Exclusive: Lukas Nelson Confirms New Album Is Coming, Talks Bluegrass Cover of “Someone Like You,” and Who He’s Listening To

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real have built an adoring fanbase by crafting a unique sound and relentlessly touring. Their blend of country, soul, and funk led by Nelson’s vocal delivery and songwriting skill has captivated audiences around the world. Recently, they brought their expertly crafted live set to the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee.

While at the festival, Nelson took a moment to speak to American Songwriter at the George Dickel bar inside the artist compound. During the conversation, he discussed his recently released bluegrass cover of “Someone Like You,” his favorite under-the-radar artists, and more.

Lukas Nelson on the Inspiration Behind the “Someone Like You” Cover

When most fans think of bluegrass music, Adele is likely one of the last artists to come to mind. However, Lukas Nelson, the Travelin’ McCourys, and Sierra Ferrell put together a brilliant bluegrass rendition of her 2011 hit song “Someone Like You.” American Songwriter needed to know how the idea of doing so came about.

“I was rehearsing with the Travelin’ McCourys for DelFest and then Ernest walked in and he said, ‘What are y’all rehearsing for?’ and we said ‘DelFest,’ and he said, ‘Adele Fest?!’” Nelson recalled. “We thought that was funny and we thought maybe we should work out an Adele song to play at DelFest. And we did and that was it,” he added.

When asked if he knows if Adele has heard their cover, Nelson said, “I don’t but I hope she likes it. Sierra Ferrell is a great addition to that. I’m proud of it.”

A New Album Is Coming

There is talk that Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real are working on a new album. He was able to confirm that new music is coming. However, he wasn’t able to say much more about the new project.

“I’m working hard on it,” Nelson said. “We’ve got a lot of songs and we’re putting them together. That’s all I can say right now but I’m having a lot of fun with it,” he added.

Lukas Nelson Recommends Under-the-Radar Artists

During the conversation, Lukas Nelson said that he listens to all kinds of music. So, American Songwriter asked him to recommend some largely unknown artists. “They’re known to some people,” he began, prefacing the list of artists he was about to share. “I’ve been doing a lot of writing with—he would not be considered unknown now—Stephen Wilson Jr. He’s a great artist. Some may not know him, some may,” he said.

“I love Sierra Ferrell, she’s been pretty publicized lately. She’s just won some awards in Americana. She’s a rising star, I would say. I’m sure a lot of people here in Nashville know Nikki Lane but maybe you wouldn’t in other places. She’s a good friend of mine,” he said. “There’s so many great folks out there,” he added.

Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival