Chattanooga has a way of producing artists who feel deeply connected to the stage — and Luke Simmons is one of them.
Luke’s musical journey in Chattanooga started when he was living out of his car and busking on the walking bridge to share his music with anyone willing to listen. From those humble beginnings, he has grown into a talented performer who has now headlined some of the city’s biggest music events, including Nightfall this Friday at the First Horizon Pavilion.
In this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, brought to you by Wanderlinger, we sit down with the voice behind Luke Simmons & The Lovestruck. A project rooted in soul, blues, and rock traditions, but shaped by a modern energy that refuses to sit still — Luke’s music lives in that space where emotion meets performance. His songs aren’t just written; they’re delivered with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply.
Whether performing in an intimate venue or on a festival stage, Luke’s presence carries the weight of years of showing up, playing live, and building a sound that connects directly with audiences. Throughout the conversation, he opens up about his path as an artist in the local music scene, the influences that shaped his style, and the themes that continue to inspire his songwriting — love, hope, and resilience woven through a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.
If you’re drawn to music that feels honest, organic, and built for live connection, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Follow Luke Simmons at LUKESIMMONSANDTHELOVESTRUCK.COM and stay up to date on where he’ll be performing next!
Instagram: @lukesimmonsandthelovestruck
Facebook: @lukesimmonsandthelovestruck
YouTube: Luke Simmons
Spotify: Luke Simmons & The Lovestruck
The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram!
Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
The Proximity Playlist is a local Chattanooga podcast dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vibrant music scene of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. Each episode invites listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of the local music community, featuring talented musicians and bands who call this region home.
Through in-depth interviews, captivating storytelling, and plenty of tunes of all genres, Gino D helps tell the stories of the up and coming artists from Chattanooga.
The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM
Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist, support local music in the Chattanooga area, and make sure to follow along!
If you are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist… please send mp3 or wav files of your songs as well as any and all social media and video links you’d like to share, to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
Submissions DO NOT have to be clean edits, however if selected you will need to provide a clean version for radio airplay.
If you get selected for a spot, Gino D will be in contact with further instruction. All genres of music are welcome, but please understand Hits 96 is a Top 40 radio station so we are looking for music that will appease a mainstream audience. Any further questions, please do not hesitate to send them to Gino D. Thank you!