Unsigned Spotlight: Luke Dowler
For over 9 years, songwriter, performer, and producer, Luke Dowler has been building a prolific and versatile body of work from the mountains of northwest Montana.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
It's just me. I do it all, including nude scenes. but my target demographic is really, really, really narrow, and I am really expensive.
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to this?
I've been around for a while. Being in a band and lasting long enough to be successful beyond a year or two is the definition of a miracle. Some are in it for the sex, some for the drugs, but there ain't too many of em in it for the rock and roll. I'm an outlier because I'm here for the late nights, dirty jokes, and judgment.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Star Wars. Although, my parents like to pretend it was the Bible. But, I know a lie when I hear it. Also, Epstein didn't kill himself.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I'd like to think the universe births them through a canal of spooky action at a distance and I just happen to be tall enough to catch them. I gravitate towards wrting about darker things and broken places. I think I have enough material to last me a career.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
All of them at once.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I was listening to Plush by Stone Temple Pilots while I was using the bathroom, and I came out and told my parents all I wanted was to sing like Scott Weiland. Obviously, I am a complete failure in life.
In all seriousness, I love almost all music. I hear Maggie Rogers, Lorde, or Bleachers and want to make music as much as I do when I hear the Kooks, Waylon Jennings, or Will Smith.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
I like to pretend people like my music. I find that really puts me in the right headspace.
What has been the biggest highlight of the your career so far?
That would be a toss-up between opening for Rick Springfield and watching him play an encore of Jesse's Girl, shirtless. Dude, was something like 67 years old and had more muscle tone in his abs than I have altogether.
Or, being introduced at a festival in California as Luke Downer after the emcee asked a stagehand, off mic, but clearly heard, "Who the F*%& is this guy?." Before I plugged in my guitar, a woman from the audience rushed the stage, commandeered the mic and told everyone to head to the other side of the festival grounds for the pony rides and magic show. I never got paid, either.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Why? Did someone say they wanted to tour with me? Email booking@lukedowler.com.
If you're talking the past, then Prince, obviously. If nothing else, just to watch the Chappelle show and be like... " I was there for that, but that's not even close to what else went down."
After that, Bob Marley for the hang and conversation. Tom Petty for the songwriting lesson in brevity. Richie Havens for a lesson in baring the soul. The Backstreet Boys for the backstage fight clubs and Fatone's famous candy room.
If we're talking now? Post Malone, Bleachers, Jason Isbell, Killers, Taylor Swift, HAIM, CVRCHES, Nathaniel Rateliff. Cage the Elephant. Actually, could I just say Coachella? Maybe it would be better if I told you who I don't want to tour with. Christian rock band Petra. That's actually it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Find me when you're ready. You know who you are.