After releasing his debut in 2014, singer-songwriter Luke Sital-Singh is returning three years on with a much more personal effort.

The former 'BBC Sound Of' alumni and ex-major record label artist has rediscovered himself after breaking away from the pressures of mainstream radio.

Entitled 'Time Is A Riddle', it's due for release on May 12 right in the midst of his first live headline gigs in a number of years including the Union Chapel on May 23.

After a successful 2014 debut - which gave him plenty of new listeners - there is the inevitable pressure on its follow-up.

Luke says: "I am slightly nervous I guess, but mostly excited. I finished it in April 2016 so it's been a while to get it all sorted.

"But I'm really proud of it and can't wait for people to get their ears around it."

In 2014 Luke found himself on BBC's coveted 'Sound Of' poll - eventually won by Sam Smith - which thrusts the 'most promising artists' into the limelight each year it's unveileved.

Luke says he is looking forward to translating the new songs to a solo live performance

This annual poll alongside being signed to a major label is a dream for many budding artists however for singer-songwriters like Luke it doesn't come without difficulties.

As he tells us: "The first one [album] was with a major label and was based around radio songs which diminished it a little bit."

These previous expectations to churn out a hit didn't help his confidence when it came to starting work on album number two.

Luke says: "It took a long time to write again as I was knocked around in that relationship with the first label.

"I thought 'where was I going to find the inspiration for another one', I had different questions and was learning lessons as it was a big thing in my life, you know?"

However the album is being released three years on from 'The Fire Inside' and it is a more crafted and honest body of work.

On the finished product Luke says: "This time it was made independently.

"It is more me, more engaging and there's more control. I'm really proud of it."

The process was also a little different this time, with less pressure to produce a radio hit after he signed to an independent label, Luke headed to a new environment.

He says: "I disappeared to rural Donegal, Ireland for two weeks in a studio with a band.

"There were big windows looking over the hills and it was raining the whole time, which was perfect for me.

"We were playing and singing at the same time in this lovely big live room, with so much bleed, just the way records used to be made.

"It was to get into the live feel in one room and keep everything raw in these recordings - compared to the first album."

He has released some teaser tracks including ballad 'Killing Me' but is surprised by the highly positive reaction.

Luke says: "I thought people would say 'why would you release that first?', it's fairly emotionally intense but it's kicked it off to a good start.

"I've never really written anything as personal, it's from my grandma's perspective so it's very intimate."

But he is looking forward to getting the full body of work out, as he reiterates a move away from radio-friendly singles.

He adds: "All the songs make it one album, I still believe in albums. I'm still kind of holding on to making a record and not a 'singles' album.

"I'm keen for people to hear the whole thing and get the full impact."

Luke's second album 'Time Is A Riddle' is due for release on May 12

Now he's taking the songs onto the road with shows across the UK including in his current hometown Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and London's Union Chapel.

As Luke often performs solo, accompanied by his guitar it'll be interesting to see how he plays the new record without the live band it was recorded with.

On the upcoming tour he says: "I'm half excited and half nervous."

However it shouldn't be too difficult to take to the stage on his own as he regularly gives the audience an engaging show.

Luke adds: "I do love the live performance, I could never not do it, it's what drove me to music in the first place and when it goes well I'm loving it.

"There will be a fresh energy to play these new songs, translating them to more of a solo thing."

Luke Sital-Singh performs at London's Union Chapel on May 23, tickets are priced at £15.68 and are available from Ticketweb here .

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