A Chat with Luke Porter (19.08.20)
From Newcastle, England (Whitley Bay to be exact) we have singer/songwriter Luke Porter. Performing at renowned Newcastle venues, such as Think Take and The Cluny, Porter has become one of the more popular emerging artists. As a follow-up to the well-received debut EP in 2019, Porter has recently released his single ‘You Don’t See In Me What I See In You’. This young gent chatted with us about the single, collaborating with artists and being an animal.
OSR: What inspired you to become a musician?
Porter: My inspiration to be a musician was watching the Beatles films and watching George Harrison play guitar. I thought it was really cool and sounded great. The Beatles music is what inspired me to start being a musician, but particularly watching George Harrison play.
OSR: How would you describe your new single ‘You Don’t See In Me What I See In You’?
Porter: I would describe it as indie-folk fusion. The main songs I write are normally on the indie/alternative spectrum. I love folk and have a passion for it, but I don’t release every song or write every song as being heavily folk-influenced.
OSR: If you could change one thing about the track what would it be?
Porter: At the end of the track you can hear me taking the jack out of the bass as I forgot to clip it off when I sent for it to get mastered. It’s not a big deal or noticeable, but I would cut it off if I could go back to it.
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like?
Porter: I was class and a challenge. It was a slightly different arrangement than all my other songs. I mixed it at home and recorded the piano at home as well; that was something I’d never done before.
OSR: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Porter: Probably Bob Dylan. He is one of the best songwriters this world has ever produced so to collaborate with him would be amazing. Some of his words just blow me away and it would be a privilege to work with the man himself.
OSR: Who inspired your music?
Porter: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Lindisfarne and The Libertines are my biggest inspiration and my idols. If I had not heard their music I would not be writing songs with such a passion channelling my emotions in my songwriting.
OSR: What do you do in your spare time?
Porter: In my spare time I like to watch the telly whilst I play bass or noodle on my guitar with a nice drink beside me.
OSR: What is the backstory to ‘You Don’t See In Me What I See In You’?
Porter: It’s quite explanatory. In a few words, it’s about loving something but it doesn’t feel the same. It can be taken into many different contexts, so I won’t go too deep behind the meaning.
OSR: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
Porter: I’d probably be a seagull. They get a class view of the world by flying. It would also be class to fly away whenever you want and nick people’s chips and get away with it.
OSR: What is your best personality trait?
Porter: It’s hard for me to say what my best personality trait is. I’d probably say I’m there for people when they need someone there for them.
OSR: What are the different benefits and challenges to being an independent artist?
Porter: The best thing is I can release whatever music I want and wear what I want. A lot of labels will tell you that you can’t dress in a certain way. If they don’t like your image, they will tell you. A bad thing is it’s difficult to fund everything unless you have support from fans and people who listen to my music.
OSR: What plans do you have for the future?
Porter: I’ll be releasing my second EP, which is called The Truth Lies Behind, at the end of October/start of November. Hopefully, more live performances.
OSR: Do you have any final message for fans and potential fans?
Porter: I’d like to say thank you so much for all the support you have given me by listening to my music. The reason I’m still making music is because of all of you. I would be nothing without you. Thank you to everyone who buys my merch as well; you are truly inspiring and amazing. Thank you!
Thanks to Luke Porter for chatting with us! You can find more about Luke Porter on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
