LUKE SPILLER ON LIFE, LOVE, LYRICS, AND HIS NEW SOLO ALBUM
Luke Spiller, the charismatic frontman of The Struts, has stepped out from behind the rock band’s spotlight with his new solo debut album “Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine.” Released on April 25th, 2025, the album is a lush, cinematic exploration of romance, heartbreak, and self-reflection, infused with the influences of Scott Walker, Serge Gainsbourg, and David Bowie, among others. The record showcases a shift in style for Spiller, stepping away from the anthemic rock of The Struts into a more sophisticated, orchestral world. With contributions from notable collaborators like Jon Levine and Jason Faulkner, Spiller has crafted a record that brims with theatrical drama, lush string arrangements, and bombastic, larger-than-life sounds.
In this exclusive interview for The Untitled Magazine, we sit down with Luke to discuss the making of the album, its inspirations, and his personal evolution as an artist. He opens up about his creative process, the influence of iconic figures like Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson, and how this album marks a turning point in his career.
With a unique blend of heartache and hope, Love Will Probably Kill Me is both a bold statement and a deeply personal journey. Luke also reflects on the emotional significance of collaborating with the late Taylor Hawkins, the joy of working with Noel Fielding, and the challenges of transitioning from fronting The Struts to pursuing his solo vision.
Read on as we dive into the world of Luke Spiller’s musical rebirth, his inspirations, and what lies ahead for this multifaceted performer.
Your solo album Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine has been described as cinematic and romantic. How did you approach creating this album compared to your work with The Struts?
Well I started with the lyrics first before writing the music. This made for more story led songwriting and an overall sense of lyrical richness that sometimes lacks when you are writing lyrics to music.
The album has a distinct sound, reminiscent of Scott Walker, Serge Gainsbourg, and David Bowie, among others. How did these artists influence the direction of your music on this record?
I was in this cottage in Devon and I really got immersed in those artists, especially Lana del ray and Adele. I really feel female singer songwriters have way more lyrical finesse when it comes to songwriting, so they really influenced the direction of my album. I also wanted to capture a beautiful vintage early sixties sound which all those artists above did so well.
You worked with some impressive collaborators on this album, including Jon Levine and Jason Faulkner. How did their contributions shape the sound and overall feel of the record?
I’ve known him for years through The Struts so I had an immediate chemistry with him. He really knows how to bring my ideas to life and I love him dearly. Same for Jason. I met him on a plane to London and he loves all the artists that I was referencing for my album. Both of them are multi-instrumentalists so it was amazing to see them record my songs. I could not have done this album without them.
Angel Like You features Taylor Hawkins’ last recording before his passing. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like to work with him on such a special track?
Devil In Me and Angel Like You were originally songs I wanted to pitch for the James Bond movie No Time To Die in 2019. I knew I wanted an incredible drummer and Taylor was the absolute best. We were also very close through our shared obsession with Queen. He told me to come over to his place and we cut the drums there and then. To have his son Shane featured in the music video for Angel Like You was such a beautiful full circle moment.
The album has a lush, orchestral sound that stands apart from The Struts’ rock energy. Was it challenging for you to shift into a more cinematic style, or did it feel like a natural evolution?
It was something that I had been burning to do for quite sometime. In fact, I was very uninspired by the usual “rock” sound I had been known for and so a change was needed. I’m still inspired to do more now to this day.
The song The Ending Is Always the Same features a video with Noel Fielding. How did that collaboration come to life, and what made Noel the perfect fit for the video?
My director Joseph Lynn is great friends with Noel and knew that the two of us had been working closely together. We wanted a lyric video for that song and Noel loved the idea of him simply sitting down during the whole video. The humor involved is right up his street. Of course he’s one of my heroes so I was so happy he wanted to be involved.
You’ve previously said that your music is shaped by your love for larger-than-life performers like Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. Did those influences come through more in your solo work than with The Struts?
I think their ambition did! Maybe not so much their style per say. But I’ve learned that I’ll never be able to shake off those fundamental influences or sounds. And that’s a good thing.
What’s it been like stepping out on your own for a solo project after such a successful run with The Struts?
It’s been tough! But also extremely rewarding. Despite being dropped by my label a week after my album’s release, I have found a way to pick myself and still find motivation to keep going.
Did you feel any pressure or was it liberating to explore your own artistic vision?
There was zero pressure and that’s why I think it’s my best work to date. I already have a whole collection ready to go for a follow up record.
As the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Struts, how did you approach songwriting differently for this album? Were there particular themes or emotions you felt you wanted to explore more deeply?
I wanted to create an album all about my experiences with love and relationships. In many ways it’s a concept record about me moving to LA.
You’ve had a long and successful history of touring with some legendary bands, such as The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard. How did your live performance experiences influence the way you approached creating this album?
I can honestly say that non of those really came to mind when I was making this record. As anyone will hear, it’s so different from the usual rock genre.
Now that the album is out, what are you most excited for in this new chapter of your career? Whats next for you on the horizon?
More Struts music to be written and recorded, and of course more solo music.
Will there be a full tour to support the solo record, and if so, what can fans expect from your live performances?
Unfortunately, I have too many prior commitments with The Struts for this year, but I definitely plan on doing something next year.
Interview by Indira Cesarine for The Untitled Magazine
Photos by Ben Cope
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