A former Whitehaven singer/songwriter is continuing his journey in the music industry with a host of opportunities this year.

Luke Yates has already started 2017 with a bang as one of his songs has been played on BBC Radio 2.

And next week, he is set to play at the famous music venue The Troubadour in London before jetting off to California to assist at two music retreats.

The 26-year-old is taking huge leaps in a bid to break into the music industry.

He has spoken about the proud and surreal experience of having one of his songs played on national radio.

The song, The You You’re Gonna Be , which was written by Luke and Joe Martin and co-written by Kailey Swanson, was played on BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris show last month.

Luke says: “It was incredible, and a bit surreal.

“It was put on before Joni Mitchell.”

Singer/songwriter and musician Luke is involved in a range of opportunities that are enabling him to get his foot in the door of the music industry.

He is set to return to The Troubadour music venue – made famous by the likes of Sammy Davis Jnr and Jimi Hendrix.

He will be headlining at the club on Tuesday, which will feature a 40-minute set followed by an interview.

This will be his second performance at the famous venue.

Luke says: “This time it’s got my name on the gig material. It’s an exciting opportunity to show what I’ve got.”

Two days after his performance, he will be jetting off to California to help at two music retreats organised by American songwriter Judy Stakee.

This is part of an ongoing project in which Luke has the chance to work with his mentor Judy and also help to organise retreats for budding singer songwriters from around the world.

“I’m trying to manage my time between doing the retreats and working on my own music – but it’s a good problem to have!” says Luke.

Joining him on the two retreats in California this month and next will be Copeland sound engineer Lee Shackley.

Another retreat – which will be mainly targeted to UK songwriters – will be held in France between April 2 and 6.

Eight retreats are being planned by American singer/songwriter Judy throughout the year.

For more information about Luke's upcoming ventures, go to: www.lukeyatesmusic.co.uk