GRANT KNOCHE
Tell us about your new music.
I’m currently working on upcoming music for my new project and have around 30+ new tracks at the moment! Still writing more everyday and am very excited for everyone to hear it all because I truly believe this is some of my best music yet! I’m also very excited to be opening for JORDY this fall on a few of his upcoming tour stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, and more! A new single of mine will be on the way soon so stay on the lookout!
*available on Spotify and IG
How did you get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?
At age 7, I started dancing and did jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, etc. I was so in love with dancing, and it was such an amazing introduction into new types of music. I started dancing to Adele quite a bit and just fell in love with music because of her. I’d go home, teach myself all of her songs on the piano, and start singing along. From there, my parents got an audition email for KIDZ BOP. I auditioned and was then 1 of 4 kids in KIDZ BOP for 4 years. I toured all 50 states, performed 160+ shows, recorded 12 albums, shot music videos and commercials, etc. At a young age, I really got to experience so much of the music industry and absolutely loved it! I knew from that point on that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I taught myself to produce and write music at age 11 and haven’t stopped since then!
What inspired you to be part OUTLOUD?
In June 2022, I went to my first ever pride which was WeHo Pride by OUTLOUD. I had the most amazing time and just felt so at home. It was the first time that I felt so comfortable and was surrounded by like minded people. I was insanely inspired by my time there and actually decided to come out a few days later! OUTLOUD holds a special place in my heart and I’m so happy to be a part of it!
How do you want to make an impact through your art?
Whether my music makes someone want to party with friends, bawl their eyes out, get over a past love, want a past love back, inspire them to come out, etc… I try to make an impact by bringing people together through my art, making them feel something, or helping them get through whatever they’re going through in their life!
Have you faced any challenges or stereotypes as an LGBTQ+ artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
Definitely! I feel like people can sometimes put me or my music into a box based off of my sexuality. I really want my music to have no boundaries and be able to reach everyone! I purposely don’t use pronouns in my music because I want my music to be relatable for everyone. I love how that allows people to connect with my music in whatever way they want regardless of their sexuality.
Can you share a particular moment in your career that you consider a triumph or milestone?
Honestly, anytime that I’m performing my coming out anthem song, FIRST HELLO, it really hits me. It’s incredible to see people singing along, crying, waving their pride flags, being themselves, all at once. I get chills every time and it’s truly one of my favorite songs to perform.
How do you think the music industry can better support and represent LGBTQ+ artists?
It’s insane to me because so much of our mainstream pop music is created by LGBTQ+ songwriters or producers but LGBTQ+ artists don’t get the same amount of support. However, I feel like in the past few years, I’ve definitely seen a rise of so many new LGBTQ+ artists hitting the mainstream music scene like Kim Petras, Chappell Roan, Troye Sivan, etc and I’m so excited to see where the next few years take us!
Can you describe your creative process when developing new music or albums?
My creative process is sooo different everytime! Sometimes I start with a beat, a lyric, a cool title, a catchy melody that won’t leave my head, etc. I really just try to let my creativity take me wherever it wants to go and not force anything.
What has been your favorite project or performance so far, and why?
My favorite project so far was definitely my latest EP, I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US! I feel like it really represents me so well & shows a great range of all the different types of music I make. I don’t ever want to be restricted or limited to one genre or style and I think I showed that with this project. I also LOVED creating all the visuals, music videos, vinyls, graphic art, merch, etc for it all!
What advice would you give to other aspiring LGBTQ+ musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?
Stay true to yourself and what YOU want to create or say! Everyone has their own individual fingerprint and you gotta show yours :)
What are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music career and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community?
Debut Album, Headline stadium tours, the Grammys, collaborations with my favorite artists, producing/writing music for other artists, etc! I feel like people categorize LGBTQ+ music into its own separate category completely due to sexuality and I really want to normalize it in mainstream music!
What do you want to say to the OUTLOUD and Queer communities?
Thank you for loving & accepting me!! You’re one of the reasons I decided to come out and I’ll always be thankful for you!
What other LGBTQ+ artists do you want to give a shout out to?
I looove Maude Latour’s new music & also love Isaac Dunbar’s music!