Hand Me Downs Newsletter Interview

10 Questions with Lucy Cioffi, lyricist and vocalist from Raglan band Hand Me Downs

What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
I have lived in Raglan for two years and every day feels like a holiday. It is a very special place and Mount Karioi has given me heaps of inspiration which has encouraged me to write many of my songs here.

How do you come up with your lyrics?
Depends, sometimes I play around on the guitar and a song develops from a riff and the music dictates the lyrics. Other times, the seeds of a song are planted from conversations and experiences I have had.

How did you come up with the name the Hand Me Downs?
My parents were very busy and decided to have six children! I am the second youngest which meant that I spent most of my childhood in hand me downs. All of us in the band are relentless op shoppers and favour retro and vintage attire so the name seemed to suit our image.

Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
Sola Rosa have always put on a decent live show and I admire them because they always get people dancing which isn’t an easy thing to do. Pip Brown is an inspiration for me because she is very talented, unpretentious and has a cool sound. Ben King is an amazing musician and producer and very understated. He has an excellent ear and can relate to other people’s music.

Who would you most like to support live?
I enjoy supporting bands that have fun on/off stage. Arcade Fire springs to mind as does Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes.

How do you describe the Hand Me Downs music?
We are a group of friends fuelled by musical chemistry on and off stage. From an audience perspective, our music is lyrically driven with hooks and quirks that will leave your ears feeling warm. The rhythm section is dynamic and diverse with Dougal swapping between acoustic and electric guitar. Simon tightens everything up with the drum and bass collective, often adding sugary synths to give a modern edge.

What can we expect to see from the Hand Me Downs over the next year?
We aim to tour as much of the north island as possible with a view to promoting our debut single Void. At the moment we are busy recording some new material independently and hopefully if this all goes to plan we can release a second single. In the summer we plan to get on the festival circuit and soak up some good vibrations.

What will the Hand Me Downs next release be?
Without giving too much away, expect a catchy chorus with heaps of emotion and an uplifting melody.

What is the best part of being a musician?
Writing songs and having people want to listen to them.

What rumour would you like to start about the Hand Me Downs?
We share each other’s smalls!