About

Lucas Maehara got his first guitar at age 8 when his father found one on the street in a trash can.  “New” instrument in hand, he started plucking out the songs of his childhood - from the rich folk traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to the soulful, rhythmic Philadelphia sound of his hometown. In his twenties, Lucas’ frequent rambles across the country exposed him to a rich variety of roots music that helped form the foundation of his song craft. Strongly Influenced by these Americana traditions, his Japanese/Jewish-American heritage and inner-city childhood shaped the lens through which he came to understand and describe his world. Lucas found his first audience when he began teaching and turned to his guitar in a panicked attempt to appease a classroom of unruly kindergarteners. This power of music to create community and joy became the cornerstone of his journey towards his own unique style of Mosaic Americana.

With his lyric-driven songs, Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Lucas Maehara is a storyteller of the human experience. Lucas blends the whimsical and the profound in his Mosaic Americana. As a multi-instrumentalist, he creates a sound as diverse as the influences that have shaped his journey; each song resonating with the shared emotions and experiences that make us human. Lucas’ music connects hearts and souls through the expressive artistry of his poetic imagery and storytelling.

From intimate solo performances to dynamic collaborations with his bandmates, Lucas is driven by a passion for connecting with audiences by weaving a tapestry that mirrors the rich American mosaic; inviting listeners on a journey through the playful and poignant landscapes that he creates.

Award winning singer-songwriter, Lucas Maehara performs at venues in and around NYC and throughout the Northeast.  Lucas is excited to be working on new music to be released in 2024.

Reviews

Read about Lucas Maehara in Acoustic Music Scene magazine.

"A masterful storyteller with toe-tapping rhythms that delight listeners. Reminiscent of Bob Dylan bootlegs and early Tom Waits, his moody grooves and soulful sound resonates through his gritty, warm and unforgettable voice." - River Reporter (Narrowsburg, NY)  

"A vivid storyteller, a beautiful guitarist with a voice that grabs you and stays with you in your sleep. He writes and plays about the big stuff. He is deeply sincere. You leave his show enlightened and entranced, and with a sadness that you have on the last page of your favorite novel.” - Ruth Gerson Recording Artist Award Winning Songwriter/Vocal Coach  

"Whatever your political persuasion this is songwriting at its best. And whatever your political position, we (99.99% of the people on this list) are all immigrants or children of immigrants who longed for freedom. Thanks Lucas for sharing it." – Barry Adleman, Music For Humanity Roundup   

“Real honest music is what Lucas [Maehara] Rotman offers to music fans who enjoy great indie music. [Maehara] Rotman sings with a certain level of passion and heart that makes his music a sure win." – Isaac Davis, MBA, Junior Cave’s Online Magazine 

Dear Miki: An All-American Family Saga

Listen to my interview on the Janus Adams show/podcast. Janus is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, historian, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. We discussed my family history and its broader context around race and social justice in the U.S. I shared letters written from my grandfather, a Japanese American soldier who served in the 442nd brigade in WWII, to my mom who was a toddler at the time. Interspersed will be some of my original songs.