Hailing from Caeté, Brazil, Luke has equipped himself with the transformative and revolutionary power of music. Through heartfelt themes, groovy tunes, and emotive lyrics, Luke weaves his stories through inspiring and authentic melodies. His debut album set for release in 2025 is already creating buzz for itself with his single ‘Thinking ‘bout You’! In an exclusive interview with The Skadoosh, Luke Ferreira shared his journey with us.
How did you begin your music-making journey?
Well… I've always been in contact with music ever since I was a little kid, but it wasn't until I got invited to be a part of this band project that my part in music was strictly a hobby and kind of like this out-of-grasp dream. I spent almost 8 years in this band and got to travel around the world singing our songs, and after I got the taste of that, I knew I could never do anything else.
How was it growing up in Caeté and did it contribute largely to your music?
My family is a very musical one, I have aunts who sing, cousins who play, and siblings, so I'd say that my hometown was where I got the music bug, yes. I started singing in my aunt's church choir, school presentations…
Who are your major influences when it comes to music?
I LOVE real vocalists! And I LOVE good music! I have so many artists that I take inspiration from, but if I had to pinpoint, Christina Aguilera was the reason I sing the way I sing today, a no-brainer. But other than her, Whitney Houston (I was born on the same day as her and I like to think that that is a good sign LOL), Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé… I'm gonna keep the list short because if I keep going, that's gonna take me 5 more pages lol!
What keeps you experimenting and creating in the pop music scene?
There's a freedom in making music, especially pop music… and that really talks to me, you know? I'm definitely a pop culture guy, so I'm very tuned in to what my favourite artists are releasing and what trends they're setting now. What keeps me going is that good music is never out of style! So no matter what we release, if it's good, is gonna get listened to.
Do you prefer creating in the studio or are you more excited about performing live?
Oof… those are such unique experiences… in the studio, you have this intimate and secure feeling, and that's what I think is key for writing vulnerable and personal stories, while when you're live and with your people, you get to connect and watch them connect as well, you know? Seeing people connect with your stories is an indescribable feeling, one which I miss so much! Ever since the pandemic, I've been eager to get back on stage with my new music! I love both moments, but being live and connecting with your fans is really an unmatched moment!
What does your songwriting process look like?
It's very spontaneous, that's for sure… I've had times where I dreamt of a melody and woke up to record it… it happens when it happens lol! But in this actual project of mine was a very conscious process… I wanted to create music as a solo artist, and during the pandemic, I was going through the disbandment of my group and through heartbreak, alongside what was happening in the world. So I NEEDED to vent a lot! That's why I borrowed this really old keyboard my aunt has and started learning how to play it so I could create my OWN stories. Just me and my feelings in my bedroom.
How was your international tour across Europe?
I can't say it was perfect… we had a lot going on with us, it was a very out of the blue-not well planned situation, but we made the most of it! As a Brazilian guy who had never travelled outseas, being able to do that to perform my own music… was really just a faraway dream in my mind. But seeing people from different cultures welcoming and enjoying what I had to say in my music was a very encouraging and reassuring moment! I got to meet lots of different countries, and sing in amazing places! I sang at this late-night radio show on BBC in London, and got to perform at Ronnie Scotts', so that was very unreal to a small Brazilian town boy.
How important do you think ‘community’ is for music?
I feel like these two depend on each other… you can't have music without community and vice-versa… Music is a universal means to find your crowd and to connect when done from the heart. So yeah, I think that having people who can see themselves in your music, in your stories and experiences is kinda like a lifeline to every artist…
What inspired you to create music that uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community?
My time as a band member was very special and very rewarding most of the time, but the last 3 years were very hard for me because we let two managers take care of our group at the time, and I was the only gay man in a group of five members… So the management wanted to appeal to the female audience and therefore they made me hide my sexuality because of that. That was very impactful on how I saw myself as a person and artist. That made me disconnect with music, you know? Made me feel like music wasn't my dream anymore… So when I decided to leave the group, I knew exactly who I wanted to be and how I wanted people to see me: who I truly am. That and the fact that growing up listening to pop music, I never had someone to be a reference when it came to being gay in the industry! I wanna be the inspiration to that gay kid from a small conservative town who doesn't know why he's feeling the way he is.
10. Your track “Thinking ‘Bout You” is getting all the buzz! Any standout memories from making the song?
Thinking bout you is my baby! We all have that one favourite song that trumps all others hahaha.
I wanted it to be my lead single because it has such a freedom feeling to it! It's a very uplifting song, and that is the main message of my upcoming album… the power to be free to be who you are and who you want to be!
Any upcoming projects or collaborations your fans should look out for?
I've been writing and producing my first solo album for over 4 years now, and now I'm finally being able to release this body of work! I just released my second single "Good To U" (http://tunelink.to/goodtou) last Friday (24th) and I have one more release for this year… which I'm excited to share because it's not a danceable song, but a very honest one, I think it's gonna give the tone of how the album is gonna be very versatile.
12. What advice would you want to give to someone trying to pursue music?
It's gonna sound very cliche but I'd say to not give up! Being an independent artist is very challenging but when you find people who connect with your message it's one of the most rewarding feelings ever! So keep going! There are gonna be non-believers all the way, but the one person who cannot stop believing is YOU!
You can listen to and stream Luke’s music here on Spotify!
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