London-based singer-songwriter Luke Fraser has had a diverse journey in the world of music. A prolific performer, Luke played in various bands over the years, before embarking on his own solo journey. The result of this was the creation of his genre-defying debut album Moth Eaten Romeo, released in October 2022. The record showcased Luke’s emotive vocal and willingness to explore complex, sometimes sombre, themes within lyrics that were at times both raw and grimly comical.
Fast forward to 2024 and Luke has found his voice once again. Taking time to hone his idiosyncratic interpretation of indie folk, Luke’s sound has continued to evolve. Drawing on flavours of bossa nova, French chanson and 70s rock music, this captivating cocktail of sounds can be found running through his forthcoming run of single releases.
The first of those is The Curse; a dramatic, heartfelt piece of music, theatrical in delivery, confessional in lyricism. Exploring the links between creativity, pain and beauty, The Curse conjures images of 50s Paris whilst enveloping a sleek, chamber pop setting of crooning voices, fizzing synths, lush strings and warm acoustic guitars. Both classic and contemporary, Luke expertly weaves a melodic, imaginative soundscape that feels and sounds ageless.
In simpler terms, The Curse is a sonic experience you don’t want to miss!
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Luke about the latest project, AI in music, dream collabs, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
This AI thing is getting way out of control. I have students using ChatGPT to write death metal songs about country music…and country songs about being sad. You can feed some Ais a text prompt and create a Hollywood-quality short film. How do you feel about this new wave of technological innovation?
It’s excellent for making memes and saving money. Less excellent for creatives and consumers. I’m trying not to think about it.
I know it’s hard…but what’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time? If not favorite, in your top 3?
Three artists that battle in and out of the top spot: Billie Holiday, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. I think I need some current music recommendations.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this project? What’s the back story?
With these new songs I wanted to hone my style after my first album, which was very much a scattergun approach genre-wise. The result is this lovely dreamy alt folk sound which meanders through my next series of songs. I love it, lots of lush strings and twinkley sounds. The lyrics have remained deeply personal though, all exploring different angles of the tumultuous and transformative last couple of years.
What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?
Creating is definitely what keeps me sane(-ish), as it allows me to make sense of the world that I am in. It’s actually the subject matter of my new single, ‘The Curse’. The song’s about Edith Piaf, and the process of transforming painful lived experiences into something uplifting. Art allows us to see the deeper beauty beneath the world’s apparent ugliness.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?
Moondog ,
or Jim Henson. Or all three!
Where is the best place to stay connected with You?
I’m most active on Instagram (@lukefrasermusic) but lurk in all the other usual places on the internet under that same handle.
I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off?
Please listen to my new single. And all subsequent singles forever and ever.
