Five years ago, he was a complete stranger. Today, he is the king of the country planet and one of the most exciting headliners at the Festival d’été de Québec. But who is this Luke Combs?
Luke Combs is the antihero. An ordinary guy, not particularly handsome, chubby, but whose songs that tell of the simple things in life have touched the hearts of country maniacs.
A phenomenon ? Since the release of his first album in 2017, he has lined up 13 number 1s on American country radio stations. In a country where country music is a religion and competition is fierce among stars of the genre, such results strike the imagination.
Established in Nashville for several years, the Beauceron singer Robby Johnson witnessed the fabulous rise of Luke Combs, which brought together more than 80,000 people at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, in June, during the CMA Fest, a major festival in the capital of the country.
“He was able to bring back the sound of 1990s new country while having a modern approach to his lyrics and vocal performance,” he says.
Hop lover
Beyond the music, it is its authenticity that seduces.
“He doesn’t take himself for another, he is not above the fray. He’s a guy who changes his tires and his oil, who likes to make campfires with his friends and drink beer in droves. It is probably he who has the record for the beer ingested the fastest (shotgun). He will surely do it during his show on Friday, “says Gab Marineau, host of the show. Zone New Countryat WKND.
That explains why one of his songs is called Beer Never Broke My Heart (beer has never broken my heart).
Besides, Luke Combs wouldn’t be one to worry regarding what people think of his face. You don’t find it beautiful? He does not care.
“In a world where appearance is constantly judged and prioritized, it’s liberating and nourishing to vibrate to the sound of an artist who dwells rather on emotions and message”, notes Robby Johnson.
Like shepherd’s pie
After more or less fruitful attempts with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Florida Georgia Line, the Summer Festival might therefore have found in Luke Combs, who will present sold-out concerts at the Bell Center and the Videotron Center this fall, the guy who will permanently install country music on the Plains of Abraham.
It will remain to be seen if his own success will have a long shelf life. On this, Gab Marineau has his theory.
“Right now he’s on top, but the common criticism in country music is that it all sounds the same. It’s always the same lyrics, the same refrains. It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can actually get bored quickly if you don’t really like this musical genre. On the other hand, if shepherd’s pie is your favorite recipe, you’ll love it for a long time. »
In short, Luke Combs is not reinventing shepherd’s pie, but his recipe is particularly tasty.
Luke Combs in concert at 9:30 p.m., Friday evening, on the Plains of Abraham. Opening acts: Talk and Matt Lang.
Luke Combs
- Age: 32 years old
- Made in: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Albums : This One’s For You (2017), What You See Is What You Get (2019), Growin’ Up (2022)
- Numbers 1 (USA country radios): Hurricane, When It Rains It Pours, One Number Away, She Got The Best Of Me, Beautiful Crazy, Beer Never Broke My Heart, Even Though I’m Leaving, Does To Me, Lovin’ On You, Better Together, Forever After All, Cold as You, Doin’ This
Main rewards:
- Country Music Association Award: Artist of the Year (2021), Album of the Year, Male Singer of the Year (2020), Male Singer of the Year, Song of the Year (2019), Newcomer year (2018)