Daily Inspiration: Meet Luke Deuce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Deuce.

Hi Luke, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am senior at Pickens High School in Pickens, SC.  Music has always been a big part of my life. My dad has a luthier shop and his friends would come and jam every other Wednesday. It wasn’t long before I started singing along, and was very soon playing guitar. (I had my dad come to school for show and tell in K-5 so I could sing Folsom Prison Blues to my class, so when I say early, I mean early). I’ve been fortunate to play music with a lot of folks growing up and enjoy bluegrass, old-time, and American music, but the classic country is where my heart is. I’ve worked hard playing while in high school and have been able to share the stage with people like Steep Canyon Rangers, Shenandoah, Mac Arnold and Plate Full of Blues, Marvin King, and Little Texas. Last year I played The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, (the home of Alabama) twice. It is 80 years old, and I’m the youngest person to play there.

I started writing two years ago, and released my second album, this time with all original songs. I was nominated this year for the best new album, best new single, and best live act in the SC Upstate. And my song “One Night Man” is a finalist! I’ve released 5 new singles in the past 4 months that were co-written with Nick Nichols, and we have 3 more in process for release now. Just over a year ago, a gentleman at one of my shows asked if he could record and send a video to a friend. The result of that was some conversations with various people in Nashville. I never dwelled on these talks, and have stayed focused. The result a year later, however, is for me to come to Nashville once a month and write with Keith Steagall’s team. I was allowed to come and meet Mr. Stegall a month ago, and tomorrow will be headed back to Nashville to begin this new chapter. I’m grateful and humbled at each opportunity, and excited to see where this may go.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been fun, and exciting. I’ve gotten to spend time with my dad whom I will cherish forever. (My dad plays with me and helps manage all the “stuff”) The rough part is late nights, keeping up with schoolwork, and trying to take advantage of the opportunities I’ve been presented.

Sometimes it’s hard to find time to unwind and relax. Finding a band, hiring and managing them, and keeping them together, is a struggle for anyone, but all of my band is at least twice my age…..having people take a “kid” seriously, understand my creativity, and earn their respect……. that’s tough. But, I wouldn’t trade it at all, not one second of it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a passion for “classic” country music, I listen to a lot of vinyl because you can’t always find what I like streamed. That music wasn’t overly refined or processed, it was pure. Bob Wills, Haggard, Paycheck, Cash, Buck Owens, Glen Campbell, Hank Sr. go dust some of those guys off…and wow!

I’m accused of having an old soul, my dad says I’m 80 on the inside, and I’m good with that. My voice and ability to play are gifts, I’m learning to write to complement those gifts. I want to allow people to listen, relax, and enjoy. Something from the past, with something now, for the future.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It’s work! My grandpa watched me set up and take me down for a show. He laughed at me and said, “if the music doesn’t work out, you can go into the moving business”.

 People don’t see the struggles, the hours, and the dedication. Put your phone down and work. You can be certain, that’s what it takes. No one just shows up and can do this.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lukdeucemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukedeuce_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LukeDeuceMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeDeuce/featured
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2P1mR8eEzYHM9e7O0A1Arx?si=n-5gFUsrSCOnk2qXbH28Xg 

Image Credits
Chloe Ross Dalton