Luke Morley Talks New Album, Songwriting And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jason Joyce
Luke Morley is best known as the lead guitarist and chief songwriter for the British rock band Thunder, a group that has earned a loyal following and critical acclaim since their formation in the late 1980s. However, he has released his latest solo album ‘Walking On Water’ and he very kindly sat down with JLTT:
You have released your new solo album ‘Walking On Water’. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
It was basically the same approach as my last album, and it worked well then so it was really a case of ‘if it ain’t broke’ etc….It’s a very simple process. As the songs are written I start recording them. There isn’t really a demo stage to go through as I’m at the point now as a writer where I can normally tell at the time the idea is conceived if it’s going to work.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I wrote & recorded about 75% of the album in my home studio then moved into Red Kite Studios in the Brecon Beacons to record drums, keyboards and some additional backing vocals. I produced the album and it was mixed by Nick Brine who I’ve worked with for many a year.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
To be perfectly honest it was about as uneventful as a session can be! The usual banter and high jinks that occur in a band environment are somewhat lacking when it’s just me, regardless of how amusing I find myself!
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
All acoustic instruments and vocals were recorded on my trusty AKG 414 mic. It’s a great all-rounder. Most of the guitar sounds are Fenders, both Strats and Teles with the occasional Les Paul. I used my old Gibson J2000 for all the acoustic guitar parts. It’s a beast of a guitar and I’d be lost without it!
Who accompanied you on the album?
Drums were played a guy called Rhys Morgan. He came highly recommended by a few people whose opinions I trust and he didn’t disappoint. Keys were all played by Sam Tanner who I’ve been working with for a few years now. He’s also an incredible singer and he added a couple of backing vocals here & there. Julie Maguire and Carly Greene added female BVs. Once again, I’ve been working with them for a few years now and both they and Sam have toured with Thunder. Everything else was played or sung by me I’m afraid!
One of the tracks is the single title track. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
I was discussing what the album artwork should look like with my very good friend and album photographer Jason Joyce, and he told me about Calvert Studios, a commercial photographic studio near Malaga, Spain. They built a ‘water platform’ on top of a hill which is often used for shooting car ads and when I saw it the first thing, I thought was maybe we could make it look like I was walking on water. I went away and thought about it as an album title and thought I’d see if I could write a song with the same name and fortunately it worked out.
The track is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
Jason (the photographer mentioned earlier) directed the video and we filmed it in between taking photos for the sleeve artwork. As already stated, the main thrust of the idea was to make it look like I was walking on water.
Was it a difficult album to write?
I don’t find writing difficult fortunately. I’m quite disciplined about the whole process. This album was written in about 10 weeks, I think.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I have written angry songs in the past. The Thunder album ‘All The Right Noises’ is quite angry and fairly recent, but this album is a lot more relaxed and calm. There’s one song called Natural High that’s just about walking down the street on a sunny day so I guess that’s pretty happy!
Who designed the album artwork?
Jason the photographer must take the design credit as it is his photo. A chap called Paul Jeffrey pulled the package together but it was all Jason’s artistry really.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
I am touring the UK in September this year. Currently I don’t have any plans to tour anywhere else but next year, who knows?
Who will be joining you in the touring band?
My old Thunder mate Chris Childs will play bass. He’s a very good musician and has been putting up with me for a long time now! Dean Howard (from T’Pau, Cats In Space) will play guitar. I’ve known Dean probably 40 years and he’s a great player who understands how I play if you know what I mean! Keys will be Sam Tanner who played on the album. As I said earlier, as well as being a great, soulful player Sam is a phenomenal singer so it’s great he’s on board. Drums will be Rhys Morgan who plays on the album. He’s a really good drummer who plays in a really relaxed groove which really suits the music.
In addition to your last album and tour, you have also been touring with Spike in The Quireboys and songwriting with the band Muddibrooke. Do you have any interesting, memorable or funny stories from those experiences?
Touring with the QBs is always eventful as Spike and Nigel are a real pair of characters! There’s a lot of laughing and they take the mickey out of each other constantly; they’re a bit like an old married couple in the nicest way! I’ve actually just finished producing Muddi Brooke’s album which I believe will be out next year. I think they’re very different to a lot of the rock bands coming through now and that’s why I wanted to get involved in the first place. The album is very exciting and Harriet is a really good lyricist and singer and the combination of her and Anna, the bass player’s voices is unique and haunting. I hope it does well for them!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jason Joyce
Luke Morley’s new album ‘Walking On Water’ is out now on Left Hook Records via Townsend Music.
Purchase/Stream Here: https://slinky.to/WalkingOnWaterLM
Luke Morley will support the album with a September 2025 UK Tour.
UK TOUR DATES:
Thursday 11th September – Manchester RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 12th September – Glasgow St Luke’s
Sunday 14th September – Sunderland Fire Station
Monday 15th September – Leeds City Varieties
Tuesday 16th September – Bristol St George’s
Wednesday 17th September – Brighton Old Market
Friday 19th September – London Bloomsbury Theatre
