London based Serbian artist Luke Black releases new single ‘Winter Dahlia’ – it’s taken from forthcoming debut album Chainsaws In Paradise out May 24th (pre-order).
Luke will be touring across the UK and Europe in support of the release in early June – full dates below.
An eerie, snaking alternative-pop cut ‘Winter Dahlia’ employs all of Luke’s trademark theatricality – operating at the intersection of symphonic arena rock, and late-night club absolution. The themes it tackles are macro; the titular flower is used as a vehicle for examining climate change, and humanity’s lack of urgency in recognising it, as Luke explains:
“Winter Dahlia” delicately unveils the poignant anomaly of a flower blossoming out of season, subtly alluding to the impact of global warming and the impending end of the world. The tender bloom in winter serves as a metaphor for our delicate Earth, while the voices of children echo a plea for help from future generations, softly chanting, “hurry up if you want to be saved.”
The ‘Chainsaws’ musical era began when Luke landed in London in 2019. Seeking an outlet for a musical drive that felt stagnant and dissonant, he instantly found collaborators in the likes of producers Shurk (Solardo, Zand), Majed and alone.nowhere. Luke developed a creative family in the people he met in clubs and underground gigs in dark, pulsating corners of the city. Though battling negative inner voices, he was quickly inspired by his surroundings, developing a sound and artistic vision that was as expansive as London felt.
For the creative aspects of the project, Luke has teamed up with Vasso Vu, Furmaan Ahmed and Marija Iva Gocic who have worked with the likes of Ashnikko, Caroline Polachek, PC Music. With them he has built a glossy-industrial image that speaks so directly to his upbringing and poised-pop approach to hardcore music
Luke would spend nights recording the blueprints of the album in his shoebox studio bedroom – paper thin walls muting his ability to scream his deepest thoughts into the pop-shielded void so forcing him to pivot emotional strife into the hardcore production of the record.
This element of wrestling with the everyday is vital in the strong bonds Luke has established with his exponentially growing fanbase online, many of whom feel disenfranchised. Whether that’s Shrek watchalongs after the film entered Luke’s referential lexicon, or open-hearted spaces for emotional outlet – it’s a refreshing and conscious step towards solace and strength in community in an evermore isolating world.
Luke came to wider attention after an exhilarating appearance at the 2023 Eurovision song contest in Liverpool representing Serbia, which caught the attention of NME, Popjustice, The New York Times, The Evening Standard, The METRO, BBC and more.
This was an unexpected opportunity, which kickstarted 6 months of intense work for Luke. An independent artist, he acted as creative director, and effective project manager for the performance, leaning on relationships he’d established since his move to London to study and subsequently work in music.
Not one for doing things the traditional way – Luke’s recent live explorations range from live performances on prime time Serbian TV, supporting GO_A at Indigo @ O2, a tour in China, to a mind-blowing techno-opera medley at Berghain, as well as a euphoric sell-out shows at The Lower Third and Amazing Grace in London, and a sold-out homecoming show at Dom Omladine in Belgrade.
Chainsaws In Paradise – the debut album from Luke Black – is out May 24th. It was written by Luke Black, and co-produced with Shurk; mixed and mastered by Shurk.
