Forté chat to Luke Biscan, the UK born singer-songwriter with a voice that easily spans genres of alternative, acoustic rock, folk and soft rock.
Hey Luke, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Thanks for having me! Well, right now, I’m enjoying a banana smoothie with kale and blueberries. I used to have coffee first thing, but I recently found out I’m lactose intolerant so mornings have definitely improved since cutting dairy.
You’re a familiar name on the gigging circuit in Geelong, how did your heavy performing schedule take shape? Do you remember your first gig?
I started out catching taxis to gigs – I had no car and no PA system so by the time I’d paid the cab fare and PA hire I’d basically have enough left over for a cheese burger and fries. Those days were fun though, I was new and starting out, and just the fact that I was getting paid for playing music was amazing. As for my first gig, I think it was at Beavs bar at the open mic slot… I think I did okay?
When you’re not behind a guitar late at night, what do you get up to during the week?
I try to be productive when I’m not playing gigs. I put a lot of energy into writing and studio production, and everything that surrounds that (emails, festival applications etc). The independent artist thing keeps me pretty busy.
Most of your pub gigs are a mix of covers and originals, but we’ve seen you’re doing more and more originals, even with a new single on the horizon. Are you able to fill us in on what listeners can expect with that one?
Mixing in random originals at cover gigs is always a fun way to gauge non-biased audience reaction. In regards to the single, I’d say ‘The Oldest Illusion’ is a more vibe and groove orientated track than previous works. Expect something a little different to what you’d typically expect from me.
Last year you released ‘Freefall’ which is full of emotion and has really well-crafted lyrics, what’s the song writing process like for you?
Thank you so much. I wish I had a writing process or a formula, but most of the time it’s just about being available for whatever is coming in, and making sure I don’t forget the idea before getting to my phone or notepad. As for how ideas come in, who knows, I think living has something to do with it.
You also recently toured with MDRN Love, how did you find hitting the road with those guys?
The MDRN love tour was so much fun. I’ve known Jack and Riley for a long time, but not the other guys, so it was great to get to know them all as a band and watch them play. They have so many great songs, and they have a great energy live. Hopefully I can persuade them to hit the road with me later this summer.
Being an acoustic act playing in pubs and bars can be a tough gig, and you’ve done a lot of it, how do you think that helped you develop as a musician?
My time spent playing in bars has basically been like a paid internship. I’ve loved it. Most of the pop songs that people want to hear are so well written, that having to learn them has helped develop a greater palette for my own song writing. In terms of the live show, it’s been an invaluable experience that’ll hopefully serve me moving into festivals etc.
Lastly, if a fan were to shout you a drink after a gig, what should they order?
Little Creatures pale ale please.
When & Where: Grovedale Hotel, Geelong – June 17. You can also check him out via his Facebook page.
