::'Come Back' on shortlist for award::

Mon 2nd Nov 09

New song 'Come Back' from Luke's forthcoming album, has been shortlisted in the Vanda and Young Song Competition!

Out of an overwhelming 3,152 entries, this song was judged and shortlisted and will now be judged by the esteemed judging panel including Jenny Morris, Tim Finn, Josh Pyke, Charles Fisher, Chit Chat (Channel V), Rai Thistlethwayte and many more.

You can check the website for the full list of judges and the entire shortlist: http://www.vandayoungsongcomp.com/

::New Album video preview::

Here's a new song I've written called 'Come Back' from my forthcoming 6th album. It's a live performance(vocal/guitar/stompbox/tambourine)recorded in 'The Space Cave' studios. I added some ambient guitar overdubs afterwards. New album due before Christmas 2009. Please enjoy....

::The Big Tin Shed Album!::

Following on from their success at the 2008 Dolphin Awards, Luke and John are releasing a fabulous new album.....

Official Launch Party-6:30pm Sunday 8th Feb 2009 at The Winsome Hotel, Lismore. Free entry, Cd's $20

Popular North Coast singer/songwriters, John Gift and Luke Vassella, have been entertaining audiences, recording albums, receiving awards and touring throughout Australia and overseas for the past 15 years.
2009 celebrates the release of their first collaborative album-‘The Big Tin Shed'.
A raw and inspiring live performance, features John and Luke in full guitar and vocal harmony.
Fresh interpretations of their own material, as well as hearty renditions of new songs penned by patrons of the Lismore Soup Kitchen, the album is buoyed by an enthusiastic audience.
An authentically warm recording that radiates friendship, hope and promise.

www.myspace.com/johngandlukev

::Congratulations JG & LV!::

One Nightclub; 30 April 08-John Gift and LV were awarded best 'Acoustic/Ballad' Dolphin award for their duet of John's song 'Dreamers and Thieves' at the 2008 North Coast Entertainment Industry Dolphin Awards.Thankyou Ladies, and thankyou Des for the photo(www.dezpix.com)!

::Adoring fan rushes stage::

Lismore Car Boot Market 20th May 07-a young female fan rushed the stage(on several occasions) during Luke's 5hr performance. Photographer R.Hudson was there to document the mayhem....

::Weddings, Weddings, Weddings!!!::

It's been one of the busiest times for Luke the last few months with weddings and private functions; some of the best performances of his 11 year career to date-May 07.

Check out some recent comments here

::Colin Bullock album launch::

Congratulations to Colin Bullock on a fantastic album launch last night Wed.3rd Jan 07!!

Luke played a support set to a capacity audience at Evans Head RSL, then later joined Colin onstage for two songs from his new album 'Learning Curve'. More details at Col's website:

www.colinbullock.com.au

::Carols on the radio::

Luke stopped by the ABC-North Coast studio's yesterday(13/12/06) to do some Christmas caroling....

http://www.abc.net.au/northcoast/stories/s1810733.htm

Happy Christmas!

::Darwin 06 Tour::

"It was a pleasure to visit the top end once again this year. Thankyou to the venues, the audiences, friends, fans and the one and only Juz of Dragonfly Ent. The pic below was taken at the Town Hall Ruins 29th July supporting The Beautiful Girls; a great band & an inspiring night."-LV

View from stage at the Darwin Ski Club (another tough day at the office...)

::Thankyou Mr Lanois!::

On Monday 17th April 2006, Luke attended a songwriting workshop facilitated by the legendary Daniel Lanois and Martha Wainwright. For those who care for music, he's the man who knows more than most about the 'secret chord that David played....'. Hallelujah indeed! Thankyou Apra, thankyou Blues Fest, thankyou Southern Cross University.

::Luke will be performing at the AGMF!::

The Australian Gospel Music Festival 06 is happening this Easter (14th-16th April). Luke will be playing Sunday 16th at 3pm in the SU Cafe. This will be the first time LV has played at this festival and he's quite excited at the opportunity. This is Australia's #1 event for youth, kids and families. It's in Toowoomba(QLD), it's showcasing the best Australian and International artist's, it'll have over 30,000 people from across Australia.....it's going to be HUGE! Book tickets and accom. asap.

www.agmf.com.au has all the details

A big thanks to all the people who have supported the release of the new album "Foreign Language" in 2005, the second pressing has now arrived for 2006!

LV performing at the Northern Star Christmas Carols 10/12/05 (photo by Steve Bevis)

www.MAKE POVERTY HISTORY.com.au

LOCAL PERFORMERS SEEK TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
Local singer/songwriter's Luke Vassella and John Glenn will headline a free concert to raise awareness for the global Make Poverty History campaign. The concert being co-sponsored by Micah Challenge Australia, seeks to raise local awareness in the fight against poverty around the world.
 
"Australia has a role to play in reducing global poverty and we've fallen behind what we've promised." said Luke Vassella, "We want to encourage our local community to make a difference and our government to do it's fair share."

The concert will also feature other local artists and a guest performance from TEAR Australia spoksperson Steve Bevis who will sing and talk briefly on the needs of poor communities around the world.

The free concert will take place on the 8th of December at the CLC Auditorium in Molesworth Street Lismore. The performance will run from 7pm through to 9:30pm with Refreshments available. There will also be a selection of "Make Poverty History" Merchandise available for purchase in support of the cause.

For more information or comment please contact:

Isaac Smith
Project Coordinator
NORPAC (Northern Rivers Poverty Action Committee)
Mob: 0402 547 731

:: Keepin On - Fresh Air National Finalist! ::

Keepin On, track 2 from the latest release, Foreign Language has been selected by the ABC as one of the top 10 songs in the 2005 Fresh Air competition. Check out http://www.abc.net.au/freshair.

:: Sydney Album Launch ::

Don't miss out on this splendid event - a night of outstanding live music with Luke and special guests performing songs from the new album - "Foreign Language".

You are warmly invited to come along for a night that promises to be one of soulful, passionate and powerful songs. The launch will be happening at The Vanguard at 9pm on Wednesday the 17th of August, 2005 with Julianne Jessop supporting.

Check the Gig Guide for more details.

:: New Album Launch Tour ::

The New Album, "Foreign Lauguage", is being released. To celebrate its release, Luke will be doing a tour of the NSW North Coast, and is also performing at the Troubador in Brisbane.

Don't be slow to get yourself along to one of these gigs - to hear the songs and pick up your copy of the album... (more)

:: More on the New Album "Foreign Language" ::

The new album contains twelve brand new tracks and is clearly Luke's finest work to date. It represents a decisive move on from the two last albums. "Foreign Language" sees a renaissance of the soulful, folky lyricism Luke has become so well known for on the North Coast, combined with his trademark powerful songwriting.

Having been produced by Christian Pyle, "Foreign Language" is a textured and multi-layered album which balances Vassella's raw intensity with his sensitivity in a very listenable album. You'll want to keep on listening to it.

Why the title "Foreign Language"?

"A common theme through the album is communication and trying to make sense of circumstances - both interpersonal and international. It's like trying to understand a foreign language. Also in a more practical sense, I wrote a lot of the songs while travelling overseas so that's been a big influence on the album." - L.V.

:: NEWS ARCHIVE::

Below is an archive news that has accumulated over the years. The content ranges from 2003 back to 2001 and is arranged from most recent down to most ancient. There is a noticeable gap post 2003, during which attention has been focused on the development of the new album - 'Foreign Language', due for release in 2005 (Above).

14th July 2003 - New songs revealed at intimate Performance

In his first performance back in Australia (the Back from the Baltic Gig) Luke captured the hearts and imaginations of the audeince with his powerful repertoire of new song. Touring in Europe and connecting with different audiences has obviously been a creative experience and been part of the inspiration for some of his new work.

Some of those present took up the invitation to write a few words. Here are some quotes:

"Soulful, passionate, melodic, charming....shall I go on?...."

- Anonymous

"A sublime mix of richly melodic songs that truly capture the passion underlying..."

- Anonymous

"So glad I got to hear you again Luke, sounding great. Really warm, beautiful songs, great performance, highlight of my couple of weeks in Lismore"

- Gav

"Luke's music gently modulates between uninhibited happiness and universal sorrow. These are very 'human' songs, songs of body, mind and spirit. And thy are delivered with joy, sincerity and a subtle simplicity that captures the dynamics and notions of daily life, and the richness and bewilderment in our hearts."

- Lee Wright

You don't often hear songs about LISMORE! Luke invites his audience into the backyard of the most beautiful spot in Australia!

- Anonymous

12 July 2003 - Back from the Baltic!!!

Returning from Europe in early July, Luke is celebrating his return to Australia by inviting you all to a special Back from the Baltic performance at the New Tatts Hotel, Lismore, at 9pm on Saturday July 12th. Don't miss it!

May to July 2003 - Gigging in Europe

If you've wondered why the North Coast music scene has been a bit quiet for the last 6 weeks, now you know! Luke has been performing in Copenhagen, Denmark. The nocturnal lifestyle has put him in his element, rockin' to the early hours of the morning. He has also been delighting audiences on cruise ships on the Baltic Sea.

Luke Vassella Austrian Gig Review- by Karen Cartwright

What's the best cure for home sickness when you're an Australian in the middle of the Austrian Alps? The sweet sound of Luke Vassella's voice. It was a great surprise for me to walk into Bunny's pub, St Johann in Tirol, and see a face from home; even better to have the pleasure of hearing him perform.

Luke has always had the ability to create an atmosphere- this talent reached new heights in St Johann as hundreds of Aussie backpackers crowded around, VB's in hand, & sang along to favourite homegrown tunes like Paul Kelly's 'Dumb Things', Cold Chisel's 'Khe Sahn', even John Williamson's 'Raining on the Rock'. For a few hours we felt like we were home.

Luke didn't completely drown us in Aussie backpacker culture though. After indulging our need for some familiar songs from home treated us to a rendition of the Italian 'Miserere', and Elvis's 'Wooden Heart', complete with verses in perfect German.

Some of his own songs; 'Born to Ride' & 'Sweetest Mystery' among others, showed how his travels have changed him and his outlook.

I think Luke will return to Australia with a batch of great new songs, a more defined style and some fantastic stories to tell.

Luke performs new song *Live* on ABC radio

Luke was recently interviewed on ABC North Coast radio. The interview included a performance of an brand new, unreleased song. You can listen to the interview at the ABC North Coast website: http://www.abc.net.au/nsw/stories/s522026.htm

Luke to Support Troy Cassar Daley

When Troy Cassar Daley tours the North Coast of New South Wales next month, Luke Vassella will be there in support. Luke is lined up to play four gigs at Wollongbar, Evans Head, Wollgollga and Yamba! Check out the gig guide for dates. Please contact the venues for ticket information.

Luke Wins Three Dolphins!

Luke Vassella took out three awards at last week's Dolphin Awards. Luke took out the Country category with 'The Bright Side of Love' from the Luke and the Lost Boys album - 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue', Rock/Grunge: 'Love Come Quickly', also from 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue', and Gospel/Devotional: 'New Again' from 'Laments and Praises'. The Dolphins honour North Coast musicians and have awards in 26 cateogories. Read what the media had to say.

Luke Nominated for 6 Dolphin Awards

Luke has been once again nominated for the Dolphin Awards, including 'Song of the Year' and Best Artwork. More Soon!

Luke Supports Alex Lloyd

During October, Luke enjoyed supporting Alex Lloyd as he toured the Far North Coast of New South Wales. Luke played at the Lismore Workers Club on October 12, prior to Alex coming on stage.

17th August 2001 - More Airplay for Luke and the Lost Boys

ABC Radio National is playing "the bright side of love" around the country on Tuesday next week. This is on top of the other airplay as mentioned in July.

17th August 2001 - Luke @ Blackstump

Luke will be performing at the Blackstump Christian music festival on Saturday, September 29. This festival is an opportunity for Christian music fans to spend a weekend camping out watching a variety of Australian Christian acts. For more information visit the Blackstump website.

23rd July 2001 - Lost boys album is getting airplay

ABC radio national have been playing 'She's In My Mind' (track 5) from the 'Luke & the Lost Boys' album - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue'

Local North Coast radio stations 2NCR-FM(Lismore), BAY-FM(Byron Bay), 2NR-FM(ABC North Coast) have also been playing the track. This is great news. So if you live local be sure to call these stations and request the track.

For the latest news or to contact Luke Vassella via email or phone 0416 369 583.