Buy the new LUCE EP "Songs From the Covers Catalogue at www.luceband.com
LUCE began in 2000 as a one-man band when Tom Luce began writing songs in his bedroom in the foggy Richmond District of San Francisco. What later became the hit song, “Good Day,†was inspired by the prosaic life of the typical San Franciscan yet is upbeat with an excitement of just being alive, much like the outlook of the group’s founder himself.
Tom Luce moved to San Francisco with the aspiration of starting a band. He began writing and recording with friend and producer Adam Rossi. Soon after beginning work on his first album, Tom met Joe Schuld who would later become his manager and be the driving force to get LUCE on the radio. Once the CD was completed and sent to Bay Area radio stations, San Francisco’s KFOG instantly knew they had a band worth airplay on their hands. Even without a record label to back them, LUCE began getting regular airplay with “Long Way Down†and “Good Day†at KFOG, which lead to a steady, and continually growing, fan base.
In 2001 the album was ready to release and KFOG continued to help push the band into the limelight. The song “Good Day†was soon picked up in Hollywood and appeared in the movies, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and 13 Going On 30, as well as making its way onto television shows like The O.C. and Alias. In 2003, Luce earned the band the California Music Award for “Outstanding Debut Album.†In order to continue promoting the album the band fervently toured the US playing alongside bands like Sixpence, None The Richer and Goo Goo Dolls.
When they returned home Tom began writing and working on his next endeavor, LUCE’s sophomore album. In the early spring of 2005, Neverending was unveiled to a packed CD release filled with eager fans. The album chronicles the dawning of a love and then its demise. Tom’s truthful lyrics make the album relatable for everyone who has experienced love or even the simple hopefulness of a crush. Fans welcomed the band’s follow-up album with open arms and plenty of excitement, as well as Hollywood once again. Neverending’s first single, “Buy A Dog†found its way onto the USA Network’s Psych and the silver screen’s Frank, The Dog. In the fall of 2007, LUCE was awarded “Best Band You Should Know About†by San Francisco Magazine readers.
As the band toured to further Nevereding, a stroke of bad luck caught up to them. In the spring of 2006, Tom’s home caught fire, and destroyed most of his belongings. Despite the setback, the band went back on the road the next week only to be challenged once again when the van and trailer were stolen from their hotel parking lot one night in Philadelphia. All of the band’s gear was in the trailer. They were in effect stranded and pushed forward playing the next few scheduled shows with borrowed gear and by making a trip to buy some new gear. The van was soon recovered, unfortunately without the trailer and sentimental gear. LUCE’s amazing fans were eager to help their favorite band through their hard times by offering everything from money to a new van. With the support, love and generosity of their gracious fans, LUCE came through their bad fortunes gracefully.
This past September the band went into the studio to record an EP of cover songs. The idea was conceived with a vision of bringing the band to the next level of musicianship before they begin their studio work for their third album. To the band, this EP is a chance to share some of their favorite songs with fans and also a way to evolve together as a band. The EP has rejuvenated and inspired the band. In fact they feel confident that the next LUCE record will bring a more distinguished and mature sound.
Though they have had their share of successes and misfortunes, the band has always stayed focused and positive, much like “Good Day.†Now they are ready to head back into the studio and give the fans the new album that they have been so anxiously awaiting.
