Best Friend

X-Factor indie boy Luke Friend returns to the pop palace G-A-Y this weekend, but not before he had a natter with James Egan about sassy attitude, sexy saxophones and Charli XCX.

 


You new single is called ‘Hole in My Heart’ and the lyrics are quite raw! Was it written with anyone specific in mind?

It certainly was! It’s based on true events, definitely. It’s basically about a girlfriend I had a couple of years ago. It’s about unrequited love. Someone not understanding you and you not understanding them and somewhere the connection gets lost.

You’ve taken some time out between X-Factor and releasing the single, was that a deliberate choice on your part?

Yeah, it was a decision we all agreed on with the label and management. I certainly felt very strongly that I didn’t want to rush anything out. I wanted to take my time, go into the studio and work with incredible people.

Tell me about the album, what can we expect? What are your musical influences?

It’s a fusion of a lot of things; I grew up with such amazing music like James Brown and Rolling Stones. My parents introduced me to them on vinyl and it was the first thing I started dancing to. They were the two main artists that I grew to love and got obsessed about. I’m obsessed with music. Literally, whenever I can, I go to a gig. Listen to it when I go to sleep. I breathe it. That sounds a bit weird.

“I’m obsessed with music. Literally, whenever I can, I go to a gig. Listen to it when I go to sleep. I breathe it.”

So, it’s a part of who you are.

Yeah, I get influenced by everything, like for example there’s a helicopter going over me right now, that sound could inspire me one day. Might get a helicopter sound piece in one of the songs.

A high energy banger with a helicopter sample on would go down well in the clubs.

Yeah! With a massive drop and sexy saxophone sounds.

Whack it on SoundCloud now!

Sorted, I’ll get making it straight away.

You’re performing at G-A-Y on Saturday 4th April. What can we expect from the show? Costume changes? Fireworks?

I can’t wait! It’s my second time and hopefully there’s many more to come. I think it’s amazing there, every time I go I have a great night. We might do something wacky.

Last time Sam Bailey was there she dressed up as a Christmas tree, so you’ve got to top that, really.

That’s brilliant! I didn’t know that! Bless her for doing that. Last time I was there, I was with Charli XCX wearing a giant rabbit head, so anything can happen.

Were you there to see Charli perform or just out for a night out in your best rabbit head?

She was performing, I’m a big fan. I love her sassiness. When I heard she was doing G-A-Y I went straight down there. One of her dancers was a giant rabbit and that’s where I got [the head]. That was actually how I met her, talking to her with a rabbit head on. I was like “Hi, I’m Luke and I’m gonna take the rabbit head off now because it’s a bit weird.”

Apart from your own, what’s your favourite single from an
X Factor artist?

Oh great question, I haven’t been asked that before! Any of James Arthur’s songs, to be quite honest. I loved his voice. Ella Henderson’s ‘Ghost’ as well, loved that.

That’s a fantastic song.

It was a grower on me! On first listen I was like ‘yeah, cool’, then I heard it again and again, then I downloaded it. It’s got a great chorus and I love the guitars.

It’s a good one to stomp down the street to.

Yeah, a bit of sassy attitude!

 

• Luke Friend is at G-A-Y @ Heaven (Under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG) on Saturday 4th April, 11pm-5am. Discount entry wristbands available at G-A-Y Bar.

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