Luke James

I consider myself an honest soul.

Marvin Gaye, I'm super influenced by him. D'Angelo, Donny Hathaway. All the old school cats. New people, I like M83. I like Coldplay. I love Frank Ocean. Miguel. I get inspired by all these cats. People don't know that me and Frank Ocean went to high school together.

I love a very alluring woman. I love a strong woman. I love a woman that wanders, that just wants to explore.

I think love is important.

I love to be loved. Whether it is by a significant other or an acquaintance, I get it.

When I first got turned on to 'Purple Rain,' I was just moved by Prince's charisma and his just being free. Everything meant something, from the scream to falling on the ground to taking his shirt off. It just all meant something.

I want people to know me for following my dreams.

New Orleans is just so full of culture in the music content - blues, folk. I was introduced to a lot of things. My mother didn't keep me away from other music. She only kept me away from rap. The closest I got to rap was D'Angelo.

I like to be funny and make a girl laugh.

I like to think of myself as a true artist.

Just be true all the way through, and people can't do anything but respect you for it.

Bey is a big sister; she's a huge supporter. I mean, the whole Destiny's Child family - Kelly and Michelle - they've always been great supporters of mine in all my endeavors.