You may have seen our post here at CelebMix introducing upcoming artist Luke Burr, described as ‘early Amy Winehouse meets John Legend’. We were lucky enough to catch up with Luke where he revealed all about his influences, his touring plans, and what the future holds for him.
Had you always wanted to pursue music?
I’ve always loved music from a young age since listening to my dad’s old soul records; but since no one in my family had ever had any sort of job in music I guess I didn’t think of having a career in it for some years after. I had some piano lessons but got bored of the grades so started to teach myself my favourite pop songs. And I was always singing around the house… I then entered a talent competition at the local pub when I was 13/14 and won. I think from that moment I started to dream. After each gig, I just wanted to get better and better and knew I wanted to achieve great things in music.
Who or what inspires you to create music?
I’ve always been obsessed with being the best that I can possibly be (sometimes to the detriment of my happiness!) and from the moment I realised I had a talent in music I just wanted to make the most of it. Performing live was the first thing that gave me a buzz like nothing else. I didn’t care if I was singing covers or my own songs, I was desperate to entertain people. If I could please 3 moody old men in the back of a pub I could entertain anyone. That buzz soon developed into dreams of people coming to watch me perform my own songs!
I think when I first started writing music I had a passion for melodies and chords but I hadn’t had enough life experience to really have a message to say. But after years of living and experiencing ups & down and highs & heartbreaks (mainly from this crazy industry), I had lyrics to put with the melodies.
What type of music do you like to listen to in your free time?
I still love to listen to the music that my dad first introduced to me as a young boy. So Luther Vandross, Kool & The Gang, Chic etc. will always have a place in the playlist.
John Legend and Stevie Wonder are my two favourite artists ever. But I’m also into fresh production and music that pushes boundaries. Anything that I feel has soul and I believe is ‘real’ I connect to. Recently I’ve been listening to H.E.R. a lot and I think she is incredible. Snakehips, Mura Masa, Mahalia and Nao are a few English artists that I’ve been listening to.
Artists like Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, Anderson Paak. are favourites of mine. As are Justin Timberlake, Timbaland / Pharrell who possess that ability to make great pop songs whilst always keeping an interesting delivery on the sound. I am also obsessed with voices and gospel in particular. Artists like Smokie Norful inspire me to work harder with my voice and improve as a singer! Here is a playlist of some of my favourite tunes (old & new!)
In your own words how would you describe your sound to new listeners?
I would say pop songs heavily influenced by RnB/Soul, Gospel, Hip/Hop and delivered by a voice that (I hope) you can all believe!
Do you have any touring plans lined up?
So I’m currently doing some touring with Rudimental which is exciting. I also have some gigs and festivals lined up this summer including a show for BBC Introducing. I have my own headline show that I am preparing for also at the end of the summer!
Which song represents the soundtrack of your life?
Ordinary People by John Legend. This was one of the 1st songs I heard that made me feel like “I want to create music. And I want it to be as good as that!” I learned it on the piano and sung it all the time at every gig when I was a kid. I think it helped start my musical journey and set the bar for music I wanted to create.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I see myself selling out arenas all over the world, having songs that connect to millions of people, and winning Grammys… at least that’s what I see in my dreams – and hopefully I can make those dreams come true!
What is your dream venue to perform at?
The Greek Theatre in LA. I saw John Legend here when I was really young and just remember how inspired I felt. The vibe was just incredible and the people completely loved their music. Obviously the Legend killed it and that was one of the 1st big music venues I’d ever been to. Since that day I have dreamt of selling it out myself. It will be an emotional moment if I ever do achieve that!
How can fans keep up to date with your news and music?
So my Instagram/Facebook/Twitter is regularly updated with news of my gigs plus music and what I’m up to! All of my social handles are @LukeBurr so please give us a follow and watch the journey.
I also do a monthly Vlog on Youtube where I post what goes on behind the scenes, take you through my gigs & travels, and tease some unreleased music – so check it out!
Thanks for having me!
Check out Luke Burr’s music here!
We look forward to seeing where Luke Burr’s paths takes him, stay tuned to CelebMix for all the latest news!
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