The Music Beat: Alum Releases New Single Rooted in UVA’s Gardens

Last December, Luke Powers sat in the University of Virginia’s Hotel A Garden, the Earth grounding him as he wrestled with the looming uncertainty of post-collegiate life.

“I was in the gardens, wearing Chacos (sandals), and my feet were getting kind of dirty. I just found it grounding,” Powers recalled. Inspired by the scenery and his emotions, it was there he began to write what would become his latest single, “Mideastern Town.”

The gardens, which Powers credits as “providing a lot of inspiration,” became the setting for a song about seasonal depression, mental health and finding a sense of belonging. The song was released Friday on Spotify. 

Powers has released nearly 25 songs since his second year at UVA. 

The UVA gardens became a sanctuary for Powers’ creativity. “The start of the song (‘Mideastern Town’) is influenced by the scenery of the UVA garden that I was in when I wrote it,” he said.

He also credits the gardens as the setting for “Carolina,” a song about balancing his musical aspirations with personal commitments. 

The Herndon native initially didn’t want to attend college. 

“A large part of me didn’t want to go to college, to be honest,” he said. It wasn’t until his parents introduced him to the idea of pursuing a combination of music and business that he became more open to the idea. 

“I toured UVA, and I loved it,” he said. The Class of 2024 student finished his degree in December 2023 with a double major in music and economics. 

Powers describes UVA’s Department of Music as a place where he could freely explore his passion for music. He completed two semesters of independent study with ethnomusicologist Noel Lobley, during which time he earned class credits for recording and mastering his music. 

“The professors are great to give me a lot of flexibility to work on what I was doing,” he said. 

In professor Ted Coffey’s songwriting course, Powers developed practices like daily writing and experimenting with different styles, which he said helped him grow over time. “It was really challenging for me in the beginning, but I think I did (improve) long term,” he said.

Powers’ interest in economics 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. 

On April 17, Powers took the stage for his first headlining show at the Southern Cafe and Music Hall, marking a milestone in his music career. (Photo by Lily Garay)

“I remember implementing some of the strategies from that class,” Powers said, “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. “I spent like 20 hours a week on it ... I just kind of got to experiment with music,” he said.

Powers admits it took him a little while to discover his own sound as he performed at dozens of local breweries and wineries during his undergraduate years. While these experiences were formative, they led him to realize he wasn’t truly sounding like himself. 

“There was a large part of me that was trying to sound like Tyler Childers or other country artists,” he said. It wasn’t until working with a producer in Nashville that Powers realized he needed to embrace his own style. 

“I sounded better when I started working with him, trying to sound like myself,” he said.

Powers 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. “We sold like 200-plus tickets. My goal was 100. ... I am very proud of that,” he said.