Q&A: Odd Luke

In this weeks Q&A, ODD LUKE opens up about his debut EP Surface Tension, sharing the ups and downs that inspired its themes of self-discovery and letting go of expectations. He talks about finding his own voice after years of working with other artists, the influence of life between Glasgow and London, and how he’s crafted a sound that’s refreshingly real and a little rough around the edges. From the story behind tracks like "Found Life" to what he hopes listeners will take away, this conversation is a look at an artist embracing the messy, unpredictable side of life and music.

Check out our Q&A below:

Your debut EP Surface Tension is almost here! What’s behind that title, and does it reflect something about where you’re at in your life right now?

Surface Tension wasn’t so much a lightbulb moment as it was a little nagging feeling that just wouldn't shut up. It’s this idea of skimming across things, but wanting to dive deeper. I’ve been in this place recently where I'm going between one day really thinking you've cracked it and having a blast, but the next could just be trying to stay afloat. It seems like a nice way to describe the music on the EP, life in general and I guess your hair when you've overdone it on the product!

"Found Life" is about breaking free from expectations and living on your own terms. Was there a moment that inspired this, or is it a theme that’s been building for you over time?

Found Life is one big "f*ck off" to the idea that life’s got to look a certain way. It's not defined by one moment; it’s more like a slow-motion montage. Every little odd decision or detour in life—the gigs in weird little bars, the moves from one city to another—the build up to this realisation that there’s no magic map to how you do things. There's also a dig at nepotism and how comparison to that life isn't healthy, but the less mentioned about that the better! I think we’re all told to have it all figured out, but honestly? I’m just here to take it sideways and see where it goes. I’d say that song’s about not waiting to be “ready" as that can take on so many different forms, and how does someone else get to make that decision for you y'know?

You’ve worked with some huges names, like Lewis Capaldi, and even played Glastonbury. What’s one lesson you’ve picked up from those experiences that you’re now bringing into your own project?

Working with people like Lewis, you see that there’s no perfect way to do things; you just have to find what makes you tick, and thereafter what people resonate with and go with it, and with him that's just him as a person, no smoke and mirrors. He's become a really close pal as I've seen him more than I have my own fiancé and family in the past 8 years I've been with him and watching him do his thing night after night and just never take himself too seriously is a joy to be around. Especially at times he's going through it, as he has done so publicly, he can always find the funny in something. And...well Glasto is Glasto isn't it?! Something you never ever think you'd go to as a punter never mind playing the Pyramid. Madness.

Magnus Skylstad produced "Found Life" with you—what was that collaboration like, and how did he help shape the final vibe of the track?

We knew we'd written a strong tune, but couldn't quite nail the production or mix on it to get it sounding as euphoric and uplifting as we wanted it, but also have the moodiness in the verses. Nick my manager let Magnus hear it and he sent a mix over the next day. It was perfect (of course it was!) He's written and produced some of my favourite music, so it was so cool to have him sprinkle his Scandi magic on one of mine.

You’ve called both Glasgow and London home now. How have these two places influenced your music and your outlook as an artist?

Glasgow’s I guess where I learned not to give a toss, and London’s where I learned to shape that into something people can actually listen to! It’s a mash-up of sounds and styles that I've discovered living in both, so I think that is where my kind of “anti-pop” sound comes from—a semi polished mess.

You’ve got a pretty eclectic set of influences, from Peter Gabriel to Mac Miller. How do you blend those styles into something that still feels true to you?

Honestly, I just kind of throw it all in the pot and see what happens. I love Gabriel’s way of telling stories that are larger than life and the sound matching that, and with Mac Miller, the ease his voice has of just relaxing you, but at the same time really making you listen to what he's saying is so so good. I guess his less is more is a big influence too.

After years on the road and working with other artists, what made you feel ready to finally step out as ODD LUKE and share your own voice?

I think it hit me one day a long time ago that I was the only person who hadn’t heard my own voice, you know? It’s one thing to back other people and hide behind that, but I had all these weird little stories building up that just needed out, if nothing else just for me! I've been writing for quite a long time now and I guess I eventually found a "sound" as Spinal Tap as that sounds. I made a lot of the ideas kind of make sense together finally, and had fun with production and writing.

When fans listen to Surface Tension, what do you hope they connect with? Is there a feeling or message you want them to take away?

I’d love for people to feel like it’s okay for things to be a bit wonky sometimes. To make things that don’t fit the mould, to lean into whatever tension or experiences they’re feeling (good or bad) and let it do them good and learn from it. Whether they connect with a lyric, a beat, or just the vibe of it not fitting in perfectly to a certain genre. I had really eclectic taste in music when I was younger and first getting into it, so I hope this resonates with those that do too.