Jack Lukeman is a singer-songwriter from Athy, Ireland, also known as Jack L. He first develops his singing while working as a trainee mechanic, singing in a garage. He later travels to Germany with the band Serious Women, where he meets the members of The Black Romantics, who become his early backing band.

Early career with The Black Romantics

He gains wider attention in the summer of 1995, when he and The Black Romantics begin a residency at Da Club in Dublin. Interest builds by word of mouth, and the venue starts turning people away. At that stage the group mainly performs Jacques Brel covers, alongside one or two of Lukeman’s own songs. In 1995 they record the album Wax.

Solo work

Lukeman later leaves The Black Romantics and continues as a solo artist. He releases a number of solo studio albums. His first solo album, Metropolis Blue, appears in 1999 and is described as very highly regarded. It includes the singles “Georgie Boy”, “Ode to Ed Wood” and “Rooftop Lullaby”.

In 2001 he releases Universe. That album is presented as a marked contrast to his earlier work. His vocals are noted for a wide range, moving from deep baritone to falsetto.

Collaborations and style

Lukeman also appears in performances with Nick Cave and writer Patrick McCabe, combining spoken word, poetry reading and song. His voice is described in comparisons with David Bowie, Tom Waits and Frank Sinatra, though he prefers to be seen as distinct from those artists.