We got to know emerging UK singer-songwriter Luke Fraser following the release of his thoughtful third single ‘Things Can Only Get Better’
With just three releases to his name, Luke Fraser is beginning to make a ripple in the UK music scene, playing shows and building up a reputation as an engaging and authentic voice in the modern scene.
Luke’s sound has a contemporary yet retro-tinged edge, with the artist establishing his distinguished and thoughtful songwriting on his first three releases, the latest of which being the excellent ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. The track is probably the most memorable from the artist yet, with his sound and vision beginning to feel more realised and complete. There are all of the hallmarks of a rousing and captivating singer-songwriter sound here, with the artist’s charismatic flair and emotive vocals giving it that bit more of a bite and an edge. We had a chat with Luke in the infancy of his debut solo project, to find out some more about it and the journey that he’s been on up to now.
Who TF is Luke Fraser?
Some moustachioed guitar-wielding beatnik type
How long have you been making music?
Over the past 10 years I’ve been part of many great bands and projects. Under my own name, however, I’ve only been releasing music since March this year. The past couple of years have been enlightening, and I feel like I’ve finally found my ‘voice’ with these new tunes.
Why do you make music?
It’s cheaper than therapy and you can dance while doing it.
What are your biggest influences?
I’m an old soul, so for these songs I drew a lot from 40s crooners and 70s folk rockers. Mostly, however, I drew from pop groups of the 60s like The Shangri-Las, Lesley Gore and Smokey Robinson; I love retro melodramatic teen breakup music. And Tom Waits too – he’s the best.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Honestly just releasing these songs into the world has been super fulfilling. They’ve been living in my head for the past few years and just knowing people are starting to hear them is a wonderful feeling.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Retro-tinged singer songwriter.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Guest starring on The Muppets.
We love your new single ‘Things Can Only Get Better’, what more can you tell us about it?
I wanted this song to exist as one of those rabbit/duck optical illusions: a joyful song but with a subtle darkness to the lyrics that could alter how you interpret it. I hoped to reflect the ambiguity of the late stages of my previous relationship, where I felt simultaneously hopeful and despairing.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
Big picture, there’s an album incoming…
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My neighbour who I share a wall with, I assume.
