Lew Apollo Brings Soul, Sun, and Sound to Galveston This Summer

As the Gulf breeze picks up and Galveston gears up for a vibrant summer, one artist preparing to join the island’s ever-growing music scene is Lew Apollo—a soul-rooted, genre-blending musician whose sound dances between modern groove and vintage heartache. I caught up with Lew ahead of his August visit to the island. The conversation was as warm and electric as the music he creates.

“I can’t wait to come back,” he tells me over Zoom. “We were in Galveston last August, right after the hurricane. It was wild—but incredible. The community vibe was unlike anything I’ve seen. People were just out, laughing, helping each other. There was this feeling that everything was going to be okay.” That’s a sentiment that seems to carry through Apollo’s approach to music and life.

Lew Apollo grew up in the dense forests of northern Minnesota, far from any coastline. But over time, he’s found his rhythm in the slower, sandier places. “Coastal towns have this different wave,” he says with a smile. “There’s a calmness. A warmth. People are just more present. That whole ‘island time’ thing? I feel it.”

His upcoming show in Galveston is more than just a stop on a tour—it’s a spiritual recharge. “Playing in a place like Galveston means connecting with people who really feel the music. There’s something in the air here. You don’t just perform—you vibe.”

Apollo’s music blends the silky textures of neo-soul with the grit of blues and the pulse of modern dance beats. It’s an eclectic mix, but it works beautifully.

“I started as a blues guitarist,” he says. “Then a friend introduced me to soul—like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Sam & Dave. From there, I discovered the more modern edge: bands like Jungle, who really inspired this new record.”

That record, due later this year, leans into that genre-fluid ethos. “There’s a dance flare, but also a rawness. It’s hard for me to pin it down because I’m so close to it. But it’s all the music I love—woven into one.”

Behind the scenes, Apollo’s process is deeply personal. His songs begin simply: just him and an acoustic guitar. “If it works on an acoustic guitar,” he says, “it can work anywhere.”

He produces most of his demos at home, later refining them in the studio with longtime collaborator Victor Gasper. “A lot of what makes the final cut started right here in this room,” he explains, gesturing behind him. “One track, ‘Addicted,’ is almost 90% of the original demo.”

Much of the lyrical soul of the record comes from his wife, Mello Jaxn, a writer and lyricist who works closely with him. “She helps bring emotional clarity. We’ll sit for hours, going deep. Sometimes we get magic. Sometimes we just add to the thousand projects on my hard drive.”

The new album isn't all beach vibes and good times. It dives into heavy themes—grief, mental health, and self-reflection—particularly in the wake of losing his father. “It’s been five years in the making,” he says. “Some of these songs go back to early COVID when I first started singing. It’s a very personal journey.”

The album is subtly structured to take listeners on that same journey—from optimism to introspection. “It starts out bright, then goes darker,” Apollo explains. “The final track, ‘Feeling Okay,’ is just me and a guitar. It ends in that vulnerable, honest place.”

When Lew Apollo hits the stage in Galveston, don’t expect a mellow acoustic set. “Live, we flip it,” he says. “It’s electric, high energy. Our whole band is made up of musicians who cut their teeth playing live. We’re proud of that. We want people to leave feeling rejuvenated. Like, music is still alive. Still real.”

For Apollo, the upcoming Galveston show is more than just another gig—it’s a return to a place that feels like home. “Last year was amazing. This year? It’s going to be even better.”

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his soulful grooves, Lew Apollo’s live show promises to deliver a night of connection, catharsis, and dance-worthy vibes. Follow Culture Clash Magazine and Lew Apollo’s socials for show dates, updates, and exclusive previews from the upcoming album.

Learn more and listen here.

“No Room In Hell” is available now on all streaming platforms. Fools Gold is out now!

LEW APOLLO

Fools Gold Tracklist:

1. “No Room In Hell”

2. “Fools Gold”

3. “Let The Light In”

4. “Sweeter”

5. “Lost In You”

6. “Diamonds And Gold”

7. “Addicted”

8. “Die For You”

9. “Feeling Ok”