“All Things Pass Like The Weather”: Laurie Luke On His New Single, 'Breaking The Chain'

Rock’n’roll artists are often characterised as being tough, fearless, resilient, and no one personifies these features more than Perth (Boorloo) musician Laurie Luke.

Drawn to the industry from a young age, Luke is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, also responsible for writing, recording, and engineering his own work.

Luke’s life and blossoming music career were abruptly put on hold when he underwent emergency brain surgery in 2021. After six days comatose, Luke’s road to recovery began, having to relearn how to walk and talk before he could even get stuck into relearning how to sing and play instruments. It’s a testament to Luke’s grit and passion that he was able to not only teach himself how to play again (self-taught for the second time!) but also to the calibre that he previously performed at. And all this in between regular check-ups and visits to the hospital.

“I’ve had to adapt to a completely new life,” Luke reflects. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m more optimistic and empathetic in general. Going through that level of trauma connects you to a deeper level of awareness. I’m extremely happy to just sit in the sunshine and breathe, it’s the small things that matter. Beings able to play music again is a blessing.”

“The brain injury forced me to start again at zero, and my music is a reaction to that. It’s forced me to try new things I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’ve realised what a lifeline creating music is for me, it’s an extension of who I am.”

Released today (20 September), Breaking The Chain is Luke’s second single since his accident, and first since 2022, with Luke describing the track as “loud, raunchy, rock’n’roll,” reminiscent of 90’s alt rock.

Underneath its brash churning guitar riffs the track is introspective, with Luke summarising its message as “breaking negative thought patterns in order to survive. No matter what is happening internally or externally, having a clear mind and knowing that all things pass like the weather.”

“I recorded this while I was living in my van next to a studio,” Luke says of the creative process. “I built this from an acoustic demo, and it was constantly evolving until the final version was completely different. I find it best when I’m recording to try and stay out of the way of the song and let it land naturally.”

“I surround myself with all the gear and just go for it until I’m physically exhausted, then rinse and repeat until I feel the song is finished.”

ARIA nominated producer Forrester Savell joined the project in its final stages, helping mix and master the track, a collaboration Luke says “was amazing, I’m really stoked with the sound.”

Of the single, Luke assures it has “all the essentials, the big riffs and choruses” his fans have come to love, with “a few surprises in there to keep it interesting.”

“I guess that’s my take on music. I like the unexpected,” Luke admits.

What fans can expect though is more music and more live gigs, with Luke headed to WA’s South West to celebrate the release of Breaking The Chain.

Luke has an array of opening acts accompanying him, with Beth Chia and Interflow supporting in Bunbury (Goomburrup) and Electric State, Amberdown, and Colourmind joining in Margaret River (Wooditup). 

“I’m very keen to get back on the road, I love it,” Luke says. “We have a really tight set, a real sonic journey. I’m extremely happy and proud of the gigs that the band will be playing. There’s something for everyone in our set, that’s for sure.”

Laurie Luke’s latest single Breaking The Chain is out today (Friday 20 September). Luke has upcoming shows in Bunbury on 26 September, and Margaret River on 4 October. More information on events and upcoming releases can be found through his Instagram @laurielukemusic.