Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Whitney.
Hi Luke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The earlier years of my life, I watched my mama chase the dream. She was a singer in Oklahoma and Nashville makin’ moves with her band. Ever since I always wanted an instrument in my hand, whether it be a mandolin, guitar, drum set, whatever I could get my hands on. Beautiful memories of mine were being around 6 or 7 years old, hangin’ out at the Broken Spoke with a bunch of older folk on songwriter nights. It never let up after that. I went through years of phases of different genres and styles that I enjoyed and ultimately ended up blending them all together to form my own little sound. I would say I’m a Bluesy Folky Soul singer, but that’s open to interpretation. I released Light Work Volumes 1-4 in 2022. 12 songs written and produced/co-produced by yours truly. Even though my gift is to create, I‘m not the greatest at promoting myself, so I’m in the process of searching for representation. I have recently accumulated a very skilled band of musicians around Houston and have an SXSW headline at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard in East Austin March 18th. Stay tuned; we building!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. It’s been jagged. Twists and turns, potholes, the whole 9, but that’s going to happen when you stay true to yourself and don’t subjugate to any others’ ideas or visions of you and how you should do things. I have put my brand in other hands in the past, and it hasn’t worked out. Staying Independent has always been the goal, so with that comes its troubles because the ball is always in my hands. Which comes back to me scoping out representation in management and booking/PR to ease up on the reins and be more resourceful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a bluesy soul singer. I play guitar, keys, bass, and my first love, the drums (even though my mom wouldn’t ever let me have any because they were “too loud”). I write and produce my own songs, for the most part, and get in some rooms with other folks to better myself. For instance, my song “Gasoline” was written with two buddies of mine, Joe Jamail and Charles Moon.
I’ve sang background vocals for another friend of mine, Tobe Nwigwe, for the past few years and that has really grown my spirit and following. He was just nominated for “Best New Artist” at the Grammy’s this year, so he’s really made a name for himself through genuineness and consistency and has really laid out the blueprint for how to stay independent.
In the past, I have tried to reinvent myself and try different things and it hasn’t felt right. Lately, I’m most proud of me staying true to myself and not allowing anyone to step inside the boundaries of how I carry myself. Once folks find out who I am, they’ll see that I really ain’t worried about what the outside voices are saying about me or how I should do things. I let God have all of my faith and worries so he’ll determine the rest.
How do you think about happiness?
God’s influence because it really maps out how I live my life with 0 shame and 100% accountability.
My friends and family because they are so loving and supportive with everything that has to do with me and mine, which also means they ain’t afraid to get on to me or tell me to shut up when I ain’t actin’ properly.
My wife because she loves me deep and makes sure that I know that at the end of the day.
My 2-year-old Vizsla puppy, Pablo because he the best boy there ever was.
Good food and clean water because I care a great deal about my health and how far it will take me and my mindset.
Nature because duh.
Catchy melodie’s and heartfelt lyrics because they really do carry me through hard times.
And my three G’s.
• Guitars are self-explanatory.
• Guns are the ultimate form or self-protection in this scary world. God forbid I ever have to use one, but if it comes down to someone with evil intention of harming me or my loved ones, or anyone around me for that matter, homie don’t play that.
• Golf, even though I don’t play as much as I would like, I’ve grown up my whole life playing with my old man and both grandpas so any time the opportunity arises, I’m there with little hesitation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Lukewhitney
- Instagram: @imlukewhitney
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lukewhitney8702
Image Credits
Jeb Kicker
Ricardo Aguilera
Tim Cho
