In an emotional recollection, Steve Lacy discusses his early guitar days, tracing it back to church and the video game Guitar Hero, with him remaining stunned as he watches his instruments being destroyed at the end of each service.
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Steve Lacy, a new kind of guitar hero, has been making waves in the music industry with his off-kilter, homespun playing style and strong production sensibility. His latest album, Oh Yeah?, set to release soon, marks his first album since 2022's Gemini Rights.
Lacy's musical journey began in Compton, where he was inspired by church bands. His fascination with the guitar was sparked at the tender age of 10, thanks to hours spent with Guitar Hero. This early exposure led him to experiment with various sounds, eventually developing a unique tone characterized by jangly cleans and expressive funk tones.
The Stratocaster, a model that holds significant meaning for Lacy, has been a constant companion throughout his career. He is now the proud owner of a signature model, the Steve Lacy "People Pleaser" Strat, released by Fender in 2023. This guitar, a symbol of his status as a Gen Z guitar icon, embodies his genre-blending, innovative playing style.
Lacy's style is not just about traditional virtuosity; it's about collaboration and production. He has worked across R&B, funk, and alternative scenes, emphasizing a modern, genre-blending approach to guitar playing and production. His collaborations include Kendrick Lamar and Thundercat, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to various musical landscapes.
Lacy's early influences are evident in his work. He has often mentioned Jimi Hendrix as one of the people he looked up to when starting out. His collaborative spirit and genre-bending approach can be traced back to his roots, where he watched in awe as musicians shredded at the end of church services.
Lacy's career took off when he co-wrote and co-produced a track for Kendrick Lamar and earned his first Grammy nomination while still in high school with the genre-blending avant-garde outfit The Internet. His signature Stratocaster now represents the culmination of his journey from a church-inspired young player to a forefront figure redefining guitar music with a unique tone and collaborative spirit.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lacy spoke about his evolution as a guitarist, his influences, and his upcoming album, Oh Yeah?, which promises to be a significant release in his discography. With his signature Stratocaster in hand, Lacy is set to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of guitarists.
[1] Steve Lacy's Fender Signature Guitar: The People Pleaser Stratocaster
[2] Steve Lacy's Unconventional Approach to Guitar Playing
[3] Steve Lacy's Interview with Rolling Stone
[4] Steve Lacy's Signature Stratocaster: A Symbol of His Influence
[5] Steve Lacy's Collaborative Spirit and Genre-Blending Approach
