By: Brittany Rotondo
Photos by: James Foley Photography
Fresh off the heels of American Idol, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Louis Knight (Pronounced Louie) releases “Twisted Conversations” and explores the navigation and promises of the infinite what-ifs of a young man’s life on the road and the way back home.
British born native, Louis Knight was the top seven finalists on the most recent season of American Idol and was dubbed “Best Breakout Artist” of 2020 by Main Line Today and has garnered attention not only across the country but more importantly here in Philadelphia. The current Narberth local’s popular stint on American Idol began with his audition as Luke Bryan was quoted to say; “I think you might be the biggest star we’ve had here on American Idol” following the performance of his original composition, “Change.” Katy Perry also professed, “he’s such a big star!” … And they were right.
Knight wasted no time getting back into the studio and eventually released “Twisted Conversations” earlier this month to an international audience, eagerly awaiting material from the young songwriter. This is Knight’s second single of 2020 and has already accumulated attention from resident news patriarchs: The Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, and The Philadelphia Tribune.
This past February he placed as one of the finalists to Milkboy’s Home Grown Open Mic series. During that same month, he had a weekly residency at Milkboy South St and joined their ranks. Knight declares very thoughtfully, “It was just so special to be a part of Milkboy with all the other rising talent in Philly. It gave me the opportunity to get my original music out there locally and really work on my performing skills, which I needed! Not to mention Tommy [Joyner] and Jamie [Lokoff], the owners of Milkboy, they’re truly great people, and it’s been awesome getting to know them!”
His life post American Idol has metamorphosed into creative downtime for the nineteen-year-old aspiring songster. “It’s definitely been a weird transition, but an amazing one. I didn’t have the time to focus on my music. It’s great to be getting back to it and seeing how my sound is maturing. I’ve grown so much, and I’m seeing the world through a little bit more of an adult lens. I’m so grateful.”
Looking toward the future, Knight explains his long-term goals with rigor and excitement, of which only a nineteen-year-old can expel. “At the moment, I’m focused on just honing my writing and recording new songs. I’m hoping to sign a record deal this year! There’s been a lot of time to re-evaluate. Some of my dreams are playing at Madison Square Garden and headlining at the Glastonbury Festival in England.” Lofty ambitions, but not unobtainable, even Knight’s father is a seasoned musician, passing the torch of melody unto his young son.
Across the globe, artists are now creating music currently in a social media-driven market due to COVID, even Knight teases upcoming tracks. Explains Louis, “All there really is to do is write and record right now… I’m working in my studio, Gradwell House Recordings, and planning to release a new song every 6-8 weeks!”
Knight is also a passionate advocate for suicide prevention awareness and penned his original, “Change” as a tribute to his friend he lost to his mental illness. The songwriter’s philanthropic efforts include partnering with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to help carry the message of hope to those that continue to suffer.
In parting, Knight has shown the maturity of an experienced, veteran musician, knowledgeable, eager, enduring, and shows a quiet simmering of soon to be ascendance across the boards. Louis ends our conversation with gratitude and a certain British charm alike to his family, friends, and fans:
“Thank you for believing in me, I’m so excited to really start this journey with you all.”
Official: http://louisknightmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisknightmusic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/louisknightmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisksmusic
