INTERVIEW: Luke Elliot — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Luke Elliot

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A lot of attention has been paid the way…

of U.S. singer-songwriter Luke Elliot. I speak to him about his acclaimed album, Dressed for the Occasion, and the stories that go into it. I ask what it was like to work with producer John Agnello and how he came to meet Christa Shaub – former manager of the Pop superstar, Rihanna. Elliot talks about his plans for the coming months and the artists who have inspired him.

He also speaks about the music scene in New Jersey and what it was like taking on a whirlwind tour of Europe; what the music industry was like when he started out; a new artist that is worthy of more focus – and how his Christmas plans are panning out.

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Hi, Luke. How are you? How has your week been?

I'm ok. I've been in a studio (in Harlem) working on new material all week.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Luke Elliot. I'm from New Jersey and just finished a U.S. tour - after playing extensively in Europe for two-and-a-half years. Go buy Dressed for the Occasion.

Dressed for the Occasion is your current album. What kind of themes and stories go into the album?

It's made up of a lot of personal experiences - and a lot of other people's, too. I tend to take on characters here a lot more than I expected to.

It just kind of happened organically.

Is there a particular song that strikes a chord with you? A personal favourite that stands aside?

Well. I have a feeling about all of them in one way or another...but I think People Like You really stands out.

It hits a visceral part of me that the others don't.

Tell me more about Get ‘Em While They’re Hot and the inspiration behind that…

It has a lot to do with superstition...

I've always been a rather obsessive person and I think this song has something to do with trying to differentiate between an obsession and what's actually happening.

It can get rather confusing.

What was it like working with producer John Agnello on the L.P.?

John is a force in the studio. He gets things done I couldn't have imagined. He has an unnatural way of taking my ideas and turning them into something that stretched far beyond their original horizon.

(He's a good kisser, too).

You signed with former Rihanna manager Christa Shaub and had a chance meeting with a European journalist – that seemed to set your career on the right path. Tell me more about that series of events…

I practically stalked Christa until she started managing me.

We met through a mutual friend, years back, and I knew right away I needed someone like her to help me further my career. I called her until she picked up and when she wouldn't, I wrote her emails and messages on social media. I sent her new material and then would follow up a few hours later to ask her (her) thoughts. I was very pro-active.

She finally took me on and we continued working the N.Y. circuit. Randomly, we met a Norwegian journalist who happened to write on me in the latest newspaper in the country. We got asked over for a tour - and things took off from there in Europe.

PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

Can you tell me how you got into music and what the early days were like? Was it hard starting out in the industry?

This industry sucks.

It’s a nightmare. People are awful to young musicians trying new things - at least in the United States. ‘Professionals’ won't speak to you; club owners make you grovel for your money - and sound engineers are ill-equip and hate their jobs. Once you find a fanbase, though, it changes. All of a sudden, there are people coming to your shows. If you keep working, it just happens.

But the industry, as a whole, is an unguarded snake-pit.

PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

Which artists are most influential with regards your sound would you say?

Lots...

A lot of directors and authors have influenced me as well. It really ranges. There are too many to list.

I believe, before you embarked on a whirlwind tour of Europe, you never owned a passport or left the U.S.! What was it like stepping into a new world and embracing new countries?

It was a relief. I couldn't wait to travel. I think that excitement really translated to the people there.

New Jersey is where you are based. What is it like there for a young and ambitious musician?

I'm fortunate that I grew up near major metropolitan cities. I was always able to get away from the suburbs and see what else was going on.

IN THIS PHOTO: Shilpa Ray

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I really like Shilpa Ray. She's great.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

I couldn't pick just three: I'm not great at answering 'all-time-favorites' questions. Right now, I've been listening to a lot of Kurt Weill.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Do what you want to do, not what other people tell you.

Pay attention to trusted sources and new ideas - but stick with your gut. Develop and always be willing to change - but learn the difference between compromising and losing yourself. At the end of the day, your ideas are what started the whole thing.

luke live 03_Credit.Adina Scharfenberg.JPG

Where can we see you play this year? Any plans regarding coming to the U.K.?

We are looking forward to coming back to the U.K. soon but no dates have been set yet. Right now, we are setting up tours for Greece, Turkey; Sweden, Australia and the U.S., of course.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

I don't know yet. My schedule changes at the drop of a hat. I hope I'll get to see my family for a bit.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Groom Still Waiting at the Altar - Bob Dylan