Luke James, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer and actor, has won over audiences with his soulful voice and compelling performances. From opening for Beyoncé on her Mrs. Carter Show Tour to writing chart-topping songs for Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and Britney Spears, Luke’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of impressive. His transition into acting, marked by a standout role in “The New Edition Story,” has only further showcased his versatility and talent. With roles in popular series like “Insecure,” “Star,” and “The Chi,” Luke continues to make his mark in both music and film.
EXCLUSIVE
For DSCENE Magazine‘s June 2024 cover story, Editor Katarina Doric sits down with Luke to talk about inspirations, his transition from music to acting, and his recent role in “Them: The Scare.” The feature is captured through the lens of photographer Delwin Kamara, with creative direction and styling by Paco Lampecinado, and videography by Jared Alexander. Grooming is work of Chainelle Molina and assistance from Prince Peprah. For the cover Luke wears Okane Jacket, Etro top and Veert chain.
You’ve had an impressive journey in the music industry, opening for Beyoncé on her Mrs. Carter Show Tour and writing songs for big names like Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and Britney Spears. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music? – Since an early age, I was always moved by music—music in and out of church and the way I saw that move people. The way it made me feel to do it, to emulate it, to channel it. The freedom I found through it, and that I still find through it. It always seemed like something I knew I would always have and could do and be in love with doing. At a very young age, I’d always see a lot of professionals, from jazz to gospel to secular; I saw successful people doing what they love, and I wanted to do the same. I wanted to move people in that way.
Who were your early influences? – My early influences were going to church and experiencing people singing in the choir, or special guests coming in through the years. I’d hear the different styles and it resonated. Growing up in New Orleans influenced me, seeing acts like The Neville Brothers and so many local artists. Of course, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack—the list goes on. It all made me feel so great. I always wanted to be an artist.
Your role in “The New Edition Story” in 2017 marked your transition into acting. What motivated you to explore acting, and how did this role shape your career in the entertainment industry? – “The New Edition Story” was a pivotal moment for me. It was the first time, out of all the other times, that I had the privilege of doing a film and could engulf myself in its world, wholeheartedly and so desperately present. The role allowed me to expand my artistry and to work a muscle I had yet to truly build upon.
Balancing a successful music career and a burgeoning acting career must be challenging. How do you manage to juggle both, and do you find that your experiences in one field influence your work in the other? – Everything I do in life influences the art, the music, and that’s the beauty in storytelling and the exercise of working the imagination. All of this, while being human and living life, can feed all spaces of your creativity. It does for me, and it has for me.
I love what I do, and I make time for loved ones and creating the art to tell stories. These stories are like siblings of mine—I love them.
I’m just blessed and grateful for my family and people supporting me. It takes a village to do it, and I give it all to them, and it’s fun. I love what I do, and I make time for loved ones and creating the art to tell stories. These stories are like siblings of mine—I love them. You make the time.
In “Them: The Scare,” you play Edmund Gaines, an aspiring actor working at an animatronics pizza restaurant. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare for such a complex and ominous role? – When I received the opportunity to audition for the role, I jumped at it, ready or not. I was a fan of the anthology and related to the character. This was such a blessing of an opportunity. I was drawn to the beautiful work of season 1 and the cast, including Deborah Ayorinde and Little Marvin. It was such a ride and an exhilarating experience. I’m grateful this experience turned into something people are resonating with.
Preparing was truly about dialing into the script and the vision of how Little Marvin imagined Edmund and how I imagined him. It was about humanizing the experience of a man searching for himself and for love.
You mentioned relating to your character. Can you elaborate on the similarities you see between yourself and Edmund Gaines, and how did this connection impact your performance? – I relate to Edmund as a struggling actor and can be a bit of a loner. Edmund was looking for a big break and felt like the world just kept stepping on him every chance it got. He was never validated or heard the words “I love you” or “I see you.” He aspired to be someone other than himself, to be seen and heard and felt. These feelings are universal in some ways.
Horror fans have praised your performance in “Them: The Scare.” What was it like working on a horror series, and how did you approach the psychological and emotional demands of the role? – I put myself in Edmund’s shoes, and it broke my heart. It still breaks my heart. Though people are afraid of him, they understand him. They feel for him. I discovered this character through Little Marvin’s vision, and I never let him go.
You’ve appeared in various TV series such as “Insecure,” “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” “Star,” and “The Chi.” What types of roles or genres are you interested in exploring next in your acting career? – I like to explore murder mysteries, a bit of noir. The detective solving a case seems intriguing and fun. But I like to have fun, I’m open to play. I love to explore the unknown, with a quality script and a great director and cast.
My music has evolved to become quite rich and deep, and I enjoy that feeling. It is therapy to me. The deeper you go, the more truth comes to light. It is a great release, and with that comes time.
As a Grammy-nominated R&B singer, how do you feel your music has evolved over the years, and what can fans expect from your upcoming projects? – I’m grateful to be able to do what I love to do. My music has evolved to become quite rich and deep, and I enjoy that feeling. It is therapy to me. The deeper you go, the more truth comes to light. It is a great release, and with that comes time.
What fans can expect is to feel. It may be different or the same, but I want them to feel. If I do that, my job is done.
Outside of your professional career, what are some of your hobbies and interests? How do you stay inspired and maintain a balance between your personal life and your demanding work schedule? – My family, my team, my support system. All I want to do is be with my family, my loved ones, and laugh. Live life, explore the world, laugh, fight against injustice, and be loved.
What fans can expect is to feel. It may be different or the same, but I want them to feel. If I do that, my job is done.
What was the last TV show you binge-watched? – “Them: The Scare”
What was the last book you read that left a lasting impression on you? – I have so many books I need to finish.
What is the last thing you took a picture of? – My son and his mother.
Can you share what it’s like becoming a recent father and your perspective on fatherhood? – Being a father is big work. Big mindwork. I’m built for it, I’m grateful for it. It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I want to be the safest space for him. It is really cool—the fire that has lit under me. It is a constant accountability, to be present, to be good, to be kind and strong. It’s what I get from him, when I look at him, looking at me. It is the greatest superpower ever.
What’s next for you? – We just started filming “The Chi” Season 7 in Chicago. Summertime Chi! Expanding my territory and grateful.
Photographer Delwin Kamara @delwinkamara
Creative Direction and Styling Paco Lampecinado @pac.creative
Videographer Jared Alexander @xander.foto
Grooming and Hair Chainelle Molina @chainellemolina
Talent Luke James @wolfjames
Assistant Prince Peprah
Interview Katarina Doric – @katarina.djoric
Love Luke James ! Congrats n becoming a Father .