The 2014 debut Black is the Color from Lucette, the stage moniker of Edmonton-born Lauren Gillis, unveiled a clever songwriter steeped in rustic roots/Americana traditions…with a tinge of spacey indie pop. It caught the ears of Sturgill Simpson, who produced her sophomore release Deluxe Hotel Room. Lucette’s upcoming EP Nice Girl From the Suburbs (out March 21) was a collaborative creation over zoom with producer Soren Hansen (New Politics, Elle King, Sam Palladio). An intimately personal release, it expands Lucette’s musical repertoire with sonic inspirations from ‘90s dream pop and alt rock, pairing introspective lyrics with lush, anthemic production. It explores themes of lost love and self-awareness—often infused with self-deprecating humour—and the joy found in new love, with songs that reflect on being in a dark place plus the recognition that it’s kind of human to be your own worst enemy.