Aided by gusts of thoughtful calm issuing from his pedal steel, the ever-present veil which has historically separated the abstract from the expressed finds itself gently parted at the storied hands of Luke Schneider.
Offering those who dream an opportunity to gaze through this gap and to witness creation unfettered by oversight, Schneider operates with an urgent curiosity, flush with respect for the unknown and the yet-to-come.
Releasing his debut solo work with Third Man Records in May of 2020, Altar of Harmony was constructed inside the mind of a man who was always changing places. Whether it was touring with raucous-joyous Natural Child, contributing his signature tone to artists like Caitlin Rose and William Tyler or, later, supplying Grammy-nominated Margo Price with pedal steel across the United States and the wider world with appearances on SNL, Late Night, and more, Luke was subconsciously incubating what would, with time, deliver him to his future.
Finding time where he could within a hectic, 200+ day a year touring schedule, Schneider assembled Altar of Harmony from select pieces he created during his daily meditation routine, recording at home and with Rodrigo Avendano (Soccer Mommy) in a more traditional studio setting.
Whereas devotional music has often been reserved for some lofted, untouched ideal, Schneider creates a unique type of music dedicated to the quiet power of the present moment. Glowing in cupped hands, like a secret, Schneider offers listeners a moment of calm to combat the frenzied atmospheres that attempt to thwart peace-of-mind.
In keeping with the ethos set forth by his music, Schneider launched Forestdale in 2019, a brand of candles and incense carefully designed by Schneider himself. Intent on enhancing the sensorial experience of his live shows, Forestdale further underscores Luke’s commitment to tethering folks to the present moment.
Schneider continues to create, adding his longing, familiar tone and psychedelic edge to upcoming projects from Orville Peck, S.G. Goodman, Kyle Hamlett, and a duo release with longtime friend and collaborator William Tyler out in 2021 via Leaving Records.
“His solo music might be described as atmospheric soundscapes that are an unholy fusion of outlaw country’s weepy twang and Brian Eno drones” READ MORE
“As the sound of country music has shifted, the emotive whir of its classic instrument has often been sidelined. The complicated antique has found new life in surprising forms.” READ MORE
