Before a show, he likes it to be quiet so he can chill and relax. He is a Cajun, who now lives in Brooklyn. He was into classical music but now he is into anything from Bjork, the 80s, Radiohead or any type of genre in music.
He is Dustan Louque, known to the industry as Louque (pronounced “Luke”), a 30-year old Louisiana native who mixes hip-hop beats with his cultural roots using a guitar or keyboard. Louque has a very strong, soulful voice that initiates a unique sound.
If he was not a musician, he said he probably would have been a landscaper/gardener, or gone into his family’s business and become a salesperson. He performs barefoot and said he does not have any bad habits anybody does not have.
Louque’s first CD, “So Long,” is now available and features his first single “Whoa Now” which is a song with a New Orleans’ street beat, Louque said. Louque’s version of a cover originally done by Mazzy Star from the album “Cry Cry” was on an episode of the popular television show Everwood.
“The whole album is personal and my own story,” Louque said.
On the inside of the cover is a collage storybook designed by Louque’s close neighborhood friend, Mac Premo. The booklet is full of pictures and artwork made by Premo, done over time with Louque.
“In a time where so much is done through sharing (online), it’s nice to be able to give them a ‘gift’ when they purchase my album, with not so many words and anything,” Louque said.
Born and raised just outside of New Orleans, Louque left home for Mississippi State. There, as a business major, he began playing piano and later taking guitar lessons. He then moved on to New York Conservatory and eventually the Stella Adler Academy of Actors and Theatres for acting lessons in California.
It’s been a long road Louque said.
“It’s not a career, it’s a life. (If you’re interested in becoming an artist) you have to spend time alone and find your own voice – and don’t be afraid of it. You have to support your art. You must live balanced and live simple. Get rid of the things that you don’t need in your life. Simplify, there is no success overnight and there is no instant gratification.”
After a lot of hard work, Louque had what he considers the greatest moment of his career. Louque got to go home and play at the House of Blues more than a week ago.
“I got to go home and play for my friends and family, where there’s a lot of good support and everyone could see what I’ve been up to.”
In his spare time, Louque works to seek inspiration andkeep his creativity. He also spends time relaxing and play around with beats and sounds on his computer.
“I’m going to Hawaii (after the college tour) and then hopefully to do some soundtrack work,” Louque said.
