Byron Music: Lucid Safari

By Kate Love

A Dream-Rock Journey

Lucid Safari is fast becoming one of Brisbane/Meanjin’s standout dream-rock acts, captivating listeners with their evolution from rootsy indie beginnings to a polished, pop-drenched sound. Their latest single, Something More, dives into the nostalgic “what could’ve been,” showcasing the band’s talent for balancing heartfelt emotion with bold, 80s-inspired production.

From winning The Sound Garden’s Battle of the Bands in 2020 to supporting Australian rock icons British India, Lucid Safari’s rapid rise is due to their passion, persistence and undeniable talent. Their journey continues to hit exciting milestones, with the band recently confirmed to play the countdown spot on New Year’s Eve at the Dening Park Stage in Byron Bay - an honour they’re thrilled to reprise for the second year in a row.

As they prepare to release new music, the band is exploring fresh creative territory while staying true to the authentic sound that has earned them a growing fan base. We spoke with Lucid Safari about their musical journey, the inspiration behind Something More and what’s next for this rising indie sensation.

Lucid Safari has evolved from roots-based indie to a polished, pop-drenched dream rock sound. How has your musical journey shaped your current sound, and what influences played a key role in this evolution?

Our evolution has been a mix of intentional experimentation and organic growth. Collaborating with talented writers like Blake Malone and Graham Ritchie has exposed me to new creative approaches, pushing me beyond my comfort zone. I’ve been influenced by the rich soundscapes of artists like Sticky Fingers and the atmospheric tones of Tame Impala. Exploring synthesizers and layered production in songs like "Something More" has been especially rewarding. Artistic evolution often involves trial and error, but the process has helped us refine a sound that feels authentic and exciting.

Your latest single, "Something More," reflects on the feeling of “what could’ve been” and nostalgia. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and what message you hope listeners take from it? 

"Something More" is deeply personal, born from those late-night moments of introspection. I found myself reflecting on past connections where timing or circumstances kept things unresolved. There’s a certain weight to wondering, did they feel the same? Writing this song was a cathartic experience, and I hope listeners find a sense of release and hope in it. It’s about embracing vulnerability and recognizing that some questions don’t always have answers—but they’re still worth asking.

You’ve had a rapid rise in the music scene, from winning The Sound Garden’s Battle of the Bands to supporting British India. What do you think has contributed to your success, and how has performing with such influential acts shaped your journey?

Success in music is rarely linear—it’s been a journey of persistence and passion. Selling tickets hasn’t always been easy, especially early on, but the struggles have reinforced why we do this. You don’t pursue music as a career unless you literally can’t not do it. Every artist we’ve ever played with shares this burning desire to make music simply because we love it. In that shared passion, we find a kindred connection. Performing alongside acts like British India showed us the impact of true dedication, and it’s inspired us to give everything we have, every time we step on stage.

With your recent 13-show east coast tour and high rotation on US radio, Lucid Safari has been connecting with audiences far and wide. How does it feel to reach new audiences, and what has been one of the most memorable moments from these performances?

Reaching new audiences has been incredibly humbling and rewarding. There’s something special about seeing people resonate with our music, whether they’re singing along or experiencing it for the first time. One of the standout moments was in Yamba, where the energy of the crowd felt electric—it reminded me why we pour so much into this. Hearing about our songs playing on US radio is surreal, and it motivates us to keep expanding our reach and connecting with more listeners.

As you continue to refine new tracks in the studio for 2024, what can fans expect from your upcoming music? How do you plan to continue pushing sonic boundaries and evolving your sound?

Fans can expect a blend of the familiar dream-rock tones they’ve come to love with some bold new directions. We’re incorporating more textured production and experimenting with fresh instrumentation—synths, percussive layers, and even some unexpected rhythms. Collaborating with top-tier songwriters like Tom Eggert has helped shape this vision. At its core, our goal is to evoke emotion and tell stories, but we’re always searching for ways to do that in a way that feels fresh and daring.

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