Photos By | Courtney Phillip
Fashion + Creative Direction By | AllanTroy of The Kurators
Grooming | Marygene Rose
Kode | You’ve been on the road to music some time now, what has the journey been like becoming the Luke James we see and here before us?
Luke | It’s been great. Plenty of ups and downs but that’s life. Even though show business is not like real life, it is a part of life when you’re in the business. So, I’m enjoying the ride and excited to where it’s taking me.
Kode | The legendary Frank Gatson is one of your longtime collaborators, in what way do you feel you’ve benefited from the relationship you two share?
Luke | Frank Gatson... Where do I start...LOL? Damn, I have benefitted in so many ways. First and foremost, I’ve gained a great friend and father figure. Even when we disagree and sometimes it gets real because we both are very strong--willed individuals. But the level of respect is always there. He’s been a mentor with an outstanding inside view of the business, and that’s priceless to have someone with that kind of knowledge at your disposal. He’s taught me how to be honest and how to perform and leave everything on the stage. He thinks outside the box when it comes to making music visual, and I dig that. And he has taught me to never be afraid, Own that shit - unapologetically.
Kode | Your self titled EP received great critical acclaim, what’s your creative process like when it comes to creating your bodies of work?
Luke | Thank you. My process is never quite the same. I do believe everything art-wise starts with a feeling. So I guess it just depends on what and how I am feeling and who I’d like to collaborate with. Then I go into a well equipped studio and get lost in the music until it’s ready.
Kode | When can we expect a full LP from you, and what do you think it’ll sound like?
Luke | Is this a trick question? LOL... Self-titled Luke James.
Kode | We’ve had quite a few amazing male R&B artist debut within the past few years from Miguel to Frank ocean and August Alsina, what will you do as artist to really set yourself apart from the crowd to generate your own lane?
Luke | Be myself.
Kode | You’re in a very public relationship with another vocal powerhouse Jessie J, can you give us a little peek into you guys relationship dynamic?
Luke | I wouldn’t say we’re “very public”, we’re just living our lives. And we actually like each other.
Kode | Some of the greatest artists of all time have come from the R&B genre, who do you feel has inspired you most in your artistry and sound?
Luke | Too many to name. There is a little bit of a lot of them in me... But I will say that my mother’s and cousins’ collections of music really opened me up to a wide range of sounds. There no limits.
Kode | #WetHot: Have you ever sang to a girl to slide into home plate?
Luke | Ha! Ha! Of course...
By | Ryan Mitchell