I think I speak for everyone when I say that the pursuit of happiness is something most of us strive for within this journey we call “life”. However, going a step further with this thought would mean that you would have to sit down and map out what that “happiness” would consist of for you. It would mean that you would have to dare yourself to dream of going after what you most want in this world.
For most, a pursuit of a dream or passion is merely that – a dream. Yet, for some of us, it becomes the very essence of which we are, the reason we breathe and the only explanation of why we exist.
Pursuing a dream is never easy. Having a raw passion for something not only takes time but an exuberant amount of courage, diligence and sacrifice. Living out your calling is not for the faint at heart. Its’ journey can leave you utterly broken. Yet, you know that there truly is no other way you want to live your life, than to live it doing what you love. It’s worth every commitment you will ever ask of yourself.
Every now and again, you come across individuals who are so incredibly passionate about their dreams that their pursuit of them is truly something magical to watch. The energy itself – hypnotic! This is especially true of the man I wish to now introduce to all of you:
His name is Lucas De Marco – otherwise known as: “BOX OF LUCA”
Lucas De Marco is one of Toronto’s hottest rising talents. He is already making a name for himself in the genre of House and Electronic music (EDM). This man is a true star in his own right.
http://soundcloud.com/boxofluca/long-bottom-original-mix-box
Lucas discovered his love for music as a young child, banging on a toy drum set in his parent’s basement, in North York, Ontario. A passion for drums led him to starting his own rock band. During that time he came to develop a deep desire for wanting his band to record their own music. Lucas, being more computer and technologically savvy began to find ways to make this happen. As he began dabbling more and more in the production area, he also started investigating something referred to as: “Gaming Techno”, which allowed him to create his very own unique sounds - thus, giving birth to BOX OF LUCA.
LIFE AFX decided to catch up with Lucas De Marco, for an “Intimate and Interactive” session on BOX OF LUCA. We thought that the world should know what his fans already do. That his sound is transitioning the likes of House and Electronic music every day – gaining notoriety as one of the most upfront house music producers, known for his unique underground style of house music. This is what he had to say:
What city do you call "HOME"?
“I grew up in North York, Ontario, Canada and have lived in this area all my life. I love living in Toronto. It’s just peaceful.”
What genre of music really captivates or motivates you?
“Ambient and Scores/Classical. But I enjoy electronic music because more people can relate to it and it sort of gives this peaceful unification.”
Seeing that the world of House and EDM music is ever-evolving, what things do you do to keep your vibe fresh?
“I’m studying to write classical/scores and also learning how to conduct. But I’m always learning new things whether it be a new way to make a sound or a better way to master a track. I believe I will always be a student to music.”
What is Box Of Luca trying to accomplish?
“All I really want is to make people happy with my music. I’m enjoying this journey, and the last thing I want to do is lose emotion in my music. Although I wish to be on stage in front of thousands of people (like many other electronic musicians) I only really want to bring emotion into people’s lives. Whether it is a smile or a tear, I would be happy. Music has always gotten me through tough times, and if my music would be able to heal someone I would be able to die happy.”
Who are your influences in the music business?
“The funny thing about my influences is that they are always changing. I’m always being influenced by certain artist whether it is by their sound or their business plan, for example. But if I had to pick an artist it would have to be Joel Zimmerman (deadmau5). That is based on the fact that he is super real about everything. He has kept his style since 97’. Obviously times change and so does sound but he has always made music he likes and that’s what has made him successful. He is on par with branding which a lot of people don’t understand. He is probably the best role model to look up to because he is super successful in the business aspect of things and he’s amazingly talented as a musician. It just makes sense. I can’t tell you that no one else is up there with him as my influences but he is surely the top one –an absolute idol in my eyes. Recently I have been looking up to Imogen Heap as well. I feel she is honestly one of the last true “Artists” out there. She truly tries to keep everything for the music which is unbelievably hard when you are inside the music industry. She is real, and 95% of people in the music industry are not. That’s why I give her an immense amount of respect.”
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| This original sound creation and video, by Box Of Luca features a cameo appearance by: Deadmau5. Be sure to watch the video AND... the reaction that Deadmau5 had after he, himself viewed it for the first time. Totally epic!!! |
When did you realize what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?
“As far as I can remember I always knew I had wanted to something with music. At the age of 9, I got my first drum kit, since then things had fallen into place and made sense that I somewhat had a chance in this music industry. I have been a musician for most of my life. I never really had a plan for it but the more I went on I realized that it was what I wanted to do. Music just makes sense for me.”
If you could say anything to a "fellow artist" about following their music dream, what would it be?
“Do it for the music! It’s easy to be trapped into these industry loop-holes. Many people will try to make you conform to what they believe the industry needs at any given time, but always remain true to you. Never compromise on that fact-ever! You have to develop your own style and once you do you will be happy. At that point it won’t matter if you are playing in front of 50,000 people or 24. You will be happy you are making music you like and that is what being a musician is all about. Most of all be original. If you are doing it for the money, you won’t be happy. You have to do it in a way where you can smile and be proud at the end of the day. Oh, and practice A LOT! Don’t stop, no one’s perfect.”
What are TWO things that you want your fans to know about you/BOX OF LUCA?
“That sounds like a question I would answer on a dating website, LOL! All jokes aside, I just want everyone to know that I’m real and I do it for the music and no other reason (except for the obvious reason of other people enjoying my music too). Also I want people to know I’m still a student, I’m trying to learn all music styles out there. I just don’t want people to think of me as some random club music producer, I want my fans to enjoy me as an electronic musician all around.”
How can fans reach you?
Otherwise, you can try the following:
soundcloud.com/boxofluca
facebook.com/boxofluca
twitter.com/#!/BoxofLuca
youtube.com/user/BoxofLuca
flickr.com/photos/boxofluca
facebook.com/boxoflucafanpage
The fastest way to reach is by my twitter, whether you have a question or a recommendation for a song I should remix. I do not have a residency at a club currently but when I perform I always update everyone via all my social media platforms.”
What is your favourite track/song of all time?
“That is a hard question. It would be a tie between an electronic song and a score. It’s between, “The Breaking of the Fellowship”, by Howard Shore and “ We Stood Still”, by deadmau5 which evolved into his most famous “Strobe. “
What future projects are you working on?
“Right now I’m working on a couple of things. A few remixes here and there. I’m always working on originals as well. But I’m currently working on something that I can’t really talk about. All I can say is that it may or may not be for video games.
But like I said I am always working on music. Recently I’ve been trying to incorporate multimedia into all my works. Have it be by just adding a simple video for my songs or even designing cover art for my songs.
Also my team and I are trying to pitch to companies who work with film to give me an opportunity to write scores. So that is very exciting.”
What do you wish to accomplish in your career?
“A lot, LOL! This sort of incorporates my answer to the first question. I want to make people happy with my music. If all goes well I can play festivals and go on for years being able to work on my music as job, and eventually writing scores. All I want to do is make music really. I don’t care if I don’t have a mansion and have to live in poverty. As long as I’m making music for a living I will be the happiest kid alive. “
There you have it folks! A brief look at Lucas DeMarco, and BOX OF LUCA!
Lucas is currently in studio, giving birth to a Tech House EP and an EP for all of his underground Electronic creations. He has been collaborating with different artists, producers, musicians and DJ’s to create a wide variety of sounds for his fans. BOX OF LUCA is also setting up new tour schedules, so find him in a club near you in 2013. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did!
I’d like to personally thank Lucas De Marco, for allowing us the opportunity to introduce both “The Man and The Sound” to our fan base; which has undoubtedly developed his own fan base further as well. I’d also like to thank Box Of Luca and TMA Company Management Incorporated, for allowing LIFE AFX to promote his creation and sounds to the world.
We wish him well in his future endeavours.
