Cover - Viva Lewes

Pure Bliss
WWW.VIVALEWES.COM
WELLBEING FEST
Bliss have written a number one single and been covered by
Sinead O’Connor. Their songs are beautiful packages of delicate
power. A small army of dedicated fans ensure their gigs
nearly always sell out. Yet hardly anyone’s heard of them. We
talk to lead singer Lucinda Drayton to fi nd out why.
Your band’s music is very unusual. How would
you describe it?
We intend to bring healing, comfort and spiritual
knowledge through our music. When I sing I connect
to the source… god, or whatever name you give
it. This connection brings a vibration to the music
that gives it a different feel.
How did Sinead O’Connor come to cover the
song ‘A Hundred Thousand Angels’?
I worked with some people who were friends of hers
and they must have given her an album. It was an
honour to have her cover it. The song is about the
fact we are not alone, we are guided if we listen, and
help will come if we have courage. Our eternal parent
never lets us down. This is my experience. Yes, rough
times come and yes, I am scared sometimes and confused
at times, but when I sit in silence and go inside
and come back to peace, I feel the presence of the one
who never leaves me. There are angels close by.
Many people have compared your voice with
Sinead’s…
That’s a compliment because Sinead sings with her
whole being, she’s raw and open and scary and gives
herself. It’s my aim to also open up to this level, in
my own way.
Is it possible for you to pinpoint any musical infl
uences on the sound you have developed?
Not really. I just sit and let it come through. I’m sure
we have been subtly infl uenced by all the great musicians
we have listened to. My fave is Rickie Lee Jones
and we both listen to a lot of world music.
Why aren’t you on a conventional record label?
Nobody knows what to do with this music.
You also seem to have a very unique philosophy.
Can you describe what it is?
We are all eternal souls. Points of pure consciousness.
When we view the world from this perspective everything
changes. As a soul I cannot die, I also have
the inherent qualities of peace, purity, power truth
love and happiness. Maintaining this awareness is the
challenge.
How much are your spiritual beliefs woven into
the music you produce?
They are completely interwoven, I just tell the truth
about my experiences and what I have learned. I do
believe that artists catch the subtle worlds and bring
them here for others to experience. To me music
is the language of the heart. It goes straight to the
heart, by-passing the intellect. Thus my aim is to create
a dialogue, an experience in the audience. I don’t
feel that I am an entertainer anymore. We share an
experience.
How important is commercial success to you?
Listen, I’d love to win a Grammy and make great
money. I’d love to buy an ambulance for the India
project I support and pay my musicians really well.
However it’s not what drives me. I would make music
if the world ended tomorrow. I have to do it… it’s
like breathing.
Can you tell us about your annual trips to India?
India is a jewel in my heart. When I go there I go on
retreat. I stop I sit with God. I walk, I am touched by
her people and fascinated by the light and the colour.
It is my spiritual home and one of the places in the
world I will always go back to.
What can people expect of your gig?
Me doing what I love. Singing to people from my
heart about things that matter to me. A space of deep
peace. A place to let go of old hurts. Healing. LOVE.
Together we create this. V
Bliss will be playing live at the Wellbeing Festival
on Sat 13th (12pm & 3pm) and Sun 14th (12pm &
3pm)
Lucinda Drayton will be giving a talk on ‘The Power
of Good Wishes’ (2pm – Free)
WB9