Get to know... Luke Brogden

Luke Brogden has been a staple on the East Tennessee music scene for the last two decades, playing in bands and staying involved as much as he can - all while teaching high school kids about life and media in today's society, and making differences in their lives. Luke is a lefty, which makes him a minority among guitar players in the region, but it isn't the only thing that sets him apart. He is talented and driven and has a different outlook on music than most - he is fascinated not just with performing, but with the behind-the-scenes aspects of the art form, from management and production to writing and coverage. He's moved from Americana and rock to horn-laced pop and R&B, all while maintaining the same principles and integrity - it's about the music and the people, not about the notice and fame. Luke keeps things real, keeps things honest and keeps things fun. You should check him out when you get a chance. Before you do, take a few moments to get to know Luke Brogden. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I grew up with my dad playing music at church and strumming '70s Laurel Canyon-type tunes at home. I got a guitar around the start of high school like '98 or '99, and wrote my first song trying to win a girl over. Then early 2000s I just fell in love with cool, hard, alternative, punk, metal etc. that was big on the local scene at the time. I worked at Moto and spent all my money buying CDs at Dad's that Charles Fontaine recommended. Lotsa good memories of early shows at Vito's, Hideaway (JC), Ireson's Pub (Bristol) and more. I think the first ever set was at a mic night at John D's in Downtown Kingsport when I was 15. I realized it would be a huge part of my life by college when my band broke up - but with resolve, I swore to myself in my friend's honor at his funeral to never stop making music. And I haven't! I played a few hundred times between 2010 until today and plan to play a few hundred more and hopefully die before I retire!" Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "I started in school with Antiphobia, Blue Collar and Half-Asian Invasion (played after prom, first time I told my wife I loved her). Then E*V*O, Luke9 and the Rudeboys (in Knoxville) and then to Southern Cities, which has 4 studio albums, 2 vinyls, 4 EPs, holiday singles, etc. With Southern Cities, I have played Bijou Theatre, Waynestock and some other cool events like Rhythm and Roots Reunion and Rhythm N Blooms. My current band is Responsible Parties, my first band with horns. We have played 5 shows, building up cover sets over winter for bigger shows here on out." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "I've always enjoyed talking about music as a fan and as a rock writer; I love booking and producing music as an event guy; I love writing music as a songwriter; and I love traveling to and for music, and of course playing it live with others and recording it in the studios. I love the visual aesthetic element as well, from outfits we wear to band logos to cover art. I like the whole culture around indie music. I like being friends with rock writers, other bands, venue folks, bar employees. Being deep into scenes and music history and studying how music interweaves with art, commerce, politics, religion, etc." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "We in Responsible Parties are trying to resurrect as many cool indie styles from the late 90s/early 2000s as possible (reggae-punk, grunge, powerpop, etc) and also present some of the best covers in horn music in all genres from funk to soul to ska." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "I've not thought of music as a career since I was fortunate enough to work in the industry for Bonnaroo as a publicist and realized I wanted my passion to stay passionate, not become commerce. So, I like not having to depend on music for money, even though I've made some money over the years. I consider myself a lifetime part-timer though. And it's much more a craft and passion than it is a hobby, and it's still a fairly large part of my identity even as I try to round my identity out with other aspects as an adult." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I try to be very active in the local distance running scene, local church and volunteering scene, and as a teacher and parent, I find myself at a lot of school events." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "I have many influences. Locally, Cornflower is a family friend who taught me how to jam. My dad and mom got me interested by playing great hippie records we had family dance parties along to. I liked music at church a lot growing up (FBSUMC). Had some good music teachers in middle and high school early even though theory never took with me. Local punk and metal bands at The Hideaway early 2000s. Early producers like Tony Rominger. Bar managers in Knox at places like Preservation Pub and Barley's that gave us a shot 20011-19. Rock writers like Wayne Bledsoe and Steve Wildsmith and Rusty Odom that gave us press and some bookings. Bigger players like Cruz Contreras and Dave Eggar who were kind and played on our records. Songwriters like Sam Quinn really inspired me. Big bands in the punk and alt-rock and nu metal/rap rock scenes influenced me a lot -311, RHCP, Rage, Rancid, Sublime, etc. Then jammy Americana like My Morning Jacket and Wilco have been huge as well." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "This current band Responsible Parties is - more so than any band I've been in - focused on enjoyment of the music and each other. No divas, everyone is friendly and responsible. Most of us are parents and/or teachers. We play less but pick shows that are perfect for us. We play shorter sets that we can play well. We trash a song early if anyone is not feeling it and try to make the set super-fun for everybody. So we're a real democratic band and we aim to get along well with venues, other bands, fans etc. We're kinda old so you'll probably see us in the 7-9 slot over the 10-12." How can people contact you about booking and information? We're at https://www.youtube.com/@responsiblepartiesband, we're on facebook, and we'll have an EP on Spotify probably by April 2026.