Luke Wes just turned 21 and has been making music for about two years. After spending a while experimenting with different sounds, he’s now leaning into something more indie. This year has been his most active yet, with an upcoming EP on the way.
His latest release, BAD DREAMS AYALA, marks the beginning of this new era. Influenced by artists like Justin Bieber, Dominic Fike and Childish Gambino, his new direction feels more personal. During our interview, he spoke about burnout, letting go of perfection, and finally making music that actually feels good again.
Here’s what Luke Wes had to say.
Let’s start with where you are right now. How would you describe the phase you’re in creatively and personally?
This is actually so difficult to express. If I could sum it all up, I’d say that for the first time, I feel free creatively. For months I was trying to “get it right”, seeking validation. So, this is basically the first time, I’m doing something expecting nothing in return. It’s just music that feels fun.
For those who may not know your earlier work, what kind of music were you making before?
I was never really able to label it as one specific genre. It navigated between pop, and a little bit of rap-based stuff. Sometimes a little bit of hyperpop, sometimes a little bit of Jersey club.
You told me earlier that the music was “fucking big” production-wise, but your heart wasn’t in it. What changed for you?
Exhaustion, I guess. At one point, I just needed some calmness. So I started looking for minimalistic songs, and they just have depth, you know?
Was there a specific moment where you were like “this isn’t me” or was it more gradual?
I think it was more gradual. It was emotional, not so logical.
What does this new chapter sound like? More importantly, what does it feel like to you?
I’d say it sounds more honest. Lyrics, flows, vocal tone, literally everything.
And honestly, it feels great, but I’m not gonna lie, the weight of the world still gets to me every now and then. But when it’s gone, fuck it, we ball.
Have you had any moments of doubt along the way?
Yeah, absolutely. I think everyone has those thoughts, like “Am I insane? Is this actually trash and I’m manic and this is all predictable?” I do have them sometimes, but no big deal.
“Changing how you see yourself is just part of maturing. We never stop changing and there are thousands of ways to perceive ourselves. – Luke Wes”
Did you have to change anything about yourself or your process?
Oh yeah, 100%. I had to change everything. I’m flawed still, but this whole process was really about being real with myself. Ego, validation, all these negative things that we usually just let slide as flaws, I had to deal with them for real this time. And most people think it’s all sudden, but these things take time until they bloom. It‘s very gradual. But in terms of creativity and projects, I just stopped being so fucking picky and annoying with everything.
Are there any artists or albums that guided or inspired you during this transformation?
YES, YES, YES, THANK YOU, I can speak about this for hours. Justin Bieber with “SWAG”, Dominic Fike with “Rocket”, Daniel Caesar, Mk.gee, Childish Gambino (this man was ahead), Dijon, Muse…
I could literally go on for hours, I’m a huge music fan. But what Justin did on “SWAG” flipped the switch, especially YUKON. That track changed everything for me, the whole background story of the album, this being him officially free from all those executives.
I resonate with where his mind is and that kind of freedom in work.
Do you feel like your music now is more “you”? Has it changed how you see yourself beyond music?
I believe, changing how you see yourself is just part of maturing. We never stop changing and there are thousands of ways to perceive ourselves. This kind of music is definitely more “me”. You can even hear it in my voice, maybe not on this one that I just dropped, but on the next ones for sure.
Is there a specific track that really embodies this new phase?
So far, I’ve only dropped BAD DREAMS AYALA and I think it does capture the essence of the style, but I’m just excited about what I’ve got planned.
What do you hope people feel when they hear this version of you?
Honestly, I just hope they vibe… find some comfort.
Anything you’d want to say to listeners who know your old sound or to people who are just discovering you?
This is so hard… I’ll come back to it some day. It’s still part of me, but I just need to move in this direction now. If you fuck with it that’s great, if you don’t that’s alright too. It ain’t for everyone and we just gotta normalize TASTE sometimes.
