Loic J Tuckey, a seasoned and versatile musician, is making waves with his debut solo album, Beyond The Sun Road. This project marks a significant shift in Tuckey’s creative journey, reflecting a deep and personal connection to the spirit of the American West. Through both his music and his writing, Tuckey channels the essence of wide-open highways, dusty landscapes, and the timeless allure of the road trip, creating a work that is as much a homage to Americana as it is a reflection of his own artistic evolution.
Beyond The Sun Road, is more than just an album; it’s a sonic journey that captures the nostalgia and freedom of the golden age of American road trips. The 12-track album is a rich tapestry of genres, weaving together elements of Americana, alternative rock, blues, folk, and ambient lounge jazz. Tuckey’s music is infused with the sounds of mid-20th century rock and R&B, surf, swampy blues, and psychedelia, all brought to life with his twangy guitar and a voice that effortlessly shifts between the clean, the gentle, and the gruff, echoing the traditional blues with a modern twist.
The creation of, Beyond The Sun Road, was as authentic and immersive as the album itself. Tuckey wrote much of the album on the highways of America, capturing lyrics on diner napkins and recording melodies in the solitude of various motel rooms. This organic approach lends the album a raw and genuine quality, where each track feels like a snapshot of a moment in time—a fleeting scene on the road, a conversation that lingers long after the journey ends. The album’s titular track exemplifies this journey, with driving drums and gritty guitar lines that evoke the endless stretch of highway, while the lyrics draw directly from Tuckey’s real-life experiences.
The recording process for the album took place in Sheffield’s Hatch studio, where Tuckey collaborated with local musicians like Jim Ghedi and Zebedee Budworth. Their contributions helped to flesh out the album’s expansive sound, bringing Tuckey’s vision to life in a way that feels both intimate and grand. The final polish was applied at Candyland Studios in Kentucky, where mastering engineer Mike Montgomery ensured that the album’s diverse influences were seamlessly woven together into a cohesive and impactful whole.
Parallel to his musical endeavours, Tuckey has also ventured into the world of literature with his debut novella, Cowboy Butchers. Drawing inspiration from classic Italian westerns and the unique influence of the Lincolnshire banger, this novella showcases Tuckey’s ability to blend different cultural and artistic influences into his storytelling. His 15 years of experience in Sheffield’s music scene have not only informed his diverse musical style but have also enriched his narrative voice, allowing him to craft stories that are as compelling as his music.
Tuckey’s eclectic approach to music is evident in his daily routine. Armed with his customised Mexican Fender Telecaster, he delves into various genres and styles, taking inspiration from Italian film scores, Tarantino soundtracks, traditional blues, and even Cuban and exotica grooves. He admits that each studio session is an unpredictable adventure, with no clear idea of where his creativity will take him next. Tuckey’s musical journey has seen him tour extensively with the post-punk band Wooderson and the maths rock duo Che Ga Zebra. These days, you’re more likely to find him playing solo sets of blues and American-influenced music in bars and venues or rocking out with his band.
Beyond The Sun Road, is a testament to Tuckey’s ability to fuse diverse influences into a unique and innovative sound. Whether you’re a fan of Americana, indie-folk, or alternative rock, Tuckey’s debut album offers something for everyone. It’s an album that captures the spirit of the American West, not just in its sound but in its soul—a road trip in musical form that invites you to sit back, turn up the volume, and let the music take you on a journey.
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