Doug Locke
Tell us about your new music.
My music is a unique blend of pop and alternative r&b with a rock sensibility. I'm deeply inspired by music of past and present. Genre blending really turns me on! I'm so excited to be playing the mainstage of OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride on Saturday June 1st!
*available on Spotify and IG
How did you get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I've been a natural performer since I was young, but it was artists like Beyoncé, George Michael, Jimi Hendrix, Craig David, Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Rihanna that inspired me to start making my own music. I started by performing at every open mic and talent show I could find. I grew my confidence and began to discover my own voice. It has been a beautiful journey.
What inspired you to be part OUTLOUD?
OUTLOUD is very dear to me as I lived in West Hollywood for years with my brother and went to WeHo Pride every year. I remember when OUTLOUD started producing the music festival. It was a dream of mine to one day play that stage, and now it truly feels like manifestation that I am playing the mainstage!
How do you want to make an impact through your art?
I hope to inspire others to express themselves and push for a space for their most authentic self to shine. I grew up in Houston Texas and hid myself for far too long. That was a disservice not only to myself, but it also undermined my ability to share my light. If my art can empower or inspire one person, my job is done.
Have you faced any challenges or stereotypes as an LGBTQ+ artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
We are living through a beautiful shift, a passing from the old guard to the new guard. I have faced issues with censorship and people on my team not understanding the vision. I have had representive who viewed my being out as something to be wary of as it might limit opportunity. Fear would have them push me to play small. What I've found is that by being my authentic self I am finding the opportunities that are right for me and fill my cup. I am grateful for the work I've done to find my own voice and my own compass. I trust myself now, and no one can take that away from me.
Can you share a particular moment in your career that you consider a triumph or milestone?
Early in my music career I remember when the music video for my song #ThisCouldBeUS went viral in 2014. It was important for me to tell a love story in the video, in this case a tale of queer love that spanned across decades. The warm reception of the music video during a different social climate (Pre Obergfell v. Hodges) was inspiration for me to keep making the art that matters to me. The next milestone will be playing the mainstage of OUTLOUD music festival at WeHo Pride with the likes of legends like Janelle Monae, Kylie Minogue, Diplo, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and so many others!
How do you think the music industry can better support and represent LGBTQ+ artists?
I would love to see more equal opportunities and coverage of emerging LGBTQ+ voices across the music industry. One of the things I love most about OUTLOUD is their commitment to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and giving us a platform. I am eternally grateful!
Can you describe your creative process when developing new music or albums?
For me it's all about feeling and story. That's my in. What am I feeling? What do I want the listener to feel? What is the story I'm trying to tell, be it through lyrics, melody, instrumentation or visuals. Sometimes I come to the studio with lyrics or melody, and sometimes we chase a groove until we find it. Sometimes I have an idea for a visual or performance while I'm in the studio, and sometimes it comes much later. It's different every time and I love that.
What has been your favorite project or performance so far, and why?
Creating my album "Phoenix" and the subsequent album release show at The Viper Room has been a process I am very proud of. I showed myself what I was capable of. I gave it my all and felt like I died on that stage that night, and was reborn. Releasing the album was the culmination of years of hard work and I am proud that I stuck with it, even when I could not see the finish line.
What advice would you give to other aspiring LGBTQ+ musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?
Listen to your heart and your intuition. Intuition is a gift and your heart will never lead you wrong. Don't focus so much on trends rather what is it that is in your heart to share. The best way to develop your artist voice is to keep creating and lean into what that thing is that you want to see more of in the world. That's where the magic lies. Also, don't let fear of being cringe paralyze you. Do it anyway. If it does not come out right, delete and try again. Don't let fear of failure stop you.
What are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music career and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community?
I'm so excited to be playing some milestone live shows this year and I'm super stoked to get back into the studio to create new music. My goal is to continue to tread a path that feels true to me. I want to continue to use my art to challenge convention and shine a light on the universal beauty of love.
What do you want to say to the OUTLOUD and Queer communities?
You are so incredibly beautiful just the way you are! Your courage and magic inspires me. Your uniqueness is your superpower and I love you!
What other LGBTQ+ artists do you want to give a shout out to?
Some artists who have inspired me over the years are Janelle Monae, Halsey, Frank Ocean, Victoria Monet, Adam Lambert, MIKA, Gregory Dillon, Kaleena Zanders, MNEK, Chandler Leighton, Rossi, and of course the legendary George Michael. These are just a few off the of my head!