Renowned Dublin Singer Songwriter, Luke Clerkin, is set to release his much anticipated debut album ‘Orpheus’ on January 31st. The album was recorded over a period of time between 2023 and 2024 and it was produced by Clerkin’s close friend and frequent collaborator, Gavin Doyle. It was recorded between Doyle’s home studio in Clondalkin, North Clondalkin Library and Block C Studios, with additional piano being recorded remotely in Iceland. It was mastered by Martin Quinn in Jam Studios in Kells. The album explores themes such as mental health, love, heartbreak, healing, and grief. The title comes from the Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice which Clerkin relates back to his own experience of love and heartbreak.
Talking about recording the album, Luke said ‘We spent a lot of time recording this album and trying to get it perfect but sometimes that’s what got in the way of things. It’s ironic because the theme of the album for me is about getting out of your own way, and honestly, if I kept trying to get it perfect, I probably wouldn’t be releasing it! We faced so many other hurdles trying to get it over the line, one of them being a repetitive strain injury that I picked up, which put me out of action for two months. Gav also had some personal issues occur in his life, so I’m very grateful that we got it done and finished.’
On the album itself Luke said ‘When I was planning the album, I wanted it to have two halves, and I feel that’s the way it should be listened to. The first half has some of my oldest songs as well as some new ones written since Covid. The second half is almost like a concept piece as it explores my journey from an almost love, to something that never was, to the beginning of my first proper relationship and everything that comes with that, two songs for each person and situation. I’m very proud of this body of work and I think it really displays the kind of songwriter and singer that I am, more than anything that I’ve released before.’
