Luke Royalty

Photograph by Ryan Jones

Name, where are you from?
My name is Luke Paul Taylor aka Luke Royalty, and I’m from Darlington in the North East of England.

Describe your style in three words?
Lanky, scruffy, trousers.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I saw Slowthai on the BBC introducing stage at Big Weekend in Middlesbrough. Was one of the few times big acts came to the North East. Not many people had heard of Slowthai then and there were about 40 people in the crowd, but he did most of his set jumping about with the audience and got to meet him after which even though I was messy and embarrassed myself by telling him I love him 40+ times was still sick.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Bill Withers and Amy Winehouse on some kind of stripped back acoustic show, daym. I’ve watched Bill Withers Live at the BBC 1973 a hundred times and shed a tear probably 99 out of a 100 times.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hearing stories from my best mate's dad about the northern soul scene and then him playing me old records was one of the main things that led to me making the music I make. I try to write catchy stuff and sing it with soul, which is essential stuff for a classic northern soul record.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Even though he’d probably rip the piss out of me and my music, Mark E. Smith would be funny.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
A venue in Darlington called Hole in the Wall holds a special place in my heart. Mainly because once when we played there, my old bassist fell off the stage into a tray of gourmet scotch eggs which had been put out for a wedding reception after our show.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Norah Jones, a true all-rounder. She sings with such passion and yet technically amazing, she can play piano, play guitar and most of all write beautiful songs that span across many different genres. As well known as she is, she’s still underrated.