Luke McMaster is back with the first single from the new album Icons of Soul, Volume 1.
The locally-born and raised singer, songwriter and producer today released “My Life is a Song”, a collaboration with Motown legend Lamont Dozier as part of an album that’s been described as a cross between modern pop music and Motown.
In his most recent bio, McMaster spoke to his formative years in Brandon to put into context how his career evolved from local roots to where he finds himself today.
“In my small town, many of my friends were into hockey and metal like Iron Maiden, but I was always the one who sang pop music with an emphasis on Motown and soul,” he explained. “I had a natural inclination to sing in that style and I loved it all – the falsetto, the major keys and the strong melodies – it just resonated with me.”
After a move East to Winnipeg, success would follow around the turn of the millennium as part of the duo McMaster & James. Their debut Canadian gold album included songs “Love Wins Everytime,” “Thank You” and “I Understand”, each of which gained frequent airplay on Canadian radio.
From there a solo career led to an increased focus on songwriting that would see work featured on albums by artists Rihanna, Nick Lachey, Nick Carter and Kalan Porter. His own solo work has previously included an EP and three previous albums. Most notably the hit 2013 song “Good Morning, Beautiful” with pianist Jim Brickman peaked at #3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.
McMaster, who is now based in Toronto, is currently on tour in Western Canada for Icons of Soul. Later this year a documentary series is expected to be released that profiles the collaboration with Dozier that was a part of the making of the album.
The album is current available on Lukemcmaster.com as well as popular streaming services.
Photo credit: Richard Sibbald