“Gritty, relevant, street-smart performer. Lucas digs deep. His spirited songs pack a wallop, backed by his baritone guitar, banjo and soulful harmonica playing.” - Elizabeth Rose, Musician/songwriter/Educator/Author, Sullivan County Songwriters Circle Blog
Lucas’s musical career began as a substitute teacher’s panicked attempt to appease a classroom full of unruly kindergarteners, “a wise friend told me to pick up the guitar, figure out some chords and learn some kids songs (fast!).” He quickly discovered a bourgeoning career as an early childhood educator and his first loyal audience. After years of bringing music into the lives of students in NYC public schools, it was inevitable for Lucas to seek a musical life outside of the classroom as well.
With a sound steeped in the traditions of Americana, Lucas' songs are drawn through a biracial Philly boy’s urban sensibilities. Word craft and poetic imagery run rampant through his lyrical universe, with an arc that bends towards social justice, lending weight and depth to his storytelling.
More than three decades later, the Brooklyn based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Lucas Maehara performs, records and writes as a solo artist, with his upstate NY posse, The Lucas Maehara Band and with his Brooklyn Troupe, the Melodic Miners. A regular performer at venues in and around NYC, Lucas is excited to be releasing new music for the first time in 7 years this summer and fall of 2023 and will be promoting it big time with his upcoming “Lost and Found Tour”.
Reviews
"Rotman is 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)
"[Lucas] is 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
...because “immigration” is a hot topic in the news I’ve decided to send the attached: “Longing No Border Can Tame”, by Lucas Rotman who performed at the Music for Humanity Free Performance Night in February. Lucas was inspired to write this song by the award winning book “Enrique’s Journey” by Sonia Nazario http://www.enriquesjourney.com. Lucas said “It should be required reading for every American.” 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 Rotman offers to music fans who enjoy great indie music. Rotman sings with a certain level of passion and heart that makes his music a sure win. In this spotlight with Rotman, the singer/songwriter expounds on his music and his musical journey that his led him to where he is at now. Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to Lucas Rotman? Lucas: Seems that people are actually pretty hungry to hear music that comes out of people’s lived experience, since our airwaves are glutted with sounds we have little control over. My songs are personal and introspective, but speak to wider and more universal issues and themes (justice, peace, mortality, love and loss) that we all go through as human beings. People who enjoy lyrical poetry and melodies that take you places will love what I do. My voice is not the kind you’ll hear anywhere else nowadays.” – Isaac Davis, MBA, Junior Cave’s Online Magazine
