In this episode of Eclectic Soundtrax, hosts Skunk Manhattan and Victor Ramos chat with up-and-coming pop rock artist, Luke Reyvn. Luke began his musical career young in Hawaii, playing in punk rock bands and recording demos with friends. During that time, he also participated in school theater and choir, exhibiting early aspirations of becoming a professional entertainer. Yet, like a lot of teenagers, general detachment led to self-destructive behaviors, leaving Luke further apathetic. After struggling with school, substance abuse and depression throughout his teens, Luke decided to get clean and fully immerse himself in music.
On New Year’s Eve 2021, the 20-year-old songwriter boarded a plane to Los Angeles to fulfill his childhood dream.
The now LA-based artist hopes to provide emotional healing and comfort for young minds struggling with addiction and alienation. “The purpose of my music is to share my stories and life experiences to make a positive impact,” Reyvn explains. “I want to connect with as many listeners as I can, empower others to better their lives and inspire those that need help to get it. I worked through a lot of inner struggles and I’m passionate about mental health.”
In this ESP episode, Reyvn discusses a broad array of influences, the impact his parents has had on cultivating his love of music, as well as his early desires to become a famous rockstar. Both his image and music reflect Reyvn’s eclecticism; his knowledge of bands is also impressive. Right off the bat, comments are tossed around regarding Reyvn’s heavily patched denim jacket: he literally wears influences on his sleeve and, of course, hosts Ramos and Manhattan dove right into talking about iconic classic rock titans with Luke, like Pink Floyd, Guns N’ Roses and his all-time favorite band, Led Zeppelin.
Although clearly well-versed and capable of churning out rock n’ roll, Luke’s eclectic palette spans beyond just the rock medium. We talk hip hop and pop idols, as well as the elements of these genres along with EDM and alternative stylings apparent in his growing catalogue. Very much a hands-on arranger, Reyvn is not afraid to follow his innate talent by experimenting with a wide variety of recording techniques. Gritty distorted guitars and punk rock angst blend brilliantly with catchy pop melodies, slamming beats and a harmonious blend of meaningful and infectious hook-laden lyrics.
2021 saw a steady stream of viscerally emotive singles crafted by Luke Reyvn, along with powerhouse producers! Check out the immediately infectious “Goodbye“, “Sweet Revenge” and “Kiss Me Girl” and you’ll get a sense of the multi-dimensional aspects of the music. Reyvn cites influences like Post Malone and Ed Sheeran as “artists who aren’t afraid to make big personal statements without being boxed in by labels or genres”. This podcast release further coincides with Luke’s latest single, “Another Day”, which is accompanied by a brand new music video.
Luke Reyvn links: Instagram | Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon | YouTube
About the podcasters
Skunk Manhattan:
Skunk is a musician, primarily known as the frontman and guitarist for eclectic heavy-rock band A Good Rogering. Since moving to Austin in 2004, he has recorded and performed with a wide variety of bands and solo artists over a career spanning more than 20 years and has shared the stage with notable acts, such as Skid Row, Marty Friedman, Uli Jon Roth, George Lynch and Metal Church among others. Skunk not only works as a performing musician and recording artist, but also as a producer and music teacher. With two decades of insight into what it means to be a professional musician and a passion for not only music, but comedy and general chatter, Skunk was quick to jump at the opportunity to co-host a podcast with longtime friend, Victor Ramos.
Victor Ramos:
A Texas native, Victor’s early musical influences are a mixture of classic rock albums played by his Vietnam vet father and a whole lot of ‘the Fab Four’ via his Beatles-loving mother. Sprinkle in some classic country and Motown, and you have a man that would say “¿que?” when other Tejanos would ask what his favorite cumbia was. After a stint in the Marines, Victor moved to Austin in 2000 and began working in the tech industry. He met Skunk in a Spanish class in 2005 and the two discovered a shared passion for not only beer, but music. After years of collectively attending concerts and talking music, the idea to start a podcast centering around such topics seemed like a logical endeavor.
Eclectic Soundtrax links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
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