Luke Kohen, the visionary behind Return of the Bard, is a dynamic artist whose work spans multiple disciplines, including music, spoken word, and storytelling. As a singer-songwriter, MC, and poet, he effortlessly blends genres such as classic hip-hop, Neo-soul, future folk, and spoken word, crafting a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences across the globe. His rich vocal presence and versatility have drawn comparisons to legendary artists like the late Mac Miller, contemporaries Kendrick Lamar, or a masculine version of Iniko meets Nick Mulvey; reflections of Luke’s diverse musical influences into a cohesive and robust experience.
For nearly twenty years, Luke Kohen has been dedicated to community building & healing work, and his music has been a vessel for empowerment and connection. Luke’s lyrical narratives delve into the depth of the human experience, touching themes of personal growth, Resilience, and the collective journey on earth right now. Through his art, he seeks to inspire genuine transformation and inquiry, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among listeners.
A Journey Through Fire and Resilience
Photo Courtesy: Luke Kohen / Luke Kohen, Opening Ceremony at Lucidity Festival Santa Barbara circa 2016
In 2017, Luke woke up to a flood of messages from his friends in Ojai. Sitting in bed, he took deep breaths, trying to calm the intense energy coursing through him. The place he had called home since 2012 was engulfed in flames. Friends were losing their houses, and he felt the sharp sting of helplessness from afar. His belongings were still there, but he was thousands of miles away, having just relocated to Maui to begin a new chapter of his life.
“I woke up multiple times in a panic and didn’t know why. When I saw the photos and videos on my phone that morning from my community, I understood what I had been feeling,” Luke recalls.
He had cultivated a deep connection with Ojai’s land for years, engaging with local stewards, Indigenous elders, and the region’s mythology. His bond with the area was more than physical—it was spiritual. In the Santa Paula/Thomas Fires, 90% of his belongings were lost. He had no insurance and no crowdfunding campaign. Instead, Luke views the loss as a “trust fall with the universe,” surrendering it all as an offering for his time as a visitor on Chumash land.
Music: A Powerful Force for Change
As an artist and healer, Luke turned his grief into music. Teaming up with his former bandmate Alika, he began to write. The song “CHANGES” was born from this process—a rallying cry for unity and environmental consciousness. Witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand in Southern California, coupled with the Santa Barbara oil spill and other global crises, Luke channeled his emotions into a deeply personal and universally relevant song.
Years passed, and as often happens, Luke and Alika drifted apart. But in 2024, while traveling in the UK, Luke met a new producer and collaborator. Inspired, he revisited the lyrics and hummed the melody. The chorus, a poignant call for togetherness, resonated deeply: “Come together, all one people, find a way through all these changes.”
By late 2024, “CHANGES” was reimagined in collaboration with producer Tomek ZYL. Something in Luke wouldn’t leave the song in the archives. It wanted to come back to life.
“I’ve learned so much from having had the honor to sit with elders in wisdom traditions around the fire,” Luke reflects. “Fire is a sacred element we have fallen out of harmony with as a species, but Indigenous peoples have long understood its power. The teachings that we are all related and share the same mother are vital in these times.”
Fast forward to January 2025. Just four days after returning to Topanga Canyon, Luke once again awoke from dreams of fires sweeping through Los Angeles. The visions felt eerily familiar. Trusting his intuition, he began packing a bag. A few hours later, his landlord rushed upstairs to tell him he had to evacuate. The wildfire threat was escalating.
Ironically, Luke evacuated to Ojai, the place that had first shaped his journey through fire and loss. As he sat in contemplation, reflecting on his connection to these lands, the final mix of “CHANGES” arrived from the UK.
“Hearing the new version of the song hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew it was finally time to share it with the world,” he says.
Blending elements of folk, singer-songwriter, world music, hip-hop, drum & bass, and soul, “CHANGES” defies genres infused with frequencies from the realm of dreams. More than just a song, it is a call to healing and transformation. Luke believes this is just the beginning of an intense period of purification and significant changes for humanity.
“We are on a wake-up call at the moment. We must acknowledge how our current systems are not in harmony with nature or each other. We must heal, collaborate, and move toward a more regenerative future.”
“CHANGES” will be released on February 11th across all streaming platforms and accompany a full-length music video on Luke Kohen’s YouTube channel.
Photo Courtesy: Luke Kohen / “CHANGES” – cover
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the artist, Luke Kohen, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations mentioned. This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or environmental advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research regarding climate change, sustainability, and related topics.
Published by Tom W.
