The Luka State

About

Hailing from Winsford, a small working-class town nestled between Manchester and Liverpool, The Luka State have been called “the hardest working band in the UK”, having toured and released music relentlessly since their breakthrough single “Bury Me” in 2018. Formed by childhood friends Conrad Ellis (vocals, guitar), Sam Bell (bass, vocals), Lewis Pusey (guitar), and Jake Barnabas (drums), the band’s sound has evolved from its raw beginnings into a force that demands your attention. It feels like the world is catching on too, with the band playing the main stage at Reading & Leeds Festivals this summer. Taking a step back to 2020, with many bands having their momentum stalled by the global pandemic, The Luka State got to work growing their fanbase, amping up excitement through weekly live streams and culminating in sending a copy of their debut album ‘Fall In Fall Out’ (2021) in to space on a weather balloon. “We couldn’t do an album launch, so we did an album launch!” quips Ellis. As the world opened back up, the band found they now had an audience that extended far beyond the borders of their hometown Winsford. Their sophomore album, ‘More Than This’ (2023), was a turning point for the band. Written during a time of deep frustration, with feelings of claustrophobia and being trapped by the lockdowns, the band found solace in the music Frontman Ellis explains, “Music has always been therapy for me. You feel like there’s a weight lifted, but for people with mental health struggles and people from working-class towns, you feel like you deserve more than the cards you’ve been dealt – those feelings don’t go away.” The album expertly navigates the darker shadows of modern working-class life, delving into the struggles of broken homes and the pressures of a system that often leaves people behind. Amazingly this is all achieved without ever sounding dour. ‘More Than This’ was more than just a collection of songs to the band. The phrase crystalised the band’s growing realisation that they themselves needed to push harder as musicians in a bid to chart a new and different path forward. Ellis explains, “after making two records, we didn’t wanna go into the studio and make the same sounds again.” Something had permanently changed in the bands psyche and just four months after the release of their second album The Luka State dove back into the studio. Their mission? To craft music that would push their sound further, deeper, and into territory previously uncharted by the band. Ellis recalls, “We didn’t want to sound like four lads in a room with guitars anymore. We wanted to start using the studio as its own instrument.” And that instrument? Echo Zoo Studios in Eastbourne chosen by the band for their admiration of sounds UK rock bands Kid Kapichi and Demob Happy had managed to achieve within the same four walls. To help realize this new sound, the band teamed up again with UK producer Dan Austin (You Me At Six, Dead Pony, Pixies) who they had worked with on their second album, most notably on the track ‘Bring Us Down’. It was during those sessions that they realized the profound impact Austin was having on their music. Ellis states “we didn’t allow ourselves any comfort zones,” Ellis asserts, “we just wanted to keep pushing our boundaries and intentionally not doing things the same way as before.” The Luka State had no intention of falling into the trap of recording the same album for the third time. Ellis reflects, “When we’re in the studio, Dan is in our DNA. We embrace his ideas with open arms.” The result of the band’s first session at Echo Zoo Studios is a collection of songs the band knew had to be heard right away. Rather than making the world wait for their third album to be complete, the band have decided to release an eponymous four-track EP, titled “The Luka State”. The name is clearly a statement of intent, and the music is an enticing preview of what the future holds, capturing the essence of a band determined to challenge themselves and connect with listeners in new ways. The EP opens with “Conspiracy”, a powerful track inspired by a conversation Ellis had with a homeless man, moved by his desperation and his need to be seen. The song explores the stark divide between the haves and the have-nots and societal divisions, underscored by a belief that, “no matter who you vote for, the government always gets in.” “True Confidence Is Living” is a reflective piece about the uncertainty of life written in the form of a love letter to Ellis, from himself. It explores themes of self-belief and the importance of grabbing life with both hands no matter the obstacles. “Give Me a Reason” delves into the dualities of life, reflecting the yin and yang of existence and reminding us that sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. The EP closes with “Say Something”, a heartfelt exploration of the bonds we form in our closest relationships, whether they be romantic or platonic, with the powerful line, “I’ll be there when the world ends,” echoing the depth of that devotion. The Luka State’s live performances have always been a key part of their identity, with their shows having been described as “exuding pure gasoline.” Each performance is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their desire to connect with fans on a visceral level. Now armed with new songs and a new direction they have their sights set on the future. The Luka State is ready to redefine what a modern UK rock band can on their quest to become More Than This!

On Spotify