In the current New Wave of British Country Music (NWBCM) (I must get a trademark on that term lol) Lucy Blu is definitely surfing the incoming wave. I was aware of her from her album “Unsent Letters” (2023), but I will support my opening statement by noting how her single “I Left My Heart” has, at the time of writing this, 1,811,681 listens on Spotify. This piece combines a brief (ish) interview with Lucy with my reflection/review of her new single.
The interview:
I loved the drum sound to the new single, how it provides that heartbeat and opens the single. I always think that drums are often ignored as they can be so exciting (listen to jungle drums or Ant Music by Adam and the Ants…) – did you set out to have the drums lead the way in on this single? Are you a drum fan too?
Lucy: I am, I wanted the opening to this song to really set the pace and tone, and catch people straight away. I used the opening drums as the teaser on social media and I think it’s safe to say it’s had the desired effect.!
I’m told this single has a great back story – can you share what drew you to Billy the Kid?
Lucy: It does indeed! Unfortunately this song is a tale of a toxic ex-friend who crossed the line just one too many times. Unfortunately for her she decided to reach out and try and get back in touch the day I was heading into a writing session, and the rest is history!
I believe you were raised in a household of record store owners! Does this mean you retain a love of vinyl, the physical product? I always think we lost something when we lost the album cover, the sleeve with the notes and (sometimes) the poster for the bedroom wall. What music were you sneaking out of the store to play at home as a teenager?
Lucy: I was. My parents had their own independent record shops back in the day, and with the resurgence of vinyl my brother launched his own store ‘Hey Joe Music & Coffee’ back in 2020. Physical media runs in my veins and although digital has its place, I don’t think it will ever fully replace physical products.
From your back catalogue I enjoy “Bulletproof” as it has this catchy sense of clap along rhythm and this dark lyric that lies underneath a cheery dance along melody! Tell us about that one please!
Lucy: Absolutely! Bulletproof is another of my faves. Again it was written as a bit of a revenge piece about a guy that was severely mistreating one of my friends. I promise not all my songs are angry though!
Sometimes you will strip things back to the acoustic bare-bones, “Dirty Little Secret” for example- I don’t really see you as a folk artist, but I’d say you blend folk and country in that cover. Do you write songs on an acoustic guitar and then add extra layers as needed? Do you scribble ideas in a notebook? What is the process for you?
Lucy: My writing process can be different depending on the mood I’m in, but generally it’s me and my acoustic guitar and once I have something relatively complete, I get it into the studio to see how it develops. Sometimes it can be barely untouched with just some extra layers added, sometimes it gets pulled apart and comes back together as almost an entirely new song. The creative process is always so rewarding and definitely my favourite part of being an artist
What ongoing plans can you share with us for the remainder of 2025?
Lucy: I’ve got loads more new music I’m currently sitting on, ready to release, and there’ll be an exclusive and exciting physical little something coming at the back of this year. I’m also currently planning a wedding and in the process of buying my first home, so it’s definitely going to be a bit of a juggling job for the back half of 2025!
One of our friends at the magazine is Shirley King (daughter of BB King) – she tells us how, in her opinion, the older we get and the more we live, the more the blues begin to seep into the lyrics and poetry we write. Do you feel that is true?
Lucy: Absolutely. All of my writing comes from a place of truth and experience. I like to think my entire back catalogue is a really close insight to my story and who I am as a person. And as we get older our experiences only serve to add to the richness of that tapestry and story.
Lastly, for someone who is listening to you for the first time, what do you feel is your go to song, the place they should head to first before exploring more – and why choose that track?
Lucy: Oooh that’s a tricky one! I would say “Shine” is probably a good place to start, as it’s a fun and upbeat track with just that little bit of revenge sass weaved throughout it, but ultimately with a positive affirming message – and that’s what I’d like to think I’m all about ultimately. “Only Just Begun” is also a song that will always serve to outline who I am and how I started, as it truly was the song that kick started all the exciting things I’ve got to experience in my career this far and will always be my anthem.
That finishes off my chat with Lucy (I have placed “Shine” at the end of this piece)… and now my review of her new single (release date August 1 on all platforms).
“High Horse” opens with this big drum sound before moving into some kick ass country groove! It celebrates (if that is the right term) how this uninvited load of trouble can get on her high horse and go! A person who is a liar and cheater who tries to shift the blame and tries to shoot everyone down (hey…I know exactly that person – same b**** I wonder?!). I liked the little western touches (a little cowboy whistle at one point, easy to miss!), and the beat is designed to get up and dance. It’s really enjoyable, but I often found the best songs can be written from a base of anger!
- I’m also going to dip into two other back catalogue tracks that I really think you should have a listen to:
“Bulletproof” came out in 2021 and it’s damn good! Again it is based around this country clap along feel. Lucy tells us that while her friend is sitting home crying, Lucy has loaded her shotgun! Let’s Play! It reminds me of that great track “I Shot the Fucker Dead” by The Passerines. And we all have a victim in mind! So this is terrific stuff, “Hi, Mr. Liar, tell me if you are Bulletproof!” Great track….
“Bonnie and Clyde” is the last one I am covering. This is fun, “two fools rushing in”… and I think it shows why Lucy is gaining such popularity within the NWBCM sound. Get those cowboy boots out, grab a drink and get on the dance floor!
In summary: With “High Horse,” Lucy Blu doesn’t just ride the NWBCM wave — she grabs the reins, digs in her heels, and charges full throttle. It’s feisty, fun, and brimming with that no-nonsense swagger that’s fast becoming her trademark. What’s exciting is that behind the stomping choruses and clever turns of phrase, there’s a songwriter with grit, heart, and one hell of a knack for turning personal battles into communal anthems.
Whether she’s armed with an acoustic guitar or a studio full of stomp-and-clap production, Lucy Blu brings honesty, fire, and just enough twang to keep things grounded in country while speaking directly to the lives and loves of modern listeners. She’s got her sights set high.
And we hope you liked the feature/review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee!
Artist website here
Stream music from Lucy Blu here
By Tracy Nash
- a brief word about me! I am a new name here at Rock the Joint Magazine. I am a student taking journalism at University and I am doing an intern role here at the magazine over the Summer 2025 before starting properly at university. A thank you to Mark and Benny for giving me a chance to write full pieces and I look forward to doing some more up until September.
I do like the phrase New Wave of British Country Music, well done for coming up with it! I think that Lucy Blu is one of those to the front of this and I have been watching her career for a few years now. She is great live too, seen her four times.