Luke Morley Is The One That You Want
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: PR
Mr Luke Morley is a member of UK rock band Thunder who has released his own solo album ‘Songs From The Blue Room’ and he kindly chatted to us all about it:
Your new solo album ‘Songs From The Blue Room’ is out now on Conquest Music. What was the idea behind this album and how did you want to approach it?
There wasn’t really one idea behind the album. It came about because I’d written a couple of tunes that weren’t really right for Thunder and put them to one side not really knowing what to do with them and then the pandemic and lockdown happened so as I had a lot of time on my hands I decided to turn a couple of songs into an album
Who did you work with on the record?
I played everything myself apart from drums which were played by my old friend Dave McCluskey. I had a few guest backing vocalists (Danny Bowes, Ricky Warwick, Julie Maguire & Carly Green) and the album was mixed by Nick Brine but the rest is my fault I’m afraid.
In addition, you have recently released the official music video for the song ‘I’m The One You Want’. What was the inspiration behind this song and the music video?
This song started as a riff and drum groove so the lyrics were almost a stream of consciousness really. The video was shot in Salvation Studios close to my home in Brighton.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I live in Brighton but my ‘hometown’ will always be south London – uncompromising, funny, real, proud, lively
Do you have any favoured stage guitars/effects/pedals?
No. I’m a complete slut when it comes to guitars and amps; I have too many!
Can I ask who designed/created the album cover?
The album sleeve was shot by my very good friend and long time collaborator, Jason Joyce. The idea was his and the artwork was very nicely pulled together by Cliff Evans at Conquest Music.
How do you look after your voice?
I’ don’t really think of myself as a singer so I don’t have any special routine although more recently I have started to get into the habit of warming up for a while before I sing.
Could you tell me the story behind the song ‘Killed By Cobain’ please?
Grunge effectively halted Thunder’s progress in America. We became old fashioned overnight! The songs uses Kurt Cobain as a metaphor for the whole grunge movement but I don’t really blame him. In fact I’m a fan of his work.
Was this album a difficult one for you to write at all?
Not really. I had loads of time and there wasn’t any date by which it had to be finished so I kept working in it until I fekt it was done.
Do you have any plans to support the album release with any live shows at all?
I’m talking to people about that right now so hopefully there will be some shows at some point.
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice guitarist?
Listen to people you like and but always play the way YOU feel and don’t let anybody dissuade you from doing it your own way.
Not wanting to pry of course but how is your friend and bandmate Danny Bowes doing?
He’s getting there but recovering from a brain injury takes a considerable amount of time and there’s no rush. It’s more important to recover well than try to come back too quickly.
What makes Luke Morley happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happiness is sharing great food with my Wife, friends & family and secondly a round of golf somewhere sunny. Not much makes me unhappy to be honest although if I did have to pick one thing it would be people who criticize without any experience or knowledge of the thing they’re criticizing.
Luke Morley’s latest album ‘Songs From The Blue Room’ is out now on Conquest Music. In addition, Luke Morley will embark on a January 2024 UK Tour with special guests Hillbilly Vegas. To purchase the album and tour tickets visit his website here: https://www.lukemorleyonline.com/
