With the intuitive sense and emotional depth of a filmmaker, Americana artist David Luning looks deeply into the human condition in his music. He spent a few years studying film scoring at the Berklee College of Music, then John Prine changed his life. “Some friends shared Prine’s music with me… I discovered there were other ways to express emotions and make you feel things. There are layers in lyrical content in a song, and with the right lyric you can create a thousand images in your head.”

In the years following the release of his sophomore record Restless, things were really starting to ramp up in David’s trajectory. His album was met with critical acclaim, and he was touring with acts John Hiatt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Chris Isaak, Jay Leno, Crystal Bowersox, and Donovan Frankenreiter. Then the pandemic hit, and everything came to a sudden halt. As with many people, Luning went inward. For him, this was a time of deep introspection and exploration, both in music and in life. In the music side of exploration, he built himself a modest recording studio at his house and dove deep into the world of synth and electronic music. While life introspection ended up producing songs that were much more autobiographical and sometimes painfully honest, it was during this time that the sparks began for his next album, and as a result, Lessons is the most personal album Luning has recorded yet. “Over time, I’ve gotten more aware of my strengths, and I’ve put a lot of work into my songwriting and my lyrics over the years… Sometimes, writing songs is all enveloping and the best little world to get lost in, and other times, it’s a battle. I feel that starting a song by not thinking too much allows me to connect more naturally to the music and let the creativity guide the process.” Lessons was released on 9/6/24.

Here are some highlights that make David Luning a must-see performer:

Over 2.4 Million Total Streams: Spotify (2.2M), Apple Music (275K), Shazam (20K), Pandora (399K), and 500+ Playlists across 177 countries

Repeat Official Showcasing artist for AmericanaFest (Nashville) and Folk Alliance International (Kansas City). 

He has shared stages with Tedeschi Trucks, John Hiatt, Chris Isaak, Jay Leno, Crystal Bowersox, The Alvin Brothers, John Craigie, Son Volt, Donavon Frankenreiter, Jackie Greene, Dustbowl Revival, Poor Man’s Whiskey, and many more. 

He has performed in these prestigious venues: Orpheum Theatre, The Mountain Winery, Sweetwater Music Hall, Montbleu Casino Resort, The State Room, Mohegan Sun Casino, Tin Pan, Rusty Rudder, Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Brooklyn Bowl, Fox Tucson Theatre, Celebrity Theatre, Eccles Theater, Great American Music Hall, Freight and Salvage, plus many more.  

He has performed at many prominent music festivals including: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Bottlerock Napa, Kate Wolf, Black Swamp Arts, and Ramblin’ Roots (in the Netherlands).
 
Recent press coverage from latest album release Lessons:


Glide Magazine

Press Democrat Interview

The Bluegrass Situation “You Gotta Hear This”

“Lessons” at Wildfire Music

Fotos, Rock, Blues and More 

Ditty TV’s New Music Friday

Live television performances on American Idol, Jam In the Van, The Booth, WTTW – Chicago Tonight, Paste Magazine NY, WFUV NY, WDVX Knoxville, American Roots Radio, Family Wash, Music City Roots.

Songs have been featured in film and TV – NBC Grimm, Nashville, Lucifer, Team Mom OG, Peace In The Valley, 57 Seconds, The Devil’s Dozen, Standing On The Corner – The Story Of A Crossing Guard, Arachnoquake, Swamp Shark. 

“It’s nice to hear a commanding baritone voice again with a Steve Earle baked in spirit with polish…David sings with an articulate narrative but with a generous dose of John Hiatt nuance — more dry red wine than Chablis.” – Americana Highways

“(Lessons) a song that immediately brings to mind fellow troubadours like Hayes Carll and Steve Earle.” – Glide Magazine

“Stark storytelling,
subdued strumming, and lyrics
about learning life.” – Haiku Reviews

“From his welcoming voice, to the busy finger picked guitar work, to a huge harmonious chorus, everything here advertises a perfect Americana sound.” – Real Gone Rocks

“This is a terrific album of modern Americana, full of heart and insight, framed beautifully with subtle yet superb playing and production. Don’t miss it.” – The Daily Vault
 
“Very distinctive style, beautiful voice, strong and vibrant with a great message… Arrangement is done so well, with a perfect flow and story telling. The song is put together very well overall. It’s definitely something that needs to be heard.” – Nagamag.com

“…like a preacher urging those in the pews to take up the optimism in the form of instrumental drive, the infection of the self-examination is contagious, and each moment is a matter of pride in delivery, but with humility very much at the forefront of the groove that plays.” – Liverpool Sound & Vision

To book David Luning in North America please contact:
Penelope Grzebik
penelope@blackoakartists.com