Singer-songwriter Nick Luca is returning to his hometown next week.

Luca, who is known for fronting his band by the same name, is currently touring as the guitar player for John Doe, a pioneer of the punk-rock genre.

Doe, who was the lead singer for the band X in the 1970s and 1980s, now tours in smaller clubs around the United States with a new sound – a mix of blues and country.

“”I’ve toured with John a couple times,”” Luca said. “”He’s got that old-school county-rock sound that is so cool. It’s pretty awesome.””

Thus far, the band has been to more than 10 cities on the West Coast.

“”We play for a lot of people,”” he said. “”It’s cool to see people you’ve seen a few times. It’s like, ‘Hey, I saw you last time.'””

Luca said Tucson is one of his favorite cities to play in.

“”Tucson is always a fun time for us,”” he said. “”It is fun to see how the fans react. They often start off so mellow, and then by the middle of the show, they get crazy. It’s really fun.””

After the Doe tour ends later this month, Luca plans to return to Tucson to work with his band.

“”We just finished our new album, so we are on a bit of a hiatus right now,”” he said.

The band was formed in 2001 with the name The Nick Luca Trio, which was shortened to Luca in 2004.

“”We are back and better than ever,”” he said of the new record, which is slated for release in October.

Sean Slade, who has worked with Radiohead, Juliana Hatfield and Hole, produced the new release. Luca described the record’s sound as a combination of Americana, indie, rock and alternative sounds. He also credited classic rock as his inspiration.

“”I liked all kinds of music growing up,”” he said. “”The Beatles, the Stones and, of course, John Doe were all my inspirations.””

The band writes all its own music and occasionally does a cover or two, Luca said.

“”We do a great version of ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ by Lou Reed,”” he said. “”It’s fun to play live.””

Until the new album is released, Luca will be selling the group’s current album, Coming in for a Landing, at all his shows with Doe.

The album was recorded live in March at Club Congress.

Tickets for the show can be purchased for $10 at www.virtuous.com or at the door.

The 21-and-over show and starts at 9 p.m., with Nick Luca taking the stage with John Doe at 10. Plush is at 340 E. Sixth Ave.