Luke Yates has played in some of the most renowned and historic venues on either side of the Atlantic, but the prospect of playing in front of an intimate Cumbrian audience is an even more exciting prospect.

"It's always more nerve-wracking performing with friends and family in the audience," he says.

"I'd be less nervous playing for a thousand people than singing in front of just my mum!"

The 26-year-old, originally from Whitehaven, will be playing his first home-county show since leaving the UK to travel the world as a singer songwriter.

Joining him for the night at the Florence Arts Centre, in Egremont, will be his Brooklyn-based friend and accomplished solo artist Keekwyn.

Having moved away from the county six years ago, it has been quite some journey that has led up to this point.

"When I was 21, I had some really dark and difficult times living in Liverpool, so I basically ran away to Ireland," he recalls - a story he has recounted many times on stage.

"It all kind of started for me when this millionaire came up to me when I was busking and said he liked my music and that he owned a media company. He wanted to work with me, and promised all these things - all I had to do was send him a video of me playing.

"I didn't have any money to buy a camera, but he said "no problem" and handed me 300€. It seemed like some kind shady drug deal or something, but when I got home I looked him up and he was the real deal."

The opportunities that presented themselves off the back of his video included offers of work in Dueling Piano bars and cruise ships, which took him all over the world - around 80 countries in 18 months, in fact.

Eventually settling in London, a chance encounter with former Warner Chappell Music vice president Judy Stakee led to the pair striking up a friendship, and Luke being put in charge of organising her songwriting retreats around the world alongside her.

He says: "Judy has signed and developed some of the most successful artists and songwriters; Katy Perry, Sheryl Crow, and Gavin DeGraw, John Shanks. I've always thrown myself into great opportunities, so when I was given this chance I just embraced it and gave it my all. We've since become good friends.

"One of the great things about organising these retreats is that I get to meet songwriters from all over the world, and now I've got friends in so many places. It was on one of these retreats that I met Keekwyn, and instantly felt an affinity - we just clicked. We ended up becoming good friends, and our voices worked really well together."


Luke Yates New Yorker Keekwyn has performed at most of the world-famous venues in her city, often with her funk and soul bands, such as Keekwyn and The Hackers, but also alongside Luke, when the pair shared the stage at the Rockwood Music Hall.

Paying him a return visit, she will join Luke for her first visit to Cumbria, performing material from her new solo EP on the night.

While the crowd will be much smaller than the pair are both accustomed to, for him, this is one of the most important shows yet.

"Everything in my life seems to be coming to a head, and all the opportunities, although they're sporadic, have all been building towards releasing an album and hopefully becoming a touring musician," says Luke.

"This show in Egremont is the first step on that journey. It will be the first original gig I've done in Cumbria, so it is a big moment for me. It will be different to what I was used to - playing Oasis covers on a Saturday night for people who'd had a few too many pints. Those shows are always enjoyable, and as a musician, if you're making people have a good time then you're doing a great job.

"But the real musician in me wants people to like me for my own music. It's much harder to captivate people with songs they've never heard before.

"My main focus is still as a songwriter, and I'll be releasing my album in November this year.

"It's been a long time coming, as I've been writing songs for quite a few years now, but I've not wanted to rush it - I'd rather take as much time as possible over it to make sure it's as good as it can be.

"My recent life experiences are the biggest influence on my songs and my lyrics - conversations I have with people as well. Other people's stories fuel my songs and inspire me, so I get involved in a lot of deep and meaningful conversations with as many people as possible."

It is the personal nature of the songs, with so much emotional attachment that you just don't get with playing other people's songs, that has Luke looking forward to the gig with a small amount of trepidation.

He is hopeful that those in attendance - some who will remember his first tentative steps as a musician - will see the progression he has made in the years he's been away.

"My relationship with Cumbria has always felt like there is an unresolved longing to feel at home. I was bullied quite a lot at school and just never really felt like I belonged there.

"But of all the places I've been lucky enough to see, the Lake District is still the most beautiful place in the world for me.

"I've become an adult in the outside world, and I feel strong and confident wherever I live or wherever I visit, but when I come home, it's almost like I slip into a teenage version of myself and can sometimes doubt myself.

"I think all musicians are guilty of this to some degree, but they see successful artists living out their dream, and think 'I'm never going to be like them'. It's called 'impostor syndrome' - like it's a fluke and at some point people are going to realise that I'm not that good.

"This concert is a chance to put those feelings behind me and finally "come out" as a real songwriter in front of my friends and family.

"The songs are all very real and raw, and talk about some high points, but also the darker parts of my life.

"You have to make yourself vulnerable in front of an audience if you want people to feel you."

Luke Yates and Keekwyn perform live at the Florence Arts Centre, in Egremont, on Saturday July 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the venue now.

For more information on both acts, visit www.facebook.com/lukeyatesofficial and www.facebook.com/keekwyn