Tag Archives: Luke Clerkin

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Owl Compass’ EP

Following a sold-out headliner at the famous Cobblestone Venue, Luke Clerkin has released his highly anticipated ‘Owl Compass’ EP. Owl Compass was recorded remotely between Dublin and Berlin with producer jaako. This will mark the culmination of their work together, a partnership which began in late 2020. Three singles from the EP ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Normal People’ and ‘Fall in Line’ have already gained critical and radio success getting support from Spin, RTE and BBC amongst others.Clerkin has decided to donate funds from the release to SCOOP Foundation Ukraine Emergency Response.

‘Owl Compass’ is a beautifully crafted EP. Luke Clerkin displays his exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying his musical prowess. Throughout the EP Clerkin showcases his ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. His previously released singles, ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Normal People’ and ‘Fall in Line’ all flood with lush melodies and cinematic soundscapes that blend electronic pop with indie while ‘Catch Up’ glimmers with folk tones and heartfelt songwriting. Each track is a joy to listen to and flows into the next with ease while also revealing hidden musical gems on each subsequent listen from subtle catchy refrains, clever lyrics to deft production. ‘Owl Compass’ is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

Talking about the release of ‘Owl Compass’, Luke said ‘‘I can’t believe it’s finally coming out! We’ve been working on these songs and these releases since late 2020. SO much love has gone into this project, and so much growth has come from it! I’m also excited that people will finally be able to listen to ‘Catch Up’, it’s both mine and jaako’s favourite song, and possibly the most personal song I’ve ever written!’.

Stream ‘Owl Compass’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Fall in Line’

Luke Clerkin has released his new single, ‘Fall in Line’. The track was recorded remotely between Dublin and Berlin with producer jaako. It will be their 4th release together since the pair began collaborating in late 2020. Previous releases have gained critical and radio success getting support from Spin, RTE and BBC amongst others. Luke has also announced a headline show at The Cobblestone on February 24th.

 ‘Fall in Line’ exudes tense soundscapes, crisp production and the catchy songwriting of Luke Clerkin. The artist’s eloquent lyrics set the scene, taking the listener down an emotional rollercoaster through well coined lyrical content, “condensation fogs up the window, write your name and mine in hearts” while suspenseful pulsing beats simmer beneath soft chiming keys and warm guitar refrains before giving way to a sweet, infectious chorus. With electronic fluctuations and an adrenaline-driven crescendo, the track has a compelling cinematic sound that is sure to charm its way on repeat. 

Talking about the release of ‘Fall in Line’, Luke said ‘This song explores the contemplation of doing something you shouldn’t and imagining the consequences of that action. More specifically, it’s about someone who is contemplating getting involved with a person who is already in a relationship. They imagine the heartbreak that it would cause for the other person in the relationship, and the feeling of guilt and shame that would surround the cheating couple.’

 Stream ‘Fall in Line’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Lost in Translation’

Following the critical success of his ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP, folk-pop songwriter and artist, Luke Clerkin, has released his new single, ‘Lost in Translation’. It is the first of a series of songs recorded remotely with Berlin-based producer, Jaako. Luke Clerkin is a two-time SCC Song Writing competition-winning songwriter and artist. He has been playing and releasing music for the past 6 years. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland. After returning from finishing a scholarship in the world-renowned Popakademie in Germany, Luke released his second EP, What Little Time We Have, in July of 2020. The EP spawned 3 singles that gained critical success and airplay all over the world. 2020 also saw him complete an apprenticeship with Ed Sheeran’s mentor and Nizlopi frontman, Luke Concannon.

‘Lost in Translation’ is a beautifully arranged, cinematic tune that boasts the compelling songwriting of Luke Clerkin. Clerkin sweetly coos over an uplifting melody while ethereal electronics, pulsing beats and warm guitars adorn the backdrop. The song exudes an air of elegance that is enhanced by a lamentful yet graceful piano element and Clerkin’s earnest lyrics, “I feel lost, lost in translation but someday ill get through”. He fills the song with hope and positivity as the instrumental backdrop grows, becoming more dramatic and uplifting. The track is a comforting tune, lavished in refined production and exhilarating musicianship that displays Clerkin’s passionate and moving sound. ‘Lost In Translation’ is an exquisite return from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release, Luke said, ”This song was written in 2019 when I was on a college exchange in Germany and I found myself ‘lost in translation’, I was dealing with homesickness, and finding it really hard to connect with people. The one thing that was keeping me going was music and it helped me overcome the language and culture barriers that existed. When I was going through this, I met Jaako and together we wrote the song in less than an hour, and we recorded a little live take to go along with it. After this session, we never really spoke again until during the first lockdown when he sent me a demo he made of the live take. I was so blown away by the demo that I knew I had to work more with him, and after some persuading from my end, we made it happen. This song marks the beginning of what I feel is a sound that I’ve been searching years for, and it’s only a small sample of what’s to come from this project.”

Stream ‘Lost in Translation’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP

Luke Clerkin is set to release ‘What Little Time We Have’ on July 24th. The Dubliner’s highly anticipated EP was produced by previous collaborator Gavin Doyle, and Jack Keenan, at Cabin Space Studios in Dublin. It was mastered by the internationally renowned Pete Maher (Jack White, Damien Rice, U2), in London. Luke Clerkin has been playing and releasing music for the last five years, gaining international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. He is also known for playing over 250 gigs in 2015 as a way of honing his craft. Since then he has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland.

‘What Little Time We Have’ is an earnest emotive collection of tracks which showcase the tastefully memorable and enjoyable musicianship of Luke Clerkin. From the wonderful build of ‘Confession Box’ to the tender struggle with mental health in ‘Stones’ Clerkin displays his ability to present sweet melodies and heartfelt songwriting through a lush blend of genres. The classic rock ‘Not In Love’ is the boldest expression on the EP. Clerkin’s vocals spread over sharp guitars and punchy drums with a stinging guitar solo bringing the track to its crescendo.The track grows into its loud, sweeping finish, with the lead guitar blending perfectly into the thumping background.

Though Clerkin experiments with pop rock he maintains the stripped back wholesome style we have come to know him for. The emotive ‘Closure’ surrounds heartbreaking lyrics and sweet falsetto on vocals with graceful piano accompaniment. Within the melody there is innocence and glimmers of positivity and healing. ‘Nocturnal’ brings the EP to a close with a catchy chorus, charming guitar refrains and danceable atmosphere. Instrumentally it’s an upbeat and vibrant end to an EP that pulls at your heart strings.


‘What Little Time We Have’ is a poignant honest account of self-discovery and self-reflection.With instrumental subtleties appearing throughout the EP which often at times is mixed behind the vocals there is something to enjoy with each subsequent listen. ‘What Little Time We Have’ is deeply personal and a sublime EP from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release Luke said ”For this project, I wanted to experiment with new genres, and new sounds. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with amazing musicians and songwriters from all over the world, each of them influencing me in a different way. So these recordings are a reflection of that.’I’m known mostly for my heart-on-sleeve vulnerability, so when moving to a more pop rock genre for songs like ‘Nocturnal’ and ‘Not in Love’, I tried my best to retain this. My lyrics on this project are still as honest as they’ve ever been. This is especially present on ‘Closure’, I think this is the most personal song on the EP, and I feel because of that, it’s the most relatable.”

‘What Little Time We Have’ is set for release on July 24th.For more you can follow Luke Clerkin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/LukeClerkin/


Author : Danu

Acoustic Set, Live Music, New Music, Takeover

Event News : Luke Clerkin Takeover

Luke Clerkin will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Wednesday at 8.00 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Following the critical success of ‘Stones’, Dublin singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin is set to release a new single on June 5th. ‘Nocturnal’ will be the second release from Luke’s upcoming EP, ‘What Little Time We Have’, with this release seeing him move into a more full-band sound. The songs on ‘What Little Time We Have’ were produced by previous collaborator Gavin Doyle, as well as Jack Keenan, at Cabin Space Studios in Dublin. They were mastered by the internationally renowned, Pete Maher (Jack White, Damien Rice, U2), in London.

Clerkin has warm passionate vocals and his rich songwriting and melodious tunes are sure to make for a great live stream


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Nocturnal’

Following the critical success of ‘Stones’, Dublin singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin is set to release a new single on June 5th. ‘Nocturnal’ will be the second release from Luke’s upcoming EP, ‘What Little Time We Have’, with this release seeing him tread into a more full-band sound. Luke Clerkin has been playing and releasing music for the last five years, gaining international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland.

 ‘Nocturnal’ presents Luke Clerkin’s wholesome songwriting in all its glory. The track oozes sweet melodies and a full bodied sound with warm guitar refrains glittering in the background while a rooted bass groove and punchy drums weave a foot tapping rich quality into the track. Clerkin’s sweet passionate vocals drift along this wonderful soundscape as the track builds for the dynamic chorus. The instrumental backdrop radiates a golden hue over the track while the bitter sweet nostalgic undertones give a nod to the songs lyrical pondering of ‘whether a relationship should have ended the way it did’. It’s a light indie pop track with elements of funk presented through the playful bass line. ‘Nocturnal’ is another heartfelt gem from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release, Clerkin said, ”Like most of the songs from ‘What Little Time We Have’, ‘Nocturnal’ is quite a personal song. It’s about me reflecting on a past relationship, from the first night of meeting the person – the nerves and anxiety that can occur – to it becoming something that turned into an ‘almost love’. Then it moves on to looking back on the relationship a few months after it ending, and wondering if it should have finished when it did. The lyric ‘Is it my blame, things always end the same’, is me questioning this, and also looking back on other relationships in comparison.”

Nocturnal is set for release on June 5th for more you can follow Luke Clerkin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/LukeClerkin/


Author : Danu