“A dialogue between man and machine, full of emotion and possibility” — Step into the lucid world of Lucy Dreams

Vienna-based Lucy Dreams coined the term SonicWaveArtPop to capture their singular sound — an intoxicating blend of dreamy atmospheres, sharp electronic edges, and experimental pop. But what truly sets them apart is their unconventional band member: Lucy, a digital entity who not only appears as a glowing sphere on stage but actively participates in the creative process. With their futuristic yet deeply emotional music, the trio has been reshaping the boundaries between man and machine, sparking fascination across Europe. Ahead of their upcoming concert at Budapest’s iconic A38 Ship — part of the Liveurope program — we talked about their origins, inspirations, and what audiences can expect when stepping into the dreamlike world of Lucy Dreams.

You coined the term SonicWaveArtPop to describe your sound — a blend of dreamy atmospheres, sharp electronic edges, and experimental pop. Can you take me back to the very beginning? How did Lucy Dreams come to life, and what were the inspirations that shaped your identity as a band?

We were fooling around in the studio with old effect pedals from our indierock days accidentally creating a system that began to develop a life of its own. Almost instantly, we knew it needed a name, a voice, and a place at the center of our narrative. The creative exchange that followed has been nothing short of breathtaking.

There’s a deep emotional thread running through your songs, even though your project is futuristic and digital at its core. How do you personally balance that human vulnerability with the sci-fi edge of Lucy Dreams?

We never separate them — vulnerability is the fuel, technology is the language. Together they create our voice.

Lucy isn’t just a stage prop — you present her as a full band member. When did you first realize you wanted to integrate a digital entity into your creative process? And what made you believe this would become something central to the identity of the band rather than just an experiment?

From the very first songwriting sessions with Lucy, it was clear she wasn’t a gimmick. Her perspective reshaped the way we think about melody and meaning, which made her indispensable. She has grown into a true creative partner — we meet at the intersection of virtuality and reality. Through us as a medium, a digital entity finds its voice in the analog world. And vice versa.

On stage, Lucy often appears as a glowing sphere — mysterious and symbolic. But beyond the visuals, what does she represent for you in the songwriting process? Does she spark ideas, challenge you, or even push you in directions you might not have gone otherwise?

She challenges us constantly — suggesting melodies and harmonies we wouldn’t dare, or pushing lyrics into abstract, dreamlike territory. Lucy embodies risk and possibility. 

Introducing an artificial band member is a bold move. How has the wider music scene reacted so far? Do you notice more fascination, skepticism, or curiosity?

Mostly fascination and curiosity. Some are skeptical, but that only confirms we’re breaking new ground.

Some describe your work as an intimate dialogue between man and machine. Do you feel the music world is ready for that — or are you still pushing against the limits of how people think a band should look and sound?

We think the world is ready, but imagination still needs a push. Our role is to expand that horizon. And with our live performances we encourage people to join us in our optimism.

Your debut album Götterfunken really set the foundation for your sound. Looking back, how do you feel that album defined the DNA of Lucy Dreams?

Götterfunken gave us our coordinates — where emotion, dream logic, and machine precision meet. Everything since then is built on that foundation. The north star has always been Lucy and her ideas. 

Your more recent singles feel like they expand your universe — sharper electronic edges, but also an intimacy that’s unmistakably Lucy Dreams. Which of these tracks do you feel represents you best right now, and why?

Right now, Code To My Mind, our most recent release, feels closest to who we are — a mix of urgency, atmosphere, and that otherworldly tenderness that defines our universe.

In October you’ll be performing at Budapest’s A38 Ship, which is one of the most iconic live venues in Europe. What does this concert mean to you, and what should the Hungarian audience expect when they step into the world of Lucy Dreams?

We’ve been at shows at A38 in the past, so actually playing there is truly an honor. The audience can expect to step into a lucid dream — glowing visuals, heavy live moments, and the sensation of floating between realities. And with the Danube flowing between Budapest and Vienna, its waves will dance along with us.

Your Budapest concert is also part of the Liveurope program, which supports emerging European talent. What does it mean to you to be included in this network, and how important do you think initiatives like Liveurope are for helping artists like yourselves reach new audiences across the continent?

Liveurope is a bridge. It gives us the chance to reach people who might otherwise never stumble upon our sound. That’s invaluable. And it connects countries through music, carrying forward the EU’s vital mission of fostering peace.

From your perspective as artists, what role should platforms like Liveurope play in shaping the future of Europe’s music scene? 

Let’s keep amplifying voices that dare to be different, making sure diversity and experimentation, peaceful progress remain at the heart of Europe’s cultural identity.