Last December, Luke Powers found himself seated in the University of Virginia’s Hotel A Garden. As he grappled with the impending uncertainty of post-collegiate life, the earth beneath him seemed to offer a sense of grounding. Wearing his Chacos (sandals), with his feet getting a bit dirty, Powers recalled that moment as truly inspiring. It was here, in this serene setting, that he began to pen what would eventually become his latest single, “Mideastern Town.”

Discovering Self-Worth Through Music

In “Mideastern Town,” Luke Powers pours out his inner turmoil. He sings, “I don’t know who the hell I am. I long for the country but I don’t fit in. And the city cares too much for its politics. So it’s keep your head down and deal with it.” The imagery of Chaco tans and dusty toes replacing his work boots symbolizes his search for a connection to something deeper. He continues, “Sometimes I need to feel the earth to give me a sense of a little self-worth.” This song isn't just about his confusion but also about finding that sense of identity through his music. It's a journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of seasonal depression and the search for a place to belong.The gardens, which Powers credits as “providing a lot of inspiration,” became the canvas for this emotional exploration. As he writes, “Cuz I feel east of Eden in the Mideastern town. But I don’t think I could belong in the south. If I head up north I’ll just be a let down. Maybe Midwest will give me space to figure it out. Cuz my mama says I gotta chase life down. And I ain’t got time to sit around and pout. These are growing pains working themselves out. But I still feel east of Eden in this Mideastern town.”The lyrics are a raw expression of his inner struggles and the hope of finding a home within himself.

Seasonal Depression and Mental Health

The song also delves into the theme of seasonal depression. Powers sings, “Well it’s back to seasonal depression. With a side of mashed potatoes and ham. My fifteen-year-old self’s unwanted friend. That’s always back by Thanksgiving.” This shows how the changing seasons can affect one's mental state and how he copes with it through his music.He further explores this in the lines, “Is it the whispers in the attic or the grating of the static? Is it all just mocking me now? Is it the worries in the floorboards or the way the neighbors slam doors? Is it all just blocking it out? Is it the rose dead on the lattice or the bender passed in traffic? Is it all just crumbling down? Is it the rotting in the garden or my heart that’s started to harden? Is it all hell to me now?” These vivid descriptions add depth to his portrayal of the emotional turmoil he experiences.

Creativity Flourishing in UVA Gardens

The UVA gardens became a sanctuary for Powers’ creativity. As he said, “The start of the song (‘Mideastern Town’) is influenced by the scenery of the UVA garden that I was in when I wrote it.” This garden not only provided the backdrop but also sparked his inspiration.He also credits the gardens as the setting for “Carolina,” a song about balancing his musical aspirations with personal commitments. In “Carolina,” he sings, “Carolina. I miss your smile, Love. I miss the way you say good after staying by my side till I got to leave ya. I miss your kisses. Your sticky note well wishes. No, I don’t want to go. I wish I could play my songs from home all for you now. But it don’t pay to live like that my dear.”The gardens became a place where he could freely express his emotions and connect with his creativity.

University Experience Shaping His Music

Powers’ time at the University of Virginia had a profound impact on his music. He initially didn't want to attend college, but after being introduced to the idea of combining music and business by his parents, he became more open to the idea.At UVA, he completed two semesters of independent study with ethnomusicologist Noel Lobley and earned class credits for recording and mastering his music. In professor Ted Coffey’s songwriting course, he developed practices like daily writing and experimenting with different styles, which helped him grow as an artist.His interest in economics also influenced his approach to the business side of music. He recalls using lessons from professor Michael Moore’s competitive strategy course in real-world music negotiations. As he said, “I remember implementing some of the strategies from that class, and the guy I was working with was surprised because he wasn’t used to musicians considering the business side first.”Powers recorded his 2022 EP, “As I Am,” in his apartment, spending 20 hours a week on it and experimenting with music. It was through these experiences that he discovered his own sound.“He sounded better when he started working with him, trying to sound like himself,” he said. His professors and peers at the University created an environment that encouraged his growth, allowing him to experiment and connect with others through his art.Last April, Powers played his first headlining show at the Southern Cafe & Music Hall in Charlottesville, selling 200-plus tickets when his goal was only 100. He is very proud of this achievement.Luke Powers’ story is a testament to the power of creativity and the influence of the environment on one's artistic journey. Through his music, he has been able to express his deepest emotions and find a sense of belonging.