Keyboardist and vocalist Lucy Graves has played for CeeLo Green, Printz Board, she currently plays for the Black Eyed Peas as well as her new duo Parker Lane. Lucy grew up in west Auckland and attended Avondale College, followed by the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Having relocated to Los Angeles, Lucy is a great example of a dedicated, successful New Zealand musician that you’ve probably never heard of.  While many people are hypnotised by short-lived media darlings, puffed up by hype and rumour, musicians like Lucy Graves work tirelessly behind the scenes, maintaining high standards and working with some of the best in the business. Get it in you!

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a similar career?

My biggest piece of advice would be to just keep doing it....get in and play everywhere and anywhere you can with anyone you can. Meet new people. Write with new people. don't be afraid to ask questions.....and definitely don't be afraid to ask someone if they could mentor you......that's huge! But just being amongst the people that are doing what you want to be doing is the best thing...better than college!!!! (sorry guys..... ;)

What is the biggest challenge that you see for people seeking a career in the creative sector and how do you navigate that challenge? 

The biggest challenge, i believe, is that the arts, and music in general, have become so saturated that it's not considered 'special' or as valuable as it used to be and we are now having to convince the general public that buying a ticket to a show or buying an album or song online is worth it...as worthy as buying your daily coffee at starbucks...but ours lasts a lifetime...smh. I don't think any of this is reason to give up or not do what you love, but it could definitely be the beginning of finding some great new ways of thinking, or promotion, or creativeness :) 

What is the core belief that drives what you do?

I would fckn DIE if i couldn't create music or perform. Literally, nothing else in the world excites me as much as music does. Plus, I can't do anything else so there's no room for failure LOL.

What is your number one tip for surviving and thriving in the creative industries?

Your personality is as important, if not more so, than you talent. Learn how to talk to people. Be genuine. It's not who you know in this industry...it's who knows you, and do they like you... there's a big difference.