I read that you’re a big movie guy, what have been your favorite films of this summer?

Luke Christopher: I really liked Guardians of the Galaxy. I thought it was a dope flip on a superhero movie. Eventually I want to do a superhero movie. I would like to do at least one and make it super different. I would put music into it.

So, what would be your super power? 

Luke Christopher: Ah snap, that’s a dope question. You gotta fly and definitely mind reading. I’d be reading people’s thoughts.

What are some of your fondest memories of growing up in LA? 

Luke Christopher: Honestly, my fondest [childhood] memories had a lot to do with music. My family was very musical. Christmas, it was bound for us to bust out into a Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson moment for at least three hours. I have a big, loud family full of different colors and different kinds of people. It was a dope childhood. It gave me room to be able to feel creative and be an artist in my own way at a young age.

How did your upbringing shape your music?

Luke Christopher: I’m mixed half black and half white. I was always considered the black kid at a white school and at the black school I was always the light skinned kid. It was a funny place to be. I never felt like I had to be something. When it came to music I could always just say ‘man I want to make a song like Cam’ron’s ‘Hey Ma’’ and then I could do that or say ‘it’d be dope to make like an 80’s joint like a Holland Oates soulful joint.’ I didn’t feel that it wouldn’t make sense for someone who looked like me or acted like me to make a sound like that.

When did you first realize you can rap?

Luke Christopher: Me, my cousin and my brother were always rapping but nothing serious. When I turned like 13 I started recording it on Garage Band and I was just comfortable on it.

Did singing follow shortly after?

Luke Christopher: When I was rapping and doing tracks I was like ‘man I need somebody to sing hooks.’ But I didn’t know anybody who could sing those hooks. So it was either I had to learn or every time I wanted somebody to sing hooks I would have to go find somebody which I wasn’t feeling. So I just started singing more often, I didn’t take lessons, I just started recording my voice seeing what I liked, what I didn’t like.