A Chat with Johnluke (29.01.26)
Blending heartfelt storytelling with moving melodies, singer-songwriter Johnluke is quickly building his name on the Irish music scene. We speak with the Galway native about his EP, Comical Romance Vol. 1, his single, ‘Angry In The Moment’, what music means to him and more.
OSR: Cliché as they come, but what drew you to music? How did Johnluke the musician come about?
Johnluke: I was influenced by music at a very young age from both my parents; my mother’s background is musical theatre, and on dad’s side, Irish traditional music. Growing up listening to their influences, I naturally love music, which developed into my full-time passion to pursue my dream of music, incorporating just my first name as my stage name – Johnluke.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Johnluke: Music to me is an outlet where I can express and release daily stresses and emotions, using relatable lyrics that I hope others can connect with as well.
OSR: A few months ago, you released your debut EP, Comical Romance Vol 1. You mention the EP brought you to “tears of both sadness and joy”. How did you find the balance between humour of the situation and the heartbreak behind it?
Johnluke: Well, the songs that feature on Comical Romance allowed me to reflect on my experiences within relationships and build myself back up from the hurt, so using my humour to spin it into a positive created the balance I needed in coming to terms with the situation at hand.
OSR: Songs are often quite personal and intimate, and your work tends to unpick the complexities of life. Have you ever found it challenging or scary to be so vulnerable in your music?
Johnluke: Yes, I feel like when releasing your own music, it’s up to the artist to be vulnerable to make it understandable. In doing so, I have to give the audience a piece of myself in the process, no matter what it is.
OSR: You recently released your new single, ‘Angry In The Moment’. What can you tell us about the song? Is there a theme or backstory?
Johnluke: It’s about the harsh reality of losing someone to the roads. I had a close friend in a car crash, and it’s a miracle how he escaped it with minor injuries. This luck also carried on to me as I crashed my car during harsh weather, where a tree fell down on top of the car, smashing the windscreen. I was able to walk out unharmed, so this song portrays the view of a person who is going through struggles of everyday life and ends up taking the roads for granted, which leads to heartbreaking circumstances. It highlights awareness of driving angry, speeding and the what ifs of what could be.
OSR: Looking from the EP to another single, do you ever feel pressure to meet expectations when creating your music? I mean, have you ever felt that people are watching you, waiting for you to not meet the bar?
Johnluke: I feel like when you first tease a song, there’s an expectation from the listener to connect with your songs, but I try not to let that dictate what I create. Instead of focusing on expectations or the fear of falling short, I focus on honesty in staying true to my experiences. That’s where my music comes from, and if it resonates, then I know I’ve done my job.
OSR: Looking again from the EP to ‘Angry In The Moment’. Is this new single a swerve in a new direction for you? Can we expect Comical Romance Vol. 2, but with a different focus or style?
Johnluke: ‘Angry In The Moment’ is complete is a right-hand turn to what the theme of Comical Romance is, it’s dealing with real-life issues that we all can harshly experience.
But yes, volume 2 is in the pipeline, I’m very excited for the coming months to show what I’ve been working so hard on. All I can say at this moment regarding the style will have a more upbeat element with something that will make you go: “I wasn’t expecting that.”
OSR: You’ve performed at several festivals and venues. Do you have a favourite and/or most memorable gig to date?
Johnluke: My first ever headline show in my hometown of Galway, which sold out! I’m grateful to everyone who came out to see the gig that night. The audience reaction was just incredible. I wish I could have captured that atmosphere somehow in a bottle.
OSR: If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you give the young Johnluke?
Johnluke: Relax and really don’t stress about the small things, as everything happens for a reason
OSR: What can we expect from you in the upcoming months?
Johnluke: Laughs, tears and fun in a whole lotta music that I hope will live rent-free in your head, plus the next leg of the Comical Romance tour – keep an eye on my socials and website.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Johnluke: Firstly, thank you to everyone reading this, to those who come to the shows, buy the merch, the CDs, and stream the music. Your support means everything to me. Being able to live out my dream and continue creating music is only possible because of you, and I’m grateful for every bit of belief you give. Do what you love and have a passion for, because why not!
Many thanks to Johnluke for speaking with us. Find out more about Johnluke on his official website, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
