The dark sound of a looped, washed-out piano, seemingly played a few rooms away, sets the mood for Luke-W‘s single No Waste – which was featured on NZ On Air Music‘s NewTracks compilation this November. After a stint in the UK, the Auckland rapper has returned to his hometown last year and has since released an EP ‘Progress’ with the aid of Move The Crowd. 

What’s your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

Luke Winny. I’m from Auckland – spent most of my life in Mangere and Mt Roskill. I play the guitar, sing/rap and produce.

Any high school or other music training that was important to you?

Being in a band in high school and I was even in the boys choir for a year… as well and living in a music studio in Bristol for two years from 2016-2018.

What other projects might we know you from?

This is my first as Luke-W. I released an EP in the UK when I was over there under Citizon.

What’s the background story of how Luke-W as a project came to be?

Once I got back from the UK last year I continued to make music and earlier this year linked up with the guys at Move The Crowd who heard the tracks and saw the potential in re-mixing and mastering them. So the ‘Progress’ EP is a culmination of that period of my life really.

How has your music evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

I guess the biggest part is the confidence and growth in my own sound, from the production to being able to try new things vocally – definitely more singing and layers. Freestyling was a big part in my making music to begin with, so it’s definitely been a process of developing different aspects of my music and enjoying that challenge.

How did you come up with the name for the new project?

‘Progress’ for me is about keeping that “every day try do something to get better” mentality… and that’s in everything not just with music. It’s a marker of where I’ve come from and where I want to take it.

What makes No Waste stand out for you as a single?

I think it’s the energy in the beat and the flow of the vocals… The hook really paints the picture, it was one of those where you record it and just listen back like 20 times in a row, haha!

What’s the story behind No Waste?

No Waste is about time. On the one hand it’s about good times and making the most of them, cuz you never know how many you get. On another level, it speaks to the themes of ‘progress’ and evolving and moving forward.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

The line “re-invented the wheel now we really tall no stilt”. It’s definitely a line you have to think about the meaning(s) and the melody is nice.

Who did you write/record/produce the single with ?

I produced the beat in my room at home, and then recorded the vocals one Friday night, freestyling off the top of my head – so it was really in the moment and explains some of the lyrics. It’s come together quite easily, which isn’t always the case.

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

Hopefully, I’m telling a story that people can relate to and vibe with at the same time – and that they want to hear more.

How do you work out what song would make a good single?

I think when a track is going to be able to reach people and tap into something that relates and/or feels good. Whatever it is, it has to stand out.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

On December 5, I’ll be having a showcase gig at Neck Of The Woods, performing the EP and some new live tracks. I’ll be joined by a bunch of other dope NZ hip hop artists so come through if you’re keen 🙏. Also, keep an eye out for the new single coming next month!

Can you tell us three other local tunes that should be on a playlist alongside your song?

bKIDD – Need Dat
Smashproof – Star Shooter
Raiza Biza – Palm Tree

Any of your previous applications not got funding or included on NewTracks? Got any advice?

I actually only sent one email, but that’s definitely not representative of the dozens of others sent to radios, blogs and other music websites haha! Just gotta keep making contact.

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

NZ Musician 😉
Been loving the Kenny Beats series ‘The Cave’ on YouTube recently. Always listen to the Joe Rogan podcast on long drives – so many interesting guests from all kinds of backgrounds.

How can we find you on social media?

facebook.com/LukeWNZ
instagram.com/lukewnz
Spotify

Any last words?

Thanks for the opportunity to chat with you guys. It’s awesome to be able to introduce myself and my music on your platform – I appreciate it!