Birmingham’s multi-genre, singer-songwriter, Lyco, has been able to concoct beautiful new dramatic flavours into the Afrobeat universe, writing for the likes of Steff London, Ivorian Doll and Birmingham’s own Lotto Boyzz. Get familair with this VIPER Presents interview…

What five words define your sound?

Pan-African, tactile, sensual, ethereal, earthy.

Tell me something unique about your creative process

I never write words beforehand. I always freestyle into my Snapchat camera and use the melodies from there to attack the final song. I also cannot record without a massive cup of ginger and lemon tea by side to keep the vocals crispy!

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

I would for people to hear my song ‘Creme de la Creme’.

What inspired you to make that song?

I wrote that song in university when I thought I dating a girl above my league and I wanted to create something encapsulate that feeling [laughs]. “Mr workerman don’t be out of breath” is a line in the song that basically outlines the trials and tribulations of dating an extremely beautiful woman, that being said nothing is impossible.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

As someone that only recently engaged in therapy I used to use music and my emotional outlet as a form of self discovery. I love making sad songs as those really speak to me and allow me unload my sorrows from pen to paper.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

My best experience of stage was performing at my university student union when I was in a duo. Everyone knew the words of the song and to hear a crowd of 1000 singing my song word for word was breathtaking.

The worst experience I’ve had on stage was opening for Tion Wayne in Birmingham. I completely lost my voice that day and had an absolute tragic time trying to get my words out, although the performance was still a fun experience.

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favourite song to perform is ‘Ice n Rum’ featuring Lotto Boyzz.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

My major influences growing stems from three places. As a child, Shane Ward from the X-factor was my first inkling I would be in the music industry. Secondly, Jon Bellion inspired with his pure grit and hard work, to let me know to never lose hope in hard times. Finally Birmingham’s own Lotto Boyzz really showed me that people from my same background could create these massive culturally moments and I must reach those heights to do the same and more!

What’s the meaning behind your name?

LYCO originates from Greek, loosely meaning leader of the pack. As my middle name is Richard also meaning strong, benevolent leader, I made the association and took on LYCO as my name.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

As a computer engineering graduate, I would say probably something within cyber security space. Alternatively my passion for human psychology is something I never really got to explore, although it’s never too late to get another degree under my belt.

What’s success to you?

For me success is freedom. The freedom of peace of mind, the freedom of sanity and the ability to choose my fate without being irresponsible with power.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

When my duo partner lost his father, everything changed. It forced me on a solo path of self discovery with a new picture of what the future could look like in mind. It’s hard to say everything happens for a reason in these situations but I do still believe that is true.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

You can find me on TikTok, Instagram and Spotify (LYCO): @official.lyco