Student media sits with Tony Lucca

Vanessa Paredes/Life! Editor

The University was host to an array of artists this past Tuesday, July 17, for Summer Fest. Among them is Tony Lucca, musician most famous for appearing on “The Voice.” Student Media got a chance to interview Lucca, revealing a lot about this soulful rock musician.

Q: How did you get into  the music industry?

A: I come from a real big music making family, sort of by osmosis. I had an interest in it from an early age; it’s just what I wanted to do.

Q: How was working on the famous show, “The Mickey Mouse Club,” when you were younger?

A: It was cool; it was a daily kids show, singing, dancing and acting. It was kind of like going to the same high school. I spent my high school years on that show. I got really close to the cast. That was the coolest part about it.

Q: I know you’ve collaborated with a lot of artists. Who has been your favorite to work with?

A: I got a chance to open up for Sara Bareilles. She is just one of my favorite people in life. She would invite me out each night to do an encore with her and that was really special.

Q: You’ve also had a career as an actor; how was that? Do you wish to continue doing it?

A: The acting thing is cool. I really enjoy that process. It’s a grind as far as trying to make a career of it, you know, with auditioning and all the sort of rejection that comes with it; It’s not fun. It’s a very cool thing, cool outlet and something I would gladly return to if what I did musically paved the way for someone who wanted to work with me.

Q: You were a contestant on the hit reality talent show, “The Voice.” How did that come about?

A: I auditioned in Chicago last July, maybe a year ago now, and it was kind of a wild ride. It was cool because I was never really much into “American Idol.” I was told I had a pretty compelling story; it was hard to sit on the sideline and watch another season of that show going, “What would happen if I auditioned for it?”

Q: Did you learn from it? Would you do it again?

A: I don’t regret it; I don’t know that I would do it again, but I learned a lot. Working with Adam Levine was really incredible; he taught me how to take calculated risks and when it’s the right time to take those kinds of risks. It provided a creative boost that my career was certainly in need of.

Q: What or who inspires you the most?

A: The most inspiring to me is travel. Traveling and observing life in different environments and seeing other people’s stories unfold.

Q: How do you feel when you perform on stage?

A: I feel really blessed and fortunate. I’ve been blessed with the skill set to get up and express myself musically and connect with people through music. There really is nothing quite like it. Every chance I get to get on stage and share music with people, it’s a really great gift.

Q: You are coming to perform at FIU for Summer Fest. What can the University students expect?

A: I’m bringing my band with me, and we’re going to rock it a little bit. It’s a fun show, integrating a bit of storytelling, playing songs and playing songs from the show [The Voice] as well.

-Email vanessa.paredes@fiusm.com