Drove

Luke James Williams - From The Drove

Gigging intimately since 1995, DownByTheRiver is a not-for-profit live music promoter. All ticket sales are paid directly to the musicians.

In November 2018, Luke James Williams released his debut EP Drove. The first single, 'Rabbit Hole’, received airplay on BBC6 Music, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing, whilst other cuts from the EP have been featured and played by Folk Radio UK and Hype Machine. Second single ‘Still In Bed’ received huge support from BBC6 Music DJ Tom Robinson, who chose it as his 6Music Recommends Track of 2019 so far in July. It was subsequently played across the station by Tom Ravenscroft, Lauren Laverne and Steve Lamacq. The song has also attracted a large listenership on Spotify with over 61,000 streams on the platform. Luke has received rave reviews for his engaging and emotive live performances and has supported artists such as Stu Larsen, Kirsty Merryn, Mark Chadwick (Levellers), The Little Unsaid and Megson. Luke is currently recording his debut full length album due for release in 2020. Drawing influences from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Nick Drake and PJ Harvey, Williams paints pictures with words and sings them in his own distinctly British voice.

"The songwriting and the vocal delivery are just so raw, heartfelt and beautiful that I find it irresistible"
Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music

"A perfect slice of alt.folk pop"
Charlie Ashcroft, Amazing Radio

"Gave me a shiver down my back, just like the first time I heard Nick Drake and The Lake Poets. Luke James Williams is the Real Deal"
The Rocking Magpie

"Really beautiful melodies and instrumentations which bring you back to listen time and time again"
Angry Baby Blog

"Reminds me of Bon Iver, only with an English accent"
Louder Than War