Ever stumbled on a band that feels like a discovery meant just for you? That was Lucid Illusions for me at Karbach’s Love Street Music & Arts Festival in Houston back in April. Their set hit so hard I was swept up in the moment, but I had to step back from that pure emotional high to pay them their due respect.
As a guy who can lean toward hyperbole, I wanted to keep this real, not just hype. I’ve been writing this blog to chase stories of folks who pour their hearts into something meaningful. To me, life’s too short not to seek out the brightness. For decades, I’ve followed local bands around Baton Rouge, always drawn to the spark some bring to the stage. A few get lost in their own hype, but most seem authentic, down-to-earth, and that’s what pulls me in. Lucid Illusions, the three-piece bluesy alt-rock band from Houston, has that spark.
Who am I that you should care about my opinion? I don’t know; maybe you shouldn’t. I’m not a musician, so I can’t give you a technical breakdown, but my experience was genuine, and if you’re looking for a rock band with heart, check ’em out.
This piece started with a Facebook post after their set on April 12, 2025. I wasn’t sure they’d recall our brief chat, but Jordan Lane, their guitarist and vocalist, responded thoughtfully, matching the respect I aimed to give. Here’s part interview, part reflection on a band building something worth hearing in a noisy world.
The Festival Encounter: A First Impression
My wife and I drove to Houston for the Love Street Music & Arts Festival at Karbach Brewing Company, a hub for good tunes and lively spirit. On April 12, 2025, Lucid Illusions opened a lineup with two other bands for headliners Wilderado, who we’d traveled to see. The biergarten buzzed with fans and art displays under a full moon. Our VIP tickets—well spent—gave us the perfect spot where we settled in lawn chairs, feeling like we were at a backyard jam.
I’d never heard of Lucid Illusions before, much less seen them, but their set felt like a shared pulse, with gritty riffs trading sparks with driving bass, over relentless drums, pulling the crowd into their story. It wove a gritty, punky sound polished enough to own the stage and stir the crowd, which seemed a healthy mix of their fired-up fans and newbies like us.
They didn’t overplay it—just played hard with a “let’s have fun together” energy. I’m 60 now, so I’m not leaping around with the young crowd; just nodding my gray head to the beat—but in my mind, I’m head-banging like it’s 1985!
They weren’t out to shatter the world but to bring it together, with a lack of guile that’s a breath of fresh air. The excitement of their fans in the crowd was infectious!
Band Background: Houston’s Blues-Punk Trailblazers
The lore says Lucid Illusions formed in 2017 when Jordan Lane (guitar, lead vocals, commanding frontman and shredding guitarist) met Donovan Hanson (drums, wild man with kick-start-my-heart energy). Conner Graham (limber bass lines, vocals, instinctive crowd-connector) joined in 2019, rounding out the trio.
Their “blues-punk” sound mixes raw rock with emotional depth, earning them opening slots for Papa Roach, Seether, Bush, Everclear, and The Hu. They’ve been voted Houston’s Best Local Band by the Houston Chronicle (2022–2024). Their 2021 project, 365 Days of Covers, saw them record a daily video cover, showing their grind and growth. With 960 followers, they’re steadily building a base of “Illusionists,” fans drawn to their raw rock and communal spirit.
Their discography includes the 2020 Disappear EP (“The Witch,” “Other Side of Life”), the 2021 self-titled album (“No Directions,” “Living Large”), and 2022’s Something New (“Move Along,” “I Don’t Belong Anymore”), with airplay on Houston’s 94.5 The Buzz. On Spotify, they have 231 monthly listeners, with “No Directions” at 12,308 streams, “Move Along” at 8,796, and “I Don’t Belong Anymore” at 7,873. They call themselves an upcoming Houston trio bringing raw rock and engaging performances.
Their name catches the ear: “Lucid Illusions.” Merriam-Webster, “America’s Most Trusted Dictionary” (so they can’t be wrong, right?), defines the terms in a way that suggests clear yet tricky perceptions—fitting for a band that makes complex emotions feel approachable through gritty sound.
Their photography stands out, too. Original and vivid, it captures their essence. Having seen them live, I’d say those images nail it—not just poses, but moments that reveal their spirit, likely caught by a photographer who gets them.
The Interview: Insights from Jordan Lane
I aim for questions that dig into what makes a band tick, learning from the mistakes of others. I once saw a self-absorbed Delta Spirit interviewer ask, “Where do you see the band in five years?” Matthew Logan Vasquez deadpan-quipped, “Dead, dude. All dead.” The guy missed the jibe altogether.
So, I dove into Lucid Illusions’ catalog to ask what drives their sound. Jordan’s answers were thoughtful; he skipped a couple he couldn’t add to, which I respect. Here’s what he shared:
Music & Creative Process
“No Directions” has such a distinctive groove—what was the spark behind that song?
I wrote that song when I was around 18 years old and wasn’t sure how to transition into being an adult. It’s about the road map to whatever you may define as success and all of the difficulties that come along with that. I wanted to portray some kind of structure while adding distractions through the music, almost like getting thrown off course and finding your way back, so that was my main inspiration behind the rhythm and chords.
Tracks like “Something New” and “Driving Me Insane” have a raw, live energy. How do you try to capture that when writing and recording?
The first ingredient is real instruments and real microphones. While that is not always necessary, I do believe that it adds to the rawness and energy of the song. On top of that, those songs were fun to record! If you’re having fun, you can hear it through the speakers.
Do your songs start from a riff, a lyric, or a feeling? Does it differ by song?
Each song is different and typically writes itself. I am just the vessel for these songs to come to life. When an idea really sticks, it’s usually the one that forms in my head before I ever hear it.
These answers feel like stewardship—channeling something bigger, like how folks find purpose in daily work. It’s a quiet nod to life’s unfolding.
Band Identity & Dynamics
How would you describe the vibe of Lucid Illusions on stage versus in the studio?
The stage show has a contagious spirit and so different from the studio work, but we still aim true to our sound and message in the studio. The live show is all about having fun and not taking yourself too seriously. If we are having fun, it almost forces the audience to have fun too. It’s contagious! We definitely take the studio more seriously, but we really try not to overcomplicate things and just make songs that we enjoy.
When writing originals, how do you navigate creative disagreements as a band?
That’s a case-by-case thing. It depends on everyone’s energy and mood. Typically the songs are already mostly written, so we just need to agree on the approach more than anything else. If we can all approach a song with the same mentality, it’s usually an easy process. When it doesn’t come easy, we usually end up talking through all of the difficulties and making it work.
Has a live show ever completely shifted how you see one of your own songs or the band as a whole?
Most, if not all, of these songs have changed over the years. They’re constantly evolving. Finding new grooves, new licks, or just changing things up in general. No song is immune.
There’s wisdom in their adaptability—life evolves through challenges, finding new ways to connect.
Houston Scene & Community
Houston seems to be a big part of your sound. Are there local venues or artists that inspire you in ways outsiders might not notice?
The artists in Houston really push us to stay on our game. I would say there is friendly competition amongst our friends and it makes us all grow together. It’s such an incredible community and we feel blessed to be a part of it.
Fans & Experience
Have you ever been surprised by a fan’s reaction to one of your songs—like “My Confession” or “Here’s To Thee?”
There are definitely some songs that we’ve released that don’t necessarily connect with everyone. As with most bands, they become “deep cuts” if you will. When people tell me ways that those songs have impacted their life, it really shows the level of support just based on how deep they dove into the catalogue. To me, it tells me that they really gave us a chance.
If someone only caught one of your shows, what’s the one thing you’d want them to take away?
As cliché as it may sound, we want people to take a step back and just be present in the moment without stressing over everyday life. It’s so important to take that step back. Sometimes you have to in order to move forward.
Creative Insight / Fun
When someone walks into one of your shows for the first time, what hits them first—the music, the energy, the vibe?
Can all three hit them at once? We aim to slap you in the face with a good time! Our shows are like a big family reunion in a way. Everyone looks out for one another which creates a great experience and a fun time!
Why They Stand Out
Spotlighting Lucid Illusions reminds me why I write—to highlight passion that enriches life. My first time seeing them at Karbach showed a band with real potential, their vibrant momentum pulling the crowd into a shared, unpretentious energy. Their soulful sound carries an honest heart that draws listeners in, forging connections that feel genuine and lasting. As someone who’s chased local bands across Baton Rouge for decades, I’m drawn to their authenticity—a trio pouring their souls into every note, creating moments that linger. Their Houston-rooted warmth, felt in songs like “No Directions” and “Something New,” builds a connection that’s rare in today’s noise. They’re not chasing fame but crafting experiences that bring people together, a gift worth celebrating.
Catch them live at spots like Karbach Brewery on October 4, 602 Brewing Company on October 25, or Axelrad Beer Garden on November 22. Find them on Spotify, Instagram, or their website, lucidillusionsmusic.com.
That’s it for now. Thanks for showing up. It matters.
Post Script: If something here resonated with you, please share your story or insight below. It’s a gift to hear from others.
References
- Lucid Illusions Official Website: Details on formation, lineup, sound, discography, and tours. https://www.lucidillusionsmusic.com/
- Lucid Illusions Facebook Page: Confirms Houston Chronicle Best Local Band awards (2022–2024). https://www.facebook.com/LucidIllusionshtx/
- Click2Houston (2023): Covers lineup, tours (e.g., Seether, Papa Roach), and Houston scene. https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2023/10/19/meet-the-guys-behind-the-rock-band-lucid-illusions/
- BandMix Profile: Reinforces formation (2017) and lineup details. https://www.bandmix.com/lucid-illusions/
- Music Existence (2022): Details 365 Days of Covers, awards, and tours. https://musicexistence.com/blog/2022/11/05/lucid-illusions-releases-newest-single-gone/
- New Transcendence (2022): Confirms covers project, awards, and tours. https://new-transcendence.com/lucid-illusions-releases-newest-single-gone/
- Click2Houston (2024): Notes recent wins and lineup confirmation. https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2024/05/16/lucid-illusions-performs-after-winning-battle-of-the-bands-at-kprc-2-eat-like-a-local-crawfish-fest/
- 94.5 The Buzz (2022): Covers formation, covers project, and BuzzFest slot. https://thebuzz.iheart.com/content/2022-03-18-bring-on-buzzfest-2022/
- Lucid Illusions YouTube Channel: Hosts 365 Days of Covers videos from 2021. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmMyFuEfvcBiUdmW0O0Q2g
And for those of you who’ve read this far, a little bit of Louisiana lagniappe for your trouble:
Veni, Vidi, Scripsi 