Luke Dowler – Going To

By starrymag | July 3, 2020

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) On YouTube you created your “GOING TO” Series, which features not only your originals, but also a recent release of a cover of Prince’s “1999.” How did you create the concept for this series of YouTube videos?

A) The series has been a work in progress since last Spring. We captured hours of footage touring out West and then more hours from personal footage touring the East coast. I was trying to decide what the best format would be to put it out and the live sessions made the most sense. There is still tons of footage that I am hoping to turn into something, but it takes time to get it right.

Q) When deciding to cover “1999,” you chose that song as you feel it conveys the message of “keeping grounded during a difficult time.” How do you feel that music achieves that effect of grounding us when it’s needed?

A) Actually, maybe grounded was the wrong context because I think music actually elevates, in the sense that it transcends the pain of the moment and reminds you that this experience of life is a shared one. Like the state of being that a listener finds themselves in has been felt by someone before them.

Q) Aside from “1999,” what are some upcoming potential covers of other songs for your YouTube series?

A) I really haven’t thought about that. I am open to suggestions, though.

Q) What has been the fan response to your new “Going To” performances?

A) Overall, I think it’s gone well. It’s hard to know what the hell anything means in 2020 though.

Q) What are your Top 5 go-to cover songs to play for fun?

A) Lately, I’ve been diving into some older stuff. Next week this list might look a lot different, but today it’s:

Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You – Bob Dylan

Brass In Pocket – The Breeders

hate That you Know Me – Bleachers

Fell On Black days – Soundgarden

Last Goodbye – Jeff Buckley

Q) Do you currently have a new album or EP in the works? If so, what and when can we expect to hear on this upcoming project?

A) I have some singles along with videos that I am working on, but not a coherent project. I’d like to be and I have enough material for a couple of albums, but I have been frustrated with putting music out to a symphony of crickets. I’m not convinced anybody needs a record from me, but we will see. I’m also working on a long-form documentary of the process of making a record from scratch way out West in the middle of Montana, which will be soundtracked by crickets as well.

Q) To make light of the current state of events, you are sharing music with fans by performing live-stream concerts. What has been the response to those live-stream shows?

A) Each week is different. Sometimes I am prepared and have a set list prepared and other times it feels more like a hang session over a couple of beers. I’m not really thinking about it too much other than staying consistent by showing up on Tuesdays with a priority of having some fun and letting fans know they can have some fun, too.

Q) In past live shows, what was one of your favorite songs to perform and why?

A) “Good Enough” is a song that I like playing because it packs it all into one song. I wrote it as a crescendoing folk song so it has vocal moments and guitar moments that are really fun to play. Plus, live, it usually turns heads. Anyone in the room who has been on the fence usually can at least dig this one.

Q) What music are you currently listening to?

A) Um, yeah, I have been stuck on Bleachers, Maggie Rogers, Waylon Jennings, Kacey Musgraves and Donovan Woods for the last two months. It’s probably really boring for a lot of people, but I have been quarantining on repeat.

Q) Given the chance, who would you love to collaborate with?

A) I want to work with a graphic artist on a multi-faceted graphic novel/album/video project I have had in mind for a few years. It’s sort of a historical fiction horror story. I can sketch, but I can’t draw worth a damn. Collaborating on the design of the characters and universe is something I am looking forward to doing, when the time is right.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your music?  

A) It’s pretty simple. Thanks for all of your support and love. The creative economy has shifted so drastically in the last decade and made fan support critical for artists to thrive. I am grateful there are fans who still want to hear music.