Unsigned singer-songwriter Luke Burr has been catapulted into the iTunes and Shazam chart off the back of one sync on ITV’s Love Island.
He has previously been tipped as one to watch on the UK music scene after years of grafting and self-funding his career on the music circuit. Luke has knocked global music stars Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello off the top spot on the Shazam chart after less than 2 minutes of his new single ‘What You Won’t Do For Love’ being played on Thursday evening’s Love Island show.
‘What You Won’t Do For Love’ is the perfect demonstration of Luke’s truly unique and soulful vocal ability. This week alone, Luke has attracted support from the likes of Apple, Spotify, Shazam, BBC Introducing and Huw Stephens at Radio 1. Luke is continuing to climb the airplay, streaming and download charts with this truly unique demonstration of the power of primetime sync and the opportunities it brings.
We speak to Luke about how the single came about, and how he plans to deal with pressure going forward.
T.H.E – Hey Luke! Welcome to T.H.E – Music Essentials. What have you been up to?
Luke Burr – Hi guys! The last couple of weeks have been pretty mad, to be honest… I have just been trying to capitalize on the wave-making the most of this moment. I want to use what’s happened as a platform to hopefully further my career and allow as many people to listen to my voice as possible. So I’ve been finishing up what is to come next, creating as much content as possible, and working hard in the studio too. I’ve not slept much!
T.H.E – Your new single, “What You Won’t Do For Love” has been breaking all kinds of records! For an artist that is still unsigned, how you feeling?
Luke Burr – I’m buzzing about it! But to be honest I’m also a little relieved. I’ve been working so hard at music and given my life and soul to it for so long so to finally get a breakthrough like this is so inspiring. Months and months go by often without good news and with doors being closed which can be very frustrating. This win has given me a newfound hope that my music will connect. My mum and dad said to me the other night at dinner, “be grateful for this moment but understand that you deserve this and it’s long overdue” and I do believe that!
T.H.E – How did the single come about, and how did the campaign happen with ITV’s Love Island?
Luke Burr – So a few years ago someone said I sounded like Bobby Caldwell and should do a version of “What You Won’t Do For Love”. I loved the song but just left it and then a few months back someone said completely the same thing while I was on holiday! So as soon as I got back I reworked the song and recorded it at home. I put it up online and then a month later Love Island emailed saying that they were going to use it on the show that night! I thought I may get 10seconds or so played in the background but they played almost 2minutes with hardly any dialogue! My phone just went crazy and it’s been a whirlwind since!
T.H.E – You’re only 23 and this is going to bring a lot of pressure when it comes to making future songs? How do you plan on dealing with it?
Luke Burr – I don’t really see it as pressure… if anything I’m more inspired than ever before. The thought of writing songs and pouring my soul into something that people may not hear can be very restricting creatively. To now know that there are people listening and that there are people wanting to hear music from me feels like a weight has been lifted. I can’t wait to share more music with everyone.
T.H.E – When you started your journey, which artists inspired you to keep going?
Luke Burr – In the beginning, It was my dad’s old soul records. Kool & the gang, earth wind & fire, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Luther.
Then at an age where I was really ready, John legend was one of the first to inspire me to become an artist. (I also really liked James Morrison as a kid too). Then my tastes started to develop and I loved the gospel and more soul & RnB music.
T.H.E – What are your plans for 2019?
Luke Burr – I hope to go on tour! Also, I aim to release an EP before the year is out. And maybe a couple of features in there too…
T.H.E – If there were 3 artists you could collaborate with, whom would it be?
Luke Burr – Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, Coldplay
