UTOPIC presents THE BEAT: Episode 17 - Luke Dean

For this episode of The Beat we caught up with our good friend Luke Dean.

Luke has been on absolute tear over the last 18 months, gaining recognition for his music from the industry’s most esteemed figures and selectors including Archie Hamilton, East End Dubs and Alisha to name a few.

His viral track “Get Hard” rose to the top of the Beatport charts and amassed over 5 million streams in just five months, to go along side his colossal releases on labels Microhertz, South, Belief and cousin Max Dean’s imprint Nexup.

Coming off the back of a huge sold out UK tour run with Nexup Recz which included 2 warehouse project shows and Fabric - listen in as we chat about Luke’s life on tour, his musical influences, favourite venues and his relationship with his cousin Max Dean.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Afters hotline
11:15 - Intro
11:58 - Aus tour so far
15:56 - Production journey so far
18:33 - Beginning to find success
20:17 - Working with Max
21:15 - Sold out ‘Nexup’ tour
26:55 - Favourite place to play
30:10 - Playing Europe in summer
32:00 - Difference in the scene between summer and winter
33:27 - Keeping yourself grounded and being organised
35:42 - Who were Luke’s musical inspirations growing up?
36:58 - Luke’s sound and forthcoming releases
37:57 - Plans for a record label
40:03 - Making ‘Get Hard’
44:28 - Setting time aside for production
46:38 - Goals and ambitions
49:01 - Favourite up and coming artists from back home
50:05 - Difference in UK and Australian rave culture
51:10 - When did Luke start getting more notable and regular shows?
52:45 - In the studio with Max
55:11 - Outro