I caught up with the talented Canadian singer-songwriter Luca Fogale in his backstage dressing room. With a mix of his deep, soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics, he has made quite an impact in both Canada and Europe. From intimate café gigs to larger venues across the globe: Luca has played countless shows and developed some interesting backstage rituals along the way! 

What’s a backstage like for you? 

"Well, I’ve had quite a few gigs, mostly in Europe and Canada, with a mix of opening slots and my own shows. Every backstage experience is different. Sometimes, it’s chaos, sometimes it’s peaceful. I guess that’s the fun of it!"

How has your backstage experience evolved over the years?

"Honestly, when I first started out, I didn’t always have a backstage to retreat to. It was more like: you’re on stage the whole time. I’d be sitting in a restaurant or café, and then it’d be showtime. Now, I really appreciate having a moment and place to myself. I’ve learned how important it is to have that space to focus before playing a show."

How do you prepare before stepping on stage? Any rituals?

"Definitely. First off, I need a few seconds alone. Just a quick, 'okay, let me breathe' moment. Then, I drink some  water, and I warm up my voice for what feels like forever. It can get pretty loud, so I like to do that in private, otherwise I feel bad for anyone around me! Honestly, it’s just a lot of vocal prep, and if I’m feeling really stressed, I pop in my in-ear monitors. They double as earplugs, and I can just close my eyes and block everything out.

And what about the backstage environment? How do you manage the chaos?

"Ah, that’s the thing! My in-ear monitors really help, not just for the performance but also for tuning out the noise. If I need a break, I put them in, close my eyes, and it’s like a mini meditation session. I’m still learning how to meditate, though, that’s a work in progress!"

What is always your hospitality rider and can’t be missed in the dressing room?

"A clean towel to dry my hands is non-negotiable. I also always ask for a kettle. Nothing like a hot cup of tea before going on stage. And, of course, a good cup of coffee. I’ve noticed how fancy coffee machines are here in the Netherlands. It’s a whole new level compared to what we get back home in Canada!"

What’s next for you? Any exciting news for your fans in the Netherlands?

"I’m planning to return to the Netherlands with my band for a solo show in 2025. We'll be in Utrecht, and I think Amsterdam too. Can’t wait to get back!"