“My name is Luka. I live on the second floor,” ring out the unforgettable words of Suzanne Vega. Can Swedish singer-songwriter Shalisa Taylor do them justice?

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo Alec Taylor

Shalisa’s personal relationship with the song starts with her dad who played it for her when she was younger. It’s a track that’s stayed with her, and she’s been eager to cover it ever since.

The love of it comes through in her version. She’s stayed faithful to the original while bringing plenty of herself to the performance. A gentle acoustic guitar arrangement creates the atmosphere while Shalisa’s vocals take centre-stage with their delicate and melancholic style. The vulnerability of it all brings forth the song’s devastating story.

Luka was produced by Fabian Santacruz at Barcelona’s Green Music Studio with Shalisa’s vocal arrangement being recorded in Stockholm. Mixing and mastering was done by Henrik Tran. The track is out now and you can check it out below.