Project Description
Interview with
LUKE MILLION
Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs
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It’s been quite a journey for Luke Million since his release of ‘Arnold’ back in 2011 with subsequent releases on Future Classic, Nervous, Kitsune and etcetc. He has relentlessly toured the globe in his own right, playing at countless festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Wine Machine, Lost Paradise, and also supported the likes of Hayden James and Client Liaison.
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For any new fans, how did it all begin? Where did you find the spark to perform on a stage to an audience?
It all began when I was 5 years old and my mother started teaching me piano. Throughout school I played in bands and gave piano recitals which was my first taste of being on a stage. I was drawn to the connection you have with the audience when performing and that developed into playing in The Swiss when I was in my 20’s and eventually progressed into my live show as Luke Million. I just love being able to feed off the energy of the crowd and that something exciting is created in that moment that is special and different each performance.
What kind of music did you grow up on? Which artists inspired you?
My first musical influences were classical but my tastes soon evolved into the 20thcentury discovering gems like Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, The Doors, Steely Dan. Things really kicked off when I entered the world of synthesizers and dance music. I found myself gravitating towards Vangelis, Jean Michel Jarre and Herbie Hancock. My mind was blown when I discovered Daft Punk, Air, The Chemical Brothers and everything that was starting to happen in the nu-disco scene in Europe.
What makes your sound unique? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
My music is a reflection of all my influences and experiences in life. It is my own personal story that I wish to share and a lot of the emotions created in my music are things that are accessible to most people. There is uniqueness in my sound due to the vast pool of vintage synthesizers and drum machines I create with alongside modern tools and production techniques.
You have been touring quite a bit lately! Do you have any experiences or memories from your time performing live that you can share with us?
The last few years have been amazing. I’ve played across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. In Australia the stand out was the Wine Machine tour. It was such an amazing run of shows and we all became a family. The crowds were amazing, the production level was world class and the after parties were some of the most awesome celebrations ever.
What was it like to support Hayden James and Client Liaison?
It was such a privilege to support those amazing artists. The time in the US with Hayden James gave me my first real insight to touring in America. From the long drives in the tour van to the amazing meals we shared before shows, it was really about friendship and the mutual passion to deliver the best show each night. Touring with Client Liaison was an experience I will never forget. Those guys were so damn talented and pulled off every show with a professional attitude whilst having the best time of their lives. Opening for them was like a match made in heaven and every show was sold out across Australia.
If you could work with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I have a long list for this. People like Herbie Hancock, Giorgio Moroder, Daft Punk, Frank Zappa, Harold Faltermeyer, Mark Ronson and Mike Dean spring to mind. But perhaps most of all, it would be Vangelis. I would love to be in a room of synths with him and just let the music come into our consciousness and freely flow out through our fingers. There is something so natural and authentic in the way he effortlessly composes music as if he has a direct connection with the universe.
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Your new single featuring Asta, ‘Heard It On The Radio,’ is out now! What inspired the song?
The song was born in a jam session with my good friend and fellow synthesizer enthusiast – Touch Sensitive. We were exploring a more up tempo disco direction but then decided to drop the tempo and pull up some dark, digital synth sounds. The moment I played the first three notes on the Yamaha DX7, we were taken on a journey into an 80’s synth drenched soundscape. We were both channelling inspirations from the sounds that shaped one of our favourite decades.
How did the collab with Asta come about?
I had been running into Asta at music festivals we were both playing at for the last few years and we always talked about collaborating one day. When I had re-assembled and developed the original jam that Touch Sensitive and I put down, it was time to find a vocalist who would take it to the next level. Immediately I thought of Asta and sent the track to her. Within 48 hours she came back to me with the most amazing demo vocals I could have imagined. I flew to Sydney to record her final vocals at Studios 301 and the rest is history.
Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
I have made a promise that there will be more music than ever to come. There is another single on the way but I will keep the rest under wraps for now.
How has life changed for you since you released ‘Arnold’ back in 2011?
I feel I have really discovered my true passion for music. I have got to meet and work with so many amazing artists. My synth collection has grown enormously and I am even building a new studio to accommodate them all.
Anything you would change? What have you learned in that time that makes you a better performer today?
I guess we all say we would love to go back in time with the knowledge we have today. But I think it has all been part of the journey and I wouldn’t change anything as the experiences have defined me as an artist and performer.
What’s next for you in 2019?
Firstly, the “Heard it On The Radio” tour kicks off at the end of August and takes me through September. There will be a lot more music being made in my new studio. A lot of Friday Funk Jams (which is a weekly video series where I jam on classic tracks) and many special collaborations.
Do you have any long-term goals or aspirations as a music artist?
I always considered being a Film Music Composer as my eventual goal. At the end of the day I just want to keep doing what I love and developing my skills and being able to share that with everyone.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Jean Michelle Jarre – Oxygene
Artist – Vangelis
Movie – Ghostbusters
Place to visit – Paris
Venue to play – Soap (Seoul)
Food – BBQ
Drink – Vodka & Soda
Person in History – Frédéric Chopin
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Probably one of a synth haha
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HEARD IT ON THE RADIO TOUR
*with special guests Reija Lee and Juno Disco
Fri 30 Aug | Fat Controller, Adelaide
Sat 31 Aug | The Civic Underground, Sydney
Sat 7 Sept | Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
Sat 14 Sept | The Gasometer, Melbourne
Fri 20 Sept | The TBC Club, Brisbane
Sat 21 Sept | Sweet Dreams Festival, Canberra
Tickets are available now
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Check out LUKE MILLION below
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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