By Sean Maldjian, Contributor

Meet Luke Warm

Bliss out with me with the dazzling new age sounds of Luke Warm. This NYC-based musician creates sweeping synthy soundscapes perfect for traversing the many planes of existence. In our latest interview, we chat with the artist about gear, film scores, and their 2021 release ‘Bummer’.

A self-portrait by Luke Warm

Some questions with Luke Warm

If you could cover the score of any film which would it be? Why?

I really enjoy Kelly Reichardt’s films and would love to score something like Wendy and Lucy. I love the tone of her films. Anything set in a small town.

There is a charming calming mood throughout your 2021 release “Bummer”. What was the creative inspiration behind this release?

I once drove from New York City to Newfoundland and spent twelve hours on a ferry, overnight. When I looked over the side of the boat, I could see a bit of the boat’s wake and then complete and infinite darkness. I might as well have been in outer space or dead and in limbo. I tried to make something that encapsulated the drive, the calmness, the vastness, and the anxious undertone of that moment.

What gear was essential in finding your sound as Luke Warm & The Dead Meats?

There wasn’t a lot of gear involved, just a computer and an old M Audio Keystation Mini keyboard controller. I’ve been trying to keep it simple.

What is the songwriting process like for this project? Is it structured or more organic?

I always end up writing songs in my head when I am on trips in nature and I’ll mumble them into my phone so I don’t forget them. I try to use a verse-chorus-verse structure for a lot of the songs but, instead of lyrics, I’ll add or remove an instrument. Even though I have my own narrative idea for the record, my hope is that the empty spaces allow the listener to implant their own story.

What is your favorite part about being a creative in NYC?

How it feels to leave and then come back. I feel like I am more creative when I leave the city, but more productive when I come back.

If you were a spy what would be your code name?

James Bond (they’d never expect something so obvious)

What is your favorite park in NYC? Why?

Herbert Von King Park because it is in Bed-Stuy, and I love Bed-Stuy very much. Inspiring people and good energy.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

It always helps to pick a color palette before making an album.