From: Ireland
Lyle Carlos Garces is known by his stage name, LCG. A native of Cebu city, this Filipino has since put down roots in Ireland. Thus, his music persona is that of hip-hop or spoken word artist with crossover appeal in both the West and (Far) East.
For Lyle, music is the means by which one examines the important and non-material things in life – this artist wants people to re-focus on the simple, the ordinary, the unique and see what LCG calls the ‘essence of simplicity’.
As both an artist and person, LCG considers it of supreme importance to integrate and engage with a wide variety of persons from all cultural backgrounds. This is an issue close to his heart, both personally and professionally.
LCG cites as influences a range of performers such as Frank Sinatra, the Platters, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, RAKIM, KRS-1, Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., Eazy-E, Eminem, and Michael Jackson- quite the mixture of history and genres!
A prolific composer since early boyhood in the impoverished Philippines, LCG draws on a wide pool of cultural, literary and musical influences for his work: from traditional wordsmiths such as poets and authors to modern pop culture figures such as rapper Eminem. These unlikely bedfellows all have one common trait: the ability to ‘translate complex emotions and issues into simple words and lyrics’. Straddling two worlds, the wealthier Western and the still developing (Far) East, LCG has a unique perspective on the effects of socio-economic inequality on the human race. This is evident in his song writing– although he hastens to clarify that he does not consider himself a ‘political’ rapper, rather one seeking clarity and truth among the flotsam of jargon and bull**** of contemporary life.