Interview by Michelle Camille Jolicoeur
Michelle Camille Jolicoeur: Who are some non-musical artists you admire?
Lukas Brull: Lots of queer writers. Frank O’hara specifically is a huge influence on me. His work is like a mix of sensuality and urban gunk, in the best way. Being gay, in love, and in a city is something his work has taught me to romanticize since I discovered him in high school.
MCJ: What is your biggest challenge when making music?
LB: Worrying about what other people think. I always have someone in my head that I’m trying to communicate to, and I’m always thinking: what are they gonna like? It changes, but like there’s always someone. Making art has always been a mixture of me expressing myself and also me wanting to get laid. [My songs] are made with someone in mind, all the time.
MCJ: What are your thoughts on Heated Rivalry?
LB: Oh my god, I love it. It really touched me. People were like, ‘oh it’s not the best writing’, it’s not Moonlight. I haven’t seen many depictions of–maybe this is my own fault–queer love that feel comforting. There’s a barrier, but they address it. They don’t let their fear overpower their love for each other. If I’d seen that when I was younger, I would have felt a lot more grounded and seen, rather than my only connection being porn. Porn and Love, Simon or some ultra cheesy shit. It was very natural, and you’re seeing these people grapple their feelings, and it’s not perfect. Also the sex scenes…I’ve always kind of felt gay sex is this is so underground and hedonistic and not romantic. They put the capital R in romance. It was just really comforting to see.
MCJ: What are some underrated and what are some overrated spots in the city?
LB: In the case of Toronto, it’s not even about things being “overrated” but just overly gentrified beyond the point of recognition. Dufferin Mall is the most underrated place though and it reminds me of my childhood. I can’t really say that about a lot of Toronto.
MCJ: Which song do you wish you had made?
LB: It’s always been I Want to Roll With You by Conan Mockison. It’s so sexual and sensual but self-aware in a way that I really want to be. I want to lean into the cheesiness of desiring someone. I’m not trying to throw around cheap sex or anything. I feel like it’s always like trying to turn on the last guy I fell for.
MCJ: Do you have any goals for the new year?
LB: I want to be very challant. I’m not trying to be mysterious or trying to play cool anymore. I really want to fail and de-stiffen and learn. By the end of this year, it’s not about blowing up, it’s about feeling comfortable with everything I do and then just letting go of things I’ve never been able to control since day one. Fear really holds me back from doing things.
MCJ: What are five albums everyone should listen to front to back?
LB:
1. Cherry Peel - Of Montreal
2. Coscience - Womack & Womack
3. Die for My Bitch - Baby Keem
4. PICTURA DE IPSE - Hubert Lenoir
5. Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob
MCJ: What is your favourite dessert?
LB: Sucre à la crème
MCJ: Why is being gay so loney?
LB: Honestly, it’s not. I mean it was for me when I was a lot younger and my only connection was romantic interest but once you find friends, you find yourself. [You get a] sense of stability that isn’t transactional and that isn’t fleeting, it just makes you feel like everything else is a bonus. It’s just lonely because of what you go through compared to your straight peers. Dating feels like a like a distant future, love is way less linear and it’s just it’s inevitably way more
challenging.
MCJ: Go-to first date spot in the city?
LB: Someone’s apartment.
MCJ: Where do you imagine your music being played?
LB: There was a time when I wanted to be played in the freaky time in a club where it’s 4 am and I realized it’s not meant for that. I want them to play in one of those really tacky, downtown gay bars where there are people of all ages and it’s very pink. It’s not really trying to be cool, but it’s just fun and accessible. It’s not scared of being cringe. I just want it to resonate with demon twinks and also old ass men and drag queens.
MCJ: How has your music evolved through the years?
LB: It’s changed a lot because I started in dive bars, trying to cater toward like straight 30-year-old men. Over the years, I’ve just had a lot of changes in my personal life; I just cater toward a more queer audience. It’s more sex friendly. I’ve become more confident over the years, in myself and my sexuality. I have always felt like a bit too queer for that scene, but too sober for the DJ scene.
[END OF INTERVIEW]
I
just want it toresonate with demon twinks and also old ass men and drag queens