Luka Bloom Q&A

Ahead of the release of his brand new album, Head & Heart, Irish folk-rock singer-songwriter Luka Bloom chats with Sydney Unleashed.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

My mother gave me £200 pounds to get the bus to London and buy a decent guitar in 1974. I never looked back.

Best part of what you do?

Everything. Not having a job. Singing, writing, recording. Getting to sing in Byron Bay Bluesfest every two years.

And the worst part?

Not doing it. Not singing and performing is challenging for me. I live for songs.

Favourite album of all time and why?

Probably Astral Weeks by Van Morrison. I think Van was 21 years old. The depth of the writing; the performances; the musicianship’; the rawness…It still amazes and terrifies me. I think they did it in a week.

Best live performance that you’ve ever seen?

U2 Phoenix Park Dublin 1984 changed my life.

Take us through a typical day in the life of Luka Bloom.

Depends on where I am. Get up early; pretend to exercise; think about writing; drink tea; go for a walk; meet too many people, and start talking to them…fall into bed 12 hours later..

What advice would you give to someone looking at getting involved in the music industry?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Work. Don’t take rejection seriously. Work. Never read reviews. Work. Give away all the records you love and never listen to them until you have made three good records. Learn to be yourself, and then keep doing it. Work.

Any news or final comments?

The new CD Head and Heart is the best record I’ve made in two years… I have a book of photos and lyrics/poems called Homeplace which can be bought from www.lukabloom.com.

© Danny Canak