Luke Dean, a rising artist in the UK underground scene, has been captivating audiences with his signature sound, which is often characterized by bouncy basslines, catchy vocal hooks, and chunky grooves. In 2023, his viral track, Get Hard (You In The Lobby), topped Beatport charts and amassed over six million streams on Spotify, cementing his spot as one of the most promising new artists in dance music.
In our interview, Luke reflects on his journey from passionate music lover to professional artist, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his approach to creating tracks, and the challenges he’s faced in carving out his place in the industry.
What was the turning point when you felt that music would be more than just a passion—it would become your career?
I think the turning point for me was when the gigs started coming in more regularly each month, to the point where I felt it was the right time to make the jump and go full-time with music.
Your sound blends 90s Chicago house with a modern twist. What first drew you to this style?
I’ve always loved hip-hop from a young age—artists like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Tupac. So, when I discovered there’s a genre of house that blends hip-hop with house music, I really started enjoying making tracks with that kind of vibe.
“Get Hard (You In The Lobby)” became a viral hit. How did that success impact your career and you on a personal level?
It definitely had a great impact, helping me reach a whole new audience and expanding the range of people who listen to my music and come to see me perform. For the most part, it really helped me take that next step in my career.
What role do streaming numbers play in your view of “success” today, and do they change how you approach upcoming projects?
Personally, I don’t tend to focus on the streaming numbers. I just enjoy making music, and I’m glad that when I share it, a lot of people enjoy what I put out.
With a growing list of notable performances and releases, can you describe one of your proudest moments on stage, and why does it stand out to you?
My proudest moment was this year at DC10 with Max. We had his little brothers with us and all our good friends there. To be playing in such an established club with family and close friends was a moment I’ll never forget.
What are some of the major challenges you’ve encountered while establishing your name in the industry, and how have you learned to overcome or navigate those obstacles?
I think it’s similar for everyone—dealing with a bit of self-doubt about your music, DJ skills, and overthinking things. But you learn to overcome it and realize everyone goes through this. The key is to have fun with the job and not overthink it too much.
Read this next: Jody Vukas: “I am my biggest inspiration at the moment”
What do you hope to bring to each show with an upcoming international tour, and how do you adapt your sets for different crowds?
I want to try more styles and sounds within each set to bring a different vibe to each show. Nothing too drastic, but I think it’s the perfect time to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Looking at the current house music scene, what changes or trends excite you, and what direction do you see your own sound evolving in the future?
For me, I want to carve my own path in the scene and make music that I genuinely love, rather than getting caught up in trends. I’d say my focus is to keep things fresh without worrying too much about what’s currently popular.
Read this next: Tian Karl: “Artistically I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve with this album”
As an artist, what are you most looking forward to right now?
After a fantastic summer traveling to amazing places, I’m definitely looking forward to getting back into the studio, making lots of new music, and spending some quality time with family.
Finally, what does the concept of ‘legacy’ mean to you, and have you considered the kind of legacy you hope your music will leave behind?
Right now, I feel like I’ve only just started to get my foot in the door and reach a place I’m really happy with. I want to stay productive and hopefully leave something behind that people still love and enjoy years from now. I think that’s a goal for everyone who creates.
Purchase Luke Dean – Get Hard via this link
Follow Luke Dean on Social Media:
SoundCloud l Spotify l Instagram
