind in terms of people and situation.
What artists in the Netherlands are currently on your radar at the moment?
Lucid – Mr. Probz is a Dutch artist that is making waves on a worldwide level. It is very inspirational to see an independent artist do so well.
While there is actually a big Hip-Hop and soul scene in the Netherlands, many people around are more familiar with the dance music scene there. How would you describe the Dutch Hip-Hop and soul scene?
Lucid – There is quite an active Hip-Hop scene out here with the majority of artists performing in Dutch. The soul/R&B scene is respectively smaller, especially Dutch R&B acts, (they) are pretty hard to find in the national charts.
What are three essential fashion pieces that you could not live without?
Lucid – Earrings, Boots: Dr. Martens (Juliet), Timberlands (Janice) and an Inalucidworld sweater.
In terms of guys, what are two turn-ons and what are two turn-offs?
Lucid – Two turn-ons are (guys who are) funny and positivity. Two turn-offs are guys with no ambitions and taking life or yourself too seriously.
What three words best describe Lucid?
Lucid – Dreamy, positive and strong-minded
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