Lucinda Chua Releases New Single ‘Golden’
Written from the perspective of her younger self, ‘Golden’ is an intimate and heartfelt meditation on identity in the absence of a role model. “Who do I turn to, when I don’t look like you?”, Chua whispers softly, a quiet, uncertain call to the universe. “When the sunlight hits me / I’m golden you’ll see.” Joined by a chorus of friends, musicians Laura Groves and Fran Lobo, their voices conjoin lifting the song into a luminous, anthemic entreaty to Chua’s younger self. “To be the first, to be the first”, they sing together, underscored by Chua’s uplifting string arrangements.
Partnering with film director, collaborator, and close friend Tash Tung (‘Semitones’, 2019), the pair co-wrote the heart-rending short film that accompanies the song. The richly cinematic narrative short stars Chua alongside 9-year-old up-and-coming actor Coco Bridger as “Yian Yian” – Chua’s younger self. Assembling a production team of the UK’s leading East and South East Asian creatives, they enlisted the help of executive creative producer Tiger Hagino Reid, Producer Cheruto Wang, set designer Erin Tse, movement director Duane Nasis and photographer Milo Van Giap.
“Working with Tash and a cast and crew of predominantly ESEA talent was the first time in my professional life where I was not the minority.” Chua says “Representation isn’t only about diversity, it’s also the ability to see yourself outside of yourself, the encouragement to dream and desire. In releasing this work, I hope to make my younger self proud.”
Listen to ‘Golden’ HERE or watch the official video via the player below.
Directed by Tash Tung
South London based artist Lucinda Chua works with music and performance. Born in London and raised in Milton Keynes, Chua has English, Malaysian and ancestral Chinese roots. Chua learned music by ear from the age of three using the Suzuki method, later earning her a scholarship at her local music service. In her early 20s, Chua caught the attention of US label kranky, releasing two albums with her first band Felix, touring North America supporting Yann Tiersen and Europe as part of Stars of the Lid. In 2019 Chua self-released her debut solo EP Antidotes 1, whilst simultaneously performing with FKA twigs in the live band of her Magdalene world tour. Sister release Antidotes 2 followed in May 2021 after signing with 4AD. Her debut album will be released in 2023. Chua is a member of ESEA Music, a community led by and for UK-based East & South East Asian artists and music industry professionals.
MOJO ****
“Bewitching.” – Uncut
“Spellbinding music.” – Dazed
“Lucinda Chua makes the sculptural, beguiling, atmospheric kind of music you can cocoon yourself inside.” – gal-dem
“Her songs are deep pools of sound and emotion partially lit by quivering strings and Chua’s half-whispered vocals.”
The New Cue