Step Into Your Power
By Lucy LaForge
Introduce yourself! Who are you?
Well, hi! I’m Lucy LaForge aka artist “Lucy & La Mer”.
What is one thing no one really knows about you?
If I don’t set an alarm I won’t wake up until 1pm. No matter what time I go to sleep. So I set many alarms as backup.
What would you say to 16 year old you?
Omg I would just hug her so hard. I’d let her cry until she wasn’t holding anything in anymore.
What is your greatest fear?
Not reaching my potential.
What message do you think every woman should hear?
The sooner you step into your power, the sooner another woman will, too. Show each other how strong we are and support each other when we are strong.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
You can find a hot cocoa at any hour in Los Angeles.
Do you remember a specific time you overcame adversity?
I was pushed around by male producers when I first started in LA. They’d tell me what not to wear, how to sing, who to talk to. I never listened, of course, but I had a hard time standing up for myself in the studio. And then one day I’d just had it and snapped back and it felt SO GOOD. I was scared of being labeled a “diva” or being hard to work with. But really, they work for me. So I only hire feminist producers now.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a must. It’s going to take a long time to get where you think you’re supposed to be going. Enjoy the daily work and small victories. Don’t pressure yourself into thinking you should be further along. You’ll get where you’re going so enjoy the ride.
What motivates you most?
The feeling I get when I hear a song that understands me. I’d love to make music that helps people feel understood.
What do you do on a daily basis to grow and move forward?
I say “thank you” right when I wake up and right before I fall asleep. Gratitude changes the whole day.
What is one thing people would be surprised to hear about you?
I don’t have my ears pierced still. Despite piercing my nose and belly button, my ears are just off limits.
Did you always know what you wanted to do as a career?
Nope, I thought I’d be a psychologist or therapist of some kind. I like listening to people’s stories and exploring and uncovering feelings.
Were you scared to start the process?
Terrified. I cried in a bathroom before my first open mic at a pub. I tried to use eye drops to get rid of the redness but missed my eye and smeared my makeup to make it even worse. So I talked about it on stage (stage = dirty corner of bar where bar stool was) and we all laughed and then I nervously played a Bright Eyes cover.
If you weren’t doing the job you have now, what would you be doing?
I’d be in college studying to be a therapist
Where do you find inspiration?
The little small moments and subtleties in daily life. They’re bigger than we think.
