Luke Morley "Walking On Water"
- timcaple
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Coming up on the new edition of the show Luke Morley joins us to talk about the new solo album "Walking on Water" and we look ahead to the upcoming tour.
The Art of Simplicity, Musical Influences and Songwriting with Luke
To begin those of you who are expecting a Thunder album this is very far removed from
that but what we have is an album infused with the musical influences that have been part of Luke's life from his early years and growing up in the 70's right up to today
Luke's musical journey is deeply rooted in the sounds of the 70s, with artists like Tom Petty, Nils Lofgren, and James Taylor leaving a lasting impact. He describes his fascination with American music, particularly the deceptively simple yet sophisticated style of bands like the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. This blend of influences has allowed him to explore a wide range of musical styles, from British blues rock, Americana and to the more spacious and introspective sounds of his solo work.
For Luke, songwriting is a process of discovery and reflection. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and space in music, a lesson learned over years of experience. "Less is often more," he notes, highlighting the value of restraint and the power of a well-placed bass note. His approach to songwriting is intuitive, often starting with a title or a musical idea and allowing the song to unfold naturally.
Luke's music is a reflection of his personal experiences and observations. Whether drawing inspiration from a conversation or a life event, his lyrics often capture the essence of a moment. He shares how a powerful statement from his wife about grief became a lyrical theme, illustrating how personal experiences can shape artistic expression.
Navigating the Stage: Challenges and Preparations for Live Performances
Stepping onto the stage is a thrilling yet daunting experience for any performer. The anticipation, the energy of the crowd, and the spotlight can be both exhilarating and intimidating. For seasoned artists like Luke, who have spent decades in the music industry, the journey to a successful live performance is paved with meticulous preparation and overcoming unique challenges so we looked into the preparation he is putting in for this tour how he is preparing to take on the role of frontman.
Preparation is key to a seamless performance. Luke emphasizes the importance of vocal care, highlighting the need for adequate rest and hydration. "You can't drink or maybe very little," he notes, underscoring the discipline required to maintain vocal health. Additionally, rehearsing the setlist multiple times a week helps in building muscle memory, ensuring that both vocals and instrumentals are second nature by showtime.
Even for experienced performers, nerves can be a constant companion. Luke shares that the key is to focus on the joy of performing and the connection with the audience. "People have paid money to see you do it," he reminds, emphasizing the responsibility to deliver a memorable experience.
Live performances are unpredictable, and artists must be ready to adapt. Whether it's a technical glitch or an unexpected emotional moment or even illness staying composed and flexible is crucial. Luke's experience with different bands has taught him the value of being prepared for anything, ensuring that the show goes on, no matter what.
The journey to the stage is as important as the performance itself as he reflects on his career, it's clear that the love for music and the thrill of live performances remain as strong as ever as you can see in the recent video releases for this new album.
Luke's Future Plans and Collaborations
What of the future then well hopefully we will see Thunder back that obviously depends on Danny but the good news there is that he is continuing to improve by the day and recently
he concluded a successful return to the live arena with his "Maximum Chat" tour that aside
though what are Luke's plans for the future.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Luke's career, and he continues to seek out opportunities to work with other artists. His recent work with the Quireboys which included not only live work but he produced the recent release "Wardour St" and the production of Muddy Brook's album highlight his commitment to nurturing young talent and exploring new creative avenues.
As Luke contemplates his future, he remains open to a myriad of possibilities. Whether it's producing albums for emerging bands, performing at festivals, or embarking on new solo projects, his passion for music is unwavering one thing is that he will be in demand whatever he chooses to do.
If you missed the feature we recorded with Danny Bowes earlier this year you can see it here on the website or on the youtube channel as well link is below.
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