Today, we sit down with Emmy and Grammy-nominated artist Peg Luke, whose versatile talents and soulful flute melodies have graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to London’s Cadogan Hall. Peg shares the story behind her latest single, “My Faith Looks Up,” a fresh take on the beloved Irish hymn “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.” In this interview, she opens up about the personal experiences and musical inspirations that shaped the song. Join us as Peg Luke reveals how she merges tradition with innovation to create music that uplifts and connects us to something greater.
A.S: Your latest single, ” My Faith Looks Up,” is inspired by the Irish hymn “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”. What was the moment you knew this was the story you wanted to tell through your music?
Peg Luke: I didn’t know that this was the story exactly. It’s been a few years since this song has been sitting in my music library, but I recall I really wanted to find a new version of the important lyrics, and if I recall vaguely, this style, this Irish style, came up prominently. I also love the idea of a lilt to the lyric.
A.S: Were there any personal experiences that inspired or influenced the creation of this song?
Peg Luke: I remember listening to some Irish rock music, and they were using this instrument called the Uilleann pipes, and I fell in love with the sound. And I said, One day if I can use this sound in my music, I’m going to do it, hence this tune showed up.
A.S: What’s something you learned about yourself while making this track?
Peg Luke: I learnt that I can actually compose something that has a dance feel and an Irish reel feel and pair it with ancient hymn lyrics. Somehow, the past and the present seem to merge beautifully. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, but I think the instruments lend an inspirational and interesting commentary to the core of the tune.
A.S: How would you describe this song to someone who’s never heard your music before?
Peg Luke: Put on your dancing shoes!
A.S: Reimagining the 19th-century hymn is not easy. Could you walk us through the creative process of making this single?
Peg Luke: I’m not sure I can exactly recall composing this or arranging this, but if my memory serves me right, I think I came up with the flute and bodhrán line first. The harp came next, and then the lyrics followed. I made sure to have a slight variation on the second verse. I actually changed the verses around from the original to the second verse being the last verse and the last verse being the second verse. It’s funny how it sometimes works.
A.S: If you could describe your new single as a color, what would it be and why?
Peg Luke: I definitely view it as a rich Irish green. I view the Irish countryside with this beautiful woman walking through the forest barefoot and carefree. Don’t we all want to be that woman?
A.S: What message or feeling do you hope listeners walk away with after hearing your new single?
Peg Luke: I want people to feel light and airy with no sense of worry or panic. I want people to feel washed over, healed, and invigorated. I can’t think of a better way to experience music! Jesus died for us, and we are cleansed of all our sins, and we should rejoice and celebrate!
A.S: If your song were the soundtrack to a movie scene, what would be happening in that scene?
Peg Luke: Ah, great question. I would love it to be a scene where it starts, and you’re down on the ground and you can’t get up, and all of a sudden this bright light comes, and it drifts over you, all over you. And all of a sudden, you can get up and walk, run, and smile. You are healed, and you don’t know why. There’s a mystery to this piece, and there’s a healing to this piece. I want you to feel that! Thanks for having me. I hope you enjoyed my music!