Lukas Graham
Biography
Lukas Graham is a Danish pop and soul band from Copenhagen. The band was formed in 2011 and consists of lead vocalist Lukas Forchhammer, drummer Mark Falgren, and bassist Magnus Larsson. Keyboardist Kasper Daugaard was a member from 2012 to 2016. The group's music is a blend of pop, soul, and funk.
Early Life of Lukas Forchhammer
Lukas Forchhammer was born on September 18, 1988, in Freetown Christiania, a unique and self-governing neighborhood in Copenhagen, Denmark. His father was Irish, and Forchhammer spent part of his childhood in Ireland. At the age of 8, he joined the Copenhagen Boys Choir, where he received classical vocal training. Growing up in Christiania, he was exposed to a lot of crime and drugs, which later influenced his songwriting. He also had a brief acting career as a child, starring in the Danish movie series "Krummerne".
Career Beginnings
In 2011, Lukas Forchhammer, Mark Falgren, and Magnus Larsson formed the band Lukas Graham. They started by posting homemade videos of their songs "Drunk in the Morning" and "Criminal Mind" on Facebook, which quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views. They signed with Copenhagen Records in late 2011. Their debut album, also titled "Lukas Graham" (often called the "Yellow Album"), was released in 2012 and went straight to number one in Denmark. The album produced several hit singles in their home country, including "Drunk in the Morning" and "Ordinary Things".
International Breakthrough with "7 Years"
Lukas Graham achieved worldwide recognition with the release of their second self-titled album in 2015, referred to as the "Blue Album". The album featured the global hit single "7 Years". The song, which reflects on life, family, and aging, topped the charts in numerous countries and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The success of "7 Years" led to a record deal with Warner Bros. Records for international distribution. The album also included other successful singles like "Mama Said" and "You're Not There".
Later Albums and Continued Success
The band released their third album, "3 (The Purple Album)," in 2018. This album featured the popular single "Love Someone". Their fourth studio album, "4 (The Pink Album)," was released in 2023. The band continues to tour and release music, maintaining a strong following both in Denmark and internationally.
Musical Style and Themes
Lukas Graham's music is often described as a mix of pop, soul, and R&B. Lyrically, Forchhammer often draws on his personal experiences, with songs frequently touching on themes of family, friendship, growing up in a rough environment, and love. Their storytelling approach to songwriting has been a key element of their appeal.