Our Fresh Find artist this month is Steinbach, Manitoba’s Luke Reimer. At only 19 years old he has already performed at prominent events and festivals across the province and just this past summer he opened for Kira Isabella at Hanover Ag Fair. This January will see Luke releasing his debut EP, Miles On This Truck, check out our interview with Luke below to learn more!
Q:
What made you decide to pursue a career in country music?
A:
I’ve always wanted to sing professionally, but it was only in high school that my carpool group introduced me to country radio. There was an instant connection, and now my friends call me Country Luke because I love the genre so much! I think it is the storytelling approach to songwriting that really appeals to me, and I’m honoured just to be a part of the Canadian scene.
Q:
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
A:
I’m only 19, but people tell me I sound like Paul Brandt and Josh Turner. I look up to those two as successful bass singers in the country music industry. But I also dig the pop/hip-hop blends from Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line, and am a huge Swiftie! As a songwriter, I really admire the way Dean Brody can evoke emotion in listeners.
Q:
Can you tell us a bit about your current single, “Smokin’”?
A:
Smokin’ tells the story of a guy who shows up at a tailgate party to goof around with friends but ends up sneaking off with a cute country girl. The song compares falling in love to playing with fire – both are fun and beautiful, and they can also burn you if you’re not careful. But there’s something irresistible about the unpredictable.
I do have a history with fire: At my grandma’s 80th birthday party a few years ago, a stray firework shot through the crowd and hit me in the rear. I was okay, but my polyester shorts died that day. That experience was certainly inspiration when co-writing Smokin’. I’m pretty bad for burning frozen pizzas, too.
Q:
This past summer you opened for Kira Isabella. What was that like?
A:
Opening for Kira Isabella and Tim Chaisson at Hanover Ag Fair was an experience I’ll never forget! There is nothing better than singing for country fans on a sunny day, and I’m already looking forward to next summer. It’s also pretty cool that Kira Isabella was Top Country’s first Fresh Find and is now CCMA Female Artist of the Year.
Q:
You have an EP coming out in January – tell us a bit about it.
A:
Yes! On January 20, I will be releasing my debut EP Miles On This Truck. The five songs put a fresh twist on aspects of young love. For example: why dates are always better in the rain, what it really means to be a number one fan, and how to keep relationships fun and uncomplicated. The title track addresses the dilemma of deciding what to do after graduating high school. I think it’s important to dream big instead of going with the status quo.
Miles On This Truck has truly been a grassroots project, and I’m so proud of it and the people who helped make it happen. I can hardly wait to share new music with all my fans!
Q:
What else do you have coming up in the new year that fans can look forward to?
A:
Right after the EP release, I will be holding a launch concert at The Park Theatre in Winnipeg. But realistically, this is only the beginning. I just want to work my butt off, perform as much as possible, and see what comes of it.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the 2013 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings. I’m lining up gigs for next summer and will be posting details on lukereimer.com. I hope to meet many of your readers at events in 2014, and I would love to connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Watch the video for “Smokin’” below!
[mycred_video id=”38LOQUgLVO8″ width=”620″ height=”340″ amount=”” logic=”” interval=”” notice=””]
