Simply Luke

Listen to a Luke James track and you’re quickly taken back to a time when soul music ruled the charts. His sweet tenor is reminiscent of artists long gone and his lyrical prowess consist of the words you wished you conjured up to express your own love. Earning his stripes as a background vocalist and songwriter for the likes of Tyrese, Chris Brown and Britney Spears, and fresh off Beyonce’s “Mrs. Carter” tour, James is finally gearing up to release his self-titled debut album.

The New Orleans native’s current single “Options” featuring Rick Ross, showcases James’ obvious penchant for storytelling by chronicling the ups and downs of a relationship. “It’s about two people who have to deal with a life altering decision. Its a very compelling, personal song” explains James. Ross adds his usual bravado to the track, mixing for a lush but hard edged introduction to an album that James likes to describe as “the prelude to the autobiography of Luke James.”

In the tradition of great singer/songwriters, James’ sound is not only influenced by legends such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, whose story he’d love to portray on the big screen someday, but he also credits many of his contemporaries, mostly indie artists such as SZA and Lana Del Ray, as some of his biggest influences. “I pull from a lot of things, just to kinda hear where everyone else is going.”

While carving out his own lane within the industry, Luke James remains a simple man. An avid reader and skateboarder, he says,”being in the business, sometimes you need something to help you  get away. I enjoy things that keep my mind going and keep me imagining.”  In an ever changing world and being part of an industry that sometimes causes folks to lose themselves, James says that his family and his team force him to stay centered and focused. “Surround yourself with like minded people, people who will build you up.”

The baby faced crooner, poised for longevity, is ready for listeners to experience his music, his live act and is already thinking about the future. “Somewhere down the line, once I’ve completed my musical journey, I’d like to do a book, tell my story somewhat.” “I would love for a younger Denzel to play me in a bipoic” he says between laughs, “he would probably play me better than me!”

With a story that we’ve been able to hear pieces of through his songwriting, and eagerly anticipating his forthcoming debut, we can say that he is doing a fine job of simply being Luke James.

Words by Ky Renee Hampton

Photography © Ryan Plett

Styling • Megan Averbuch

Grooming • Juliette Perreux

Video • VonRay Productions

*Special Thanks to Schuyler 4 LTD (Alberto pants, Codice knits, Haupt shirts and Carl Gross sport jackets)