Photo Courtesy of Uproar Records
Reporter
Impact. That’s what Uproar Record’s new artist, Austin junior Luke Hicks, wants to do with his music. His original songs, both about times of joy or heartbreak, are what he feels will touch his audience most.
Q: How did you get started in music?
A: I shared a room with my older brother growing up. Him and his friends were crazy into music, and I was surrounded by it. Their interest in finding new music really helped me want to play and create music.
Q: What would you say is your “sound?”
A: My sound is mostly folk. At times is could be called folk blues, some even call it acoustic folk.
Q: Where do you find inspiration when writing?
A: I get my inspiration from events in my life. Almost everything in my life gives me some sort of inspiration. Whether it is a painful or joyful event, it impacts me. My spirituality also impacts my songs greatly.
Q: Who are some of the people you look up to in the music profession?
A: For songwriting, which is where I am most inspired, Conner Oberst. Also, Jon Foreman for the way he writes. I like Sufjan Stevens for the diversity in his writing. There are just so many people. I look up to David Ramirez, who is from Austin as well.
Q: What is your favorite song to perform?
A: The song that will be my single is my favorite, it doesn’t have a title yet. Or the song I wrote last night because it’s stuck in my head. I like performing my own songs. I do sometimes play cover songs, but when I am playing my song I can do my own thing and put my style on it.
Q: What are some of your long-term goals when it comes to music?
A: I don’t know how this will all play out. Until I signed with Uproar, I was just playing music for fun. I haven’t given it much thought. Missionary work is my long-term goal. I would enjoy being a music minister being able to be involved in a church each week to lead worship.
Q: Who got you interested in music ministry?
A: There was this boy Joe from high school. He started discipling me. He was the first person who I really saw live by his faith. He is the one how encouraged me. Then my junior year of high school, I had my own calling moment for music ministry. I don’t really know what it will look like. It could be doing music like this or doing music in the church or both.
Q: Do your songs have a Christian influence?
A: I hear it, but I don’t know if other might not. It is a huge part of my life, so of course it influences my music. But, I don’t right out say Jesus’ name or anything. I write a lot of love songs.
Q: What are some of your upcoming events?
A: I will be playing the homecoming parade, and I have a show at Common Grounds on October 26. I will be opening for Luke Wade and No Civilians. Tickets are $7 at the door.
Q: What are you looking to do with your music?
A: I want to create raw honest and genuine music that people can relate too. Whether it’s about heartbreak, truth, joy or sorrow.
