Lucas Opens Up About Life As A Solo Artist: “I don’t know what you’d think of it, but I think it’s introduced a new Lucas.”

Prepare to be reintroduced to Lucas.

While the world has long been captivated by Lucas from his time as a member of SM Entertainment’s global K-pop sensation NCT (particularly through its sub-units like NCT U and WayV), the 25-year-old idol is ready to make a new name for himself as a solo artist — both musically and personally.

After taking a brief hiatus off the grid, he has returned to the spotlight in 2024 to start anew with his first solo project, Renegade, which was released earlier this year. With Renegade, Lucas delves into a bold, new sound that blends various genres, from high-energy hip-hop to smooth R&B as he explores themes of self-expression and personal growth, while also finding room to explore his sonic capabilities and preferences as a solo artist. 

As he steps into this significant new chapter of his career, Lucas is eager to bring a fresh, confident version of himself onto the stage. With his growing maturity and refined artistry, he looks forward to what he’s described as a “new era” of his solo endeavors, which is set to reflect his ever-evolving artistic journey.

In this exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, Lucas shares insights into the inspiration behind Renegade, how he has embraced his artistic identity as a soloist, his return to the Philippines, and offers a glimpse into the exciting future ahead, one with more music and projects that promise to showcase the many layers of his identity as an artist.

Billboard Philippines: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your first solo release, Renegade? What themes and messages did you want to convey with that album?

Lucas: First of all, I took a break for two and a half years before the album was released. But during these two and a half years, I really wanted to impress the fans who had been waiting for me, and all of the people who were supporting me. So when I made this album, I made it with the fans on my mind, but I also wanted to continue doing what I loved, which was music.

It really shows how you’re very thoughtful to your fans. But also, the record itself is an impressive excellent creative display of the music that you’ve been working on for yourself. So what was the creative process like, working behind the scenes to record the album?

When I made this album, I think it was a project that was very meaningful to me. Because this was an album wherein I’m releasing it as a solo artist for the first time. And when I was working on it, I thought a lot about it, and I really made sure to do what I could to make it something that I’m proud to release for both myself and the fans.

Because “Dip It Low,” “Crushing On You,” and “Renegade” — all the styles on those tracks are so different. So I thought, these tracks represent something like three people in me. I made it like this, while thinking about it and all these sides of myself I wanted to put out.

Those three different tracks, as you mentioned, are all so different. Each of them features a mix of high-energy beats and infectious melodies that weave across the genres of R&B and hip-hop. Would you say that reflects your personal taste in music?

Yes, honestly. [Because] with my personal taste in music? I’ve been such a big fan of Michael Jackson since I was young. So, I was influenced by the beats of his music that I fell in love with since when I was young. And [everytime] when I listen to his songs or seeing videos of how he danced, it really did and continues to inspire me. So, when I chose what sounds I wanted to add into my songs, I chose to make songs that have a lot of diversity and a unique vibe to them.

That’s great, and the result really does show through. So in what ways do you think Renegade represents your artistic identity? And how has your music evolved to reflect who you are today? 

First of all, I’d like to talk about the song [“Renegade”] itself. When I talk about it, it makes me feel like I’m a brand new person, because it’s like a different side of me. Because the tone is so different from before, or even from the music I was able to make in my career earlier on. I was able to explore more with what I wanted as well.

And I feel like I’m on the next level of my career with this song. It’s a big step forward for me as an artist and what I want to do, which is why I feel very proud of it. So I don’t know what you would think of it, but I definitely think it’s introduced a new Lucas.

Fans would like to see you explore more of what you want to do and your creative pursuits, and just you being authentic to who you are. But were there any specific challenges that you faced when recording Renegade, and if so, how were you able to overcome them?

The hardest part for me was the pronunciation. [Working on] ny English was the most important thing when I was making this album. So [even now], I have to pay more attention to my English when I’m recording. I don’t really like the practice of pronunciation. *laughs*

So I really practiced a lot. But when I was practicing, I was [also finding ways to improve] like, how can I make this word sound better? So I studied for that a lot in order to make sure that the end result was the best thing I could do.

So, how do you envision your sound evolving with your future releases? Are there any new genres or styles that you’re interested in exploring in the future?

Honestly, I’ve been practicing a husky voice to use when singing lately. *laughs*

I’ve also been thinking about trying and experimenting around with various styles lately. But I think a husky voice goes well with the songs I want to work on, as I record my new music for the future. I think I can show this part better if I practice a bit more. I think it’s a bit… rough [for now] *laughs*

But please look forward to [my future releases].

We at Billboard Philippines will definitely stay tuned for that, and we can’t wait to see what else you’re going to release in the future. What do you hope listeners and your fans can take away from both Renegade and your discography overall?

I honestly hope to see that the fans will enjoy my music. Even when I was recording [my album], I kept thinking that the feeling of the song itself is more important. Because there really is something that it can translate to any listener [worldwide], you know what I mean?

You can have a little contact with each other, but it [the feeling] can honestly reach so far. The lyrics itself are also important, but this is something that has such a big effect on them. Even when I listen to music, that’s something that I look for and enjoy hearing from fellow artists. So I hope that they get good energy [from my work.]

Yeah, the energy really does come through. As I mentioned a while ago, [the music] is very infectious, it’s very catchy, and it really resonates with audiences far and wide. So over the years, how would you say your experience in the K-pop industry has shaped your approach as a solo artist?

When I first started making music, of course I had the desire to do really well. But these days, I don’t want to be just good at singing or dancing even. I just want to show you the music that I like and the style that I want to do [for myself].

Not because it’s boring, but K-pop is still growing and evolving inside the scene, so it’s changing too. K-pop and its melodies are addictive, and people all over the world like K-pop, but [as a solo artist] I want the work to do something that is for me too. I’m very thankful for everything that I’ve been able to do in my career, but I also want to go on my own journey doing things outside the box, and something that I can feel fulfilled with creatively. Hopefully, my future work can reflect that.

It’s nice to see how you’ve grown over the years, especially with your artistic evolution. Speaking of your upcoming appearance here in the Philippines, you’ll be here performing at the V1BE Music Festival. What can your fans look forward to from your performance here — especially your Filipino fans?

What fans can expect from this time is that Lucas might be different from the last time I was there. Because this time, he’s got a lot of confidence. So please look forward to it. And I really hope you can look forward to what surprises and more that I’ll bring to my performance.

And we’re so excited to see that; for sure people are going to have a great time with your performance. Is there anything that you’d like to say to your Filipino fans who are eager to see you back in the country? 

Gosh, the Filipino fans’ love for me is endless. I remember fondly how they’re very loud, and that they really [do] love me so much, to the point that I also miss them so much. So if there’s something I would like to say to each and every one of them, it would be to wait for me, as oppa is coming home to the Philippines. I’m excited to be leaving for there, so let’s go and see each other soon!

Beyond the success you’ve built up as a solo artist following the release of Renegade, what can your fans all over the world look forward to ahead in your career? Is there any new music on the way, new projects, or anything else?

Honestly, after finishing the Renegade album, the only thing I thought about was that I wanted to show more of myself to the world. And by that, I mean it’s just Lucas. For about six to seven years now, I’ve been working on improving on my work, my performances, and my sound. And in the past and early parts of my career, I was still just a baby Lucas. But now that I’m a little older. I’m getting a lot more mature. So I want to show a whole lot of things that I didn’t get to do in the past.

You know how when you think that your life is like a movie? It’s sort of like that for me, and I want to be able to translate all of that into the work I do by going through various sounds, genres, and even with feelings. So I would want to do a variety of songs that can reflect those sides of myself, and I hope to be able to share them with the world very soon once my work is ready.

*Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Listen to Lucas’ solo debut Renegade below: