Queer Music Artist Doug Locke is a ‘Phoenix’ Rising to Stardom

LA-based singer-songwriter Doug Locke is delivering a captivating blend of pop and alternative R&B with a rock sensibility in his debut full-length album, Phoenix, which was released last month.

Written over a three-year period, the 10-track album showcases Locke’s evolution as a music artist and represents hope, rebirth, and transformation. He seamlessly blends 80’s inspired dance-pop with guitar-driven elements, all while incorporating disco and house influences for a modern twist.

“My mission is to add beauty to the world through my art and to inspire others to live in their truth,” Locke says in a press statement. “I believe that there is nothing more courageous than living a life of authenticity. Let us celebrate fierce individuality and practice radical self-love through self-acceptance and empowerment.”

While Locke continues to give everything into his live performances, his relentless talent and charisma shines through Phoenix, offering listeners a refreshing musical experience. He took some time to talk more about the album with OFM.

OFM: Doug, how excited are you that Phoenix is finally out for the world to hear?

Let me tell you, it is an absolute dream come true! I started working on this album about three years ago, but I had a different intention for it. In the beginning, I was going to do an album called Full Moon, so the songs “Black Travolta” and “Temptation” were part of that early iteration, but the world changed. We had been locked down; we were in a global pandemic, and I’m so proud that throughout all these shifting changes, I was able to allow that to sort of funnel through my art. Now, I have a complete project that I’m very proud of out in the world. It feels like my birthday and Christmas rolled into one!

This is your debut full-length album. I can only imagine how meaningful this journey has been for you.

I think this has been a great lesson in, as they would say on Love Island, “backing yourself.” A great lesson in trusting your instincts because my instincts had this desire to create and put out in the world since I was young. I really feel like I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t pursue or chase those aspirations. It’s been challenging, for sure. I’m an independent artist, so every single dollar that’s gone into this has been mine, but in some ways, I think that makes it even more rewarding because even when it was hard, I kept showing up for myself. I think that’s probably what’s been the most meaningful for me. Continuing to show up and stay committed, even though it’s been hard.

Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind the album?

I’ve always loved the mythical creature of the phoenix, and I’ve always felt that it was a beautiful life metaphor. The fact that this beautiful flaming bird burns so bright, it combusts into ashes, and then it rises again. Really, that was sort of how I felt as I was making this project. I felt like I was burning bright in 2019, when things were good. The world was open, we were going, we were flowing, and then suddenly, we were knocked by this radical change in our lives.

Everything was stripped away, and then this stepping back out into the world momentum, I felt like a phoenix as I was coming back to this new and improved version of myself because it was such a great time for introspection, growth, and realizing what’s important and what’s not. I felt stronger and more competent than ever, so I truly felt like a phoenix.

Is there an overall story that Phoenix is telling?

Yes! Throughout the creation of the album, a lot of life events happened. I went from being single and carefree when I was first starting it to love coming into my life. My dear, dear grandmother, whose nickname is Precious, passed away. Everything was happening globally with the pandemic, so it was such a journey of ups and downs, and I felt like I’ve been through so many different iterations of darkness over the last three years. The story now, it’s all about change, growth, and confidence.

How has Phoenix been received by listeners so far?

Honestly, it’s been amazing. This album is so dear to me, and I’ve held it close for so long, but the feedback that I’ve gotten has been incredible. One of the most special messages that I received were from two dear friends of mine, who I’ve known since we went to school together. They were both there when I was first doing talent shows, before I really was stepping into this role of artist, and to get their feedback of seeing me going from this young, baby artist to this confident man who now has something to say. I’ve developed my voice and sound; it’s been beautiful because I feel like people are receiving it as it was intended.

You headlined an album release show at the Viper Room, and you also had the opportunity to play at this year’s WeHo Pride. How did both of those events go?

Pride Month was so good to me, so I just want to say thank you to the community for all the support. It’s been very beautiful. Playing WeHo Pride was a dream come true because ever since I moved to LA and started going to Pride parades, I dreamed of being one of the performers on the stage. It just seemed so far out of reach when I was first on the scene because I didn’t know anybody, and the fact that without any pre-arranged connections, I was able to book that stage on merit, and that is something I’m very proud of.

Also, this is a crazy story, leading up to the show, I had just officiated a friend’s wedding in Sonoma County. Before a show, I like to really protect the body. I’m not drinking; I’m not partying; I’m drinking a lot of tea; there’s no coffee; I’m getting my rest; and I’m exercising just because the show is very physical for me. It takes a lot out of me, and even though I had abstained from anything that would drain me, I got sick as a dog two days before the show. I’m coughing, losing my voice; I can’t hit my notes. And the night before the show, I call my guitarist and say, “Hey, I think we might have to cancel the show.”

We both put so much energy into this, and the show meant so much to us. It’s crazy that in 2023, even though there’s been so much progress, there’s been such a backswing and so many attacks on the LGBTQ community. This Pride felt very special because I really wanted to celebrate the community in the midst of everything happening politically to try and disempower us. My guitarist was like, “No, we’ve got to play.” About 30 minutes before the show, I don’t know if it was adrenaline or excitement, but my voice came back, and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever played. That’s a memory I’ll always have.

Then with the album release show, the Viper Room is an iconic, legendary, Los Angeles venue. I played there once before, and my shows are very rock ‘n’ roll. I have a great drummer, a great guitarist, my buddy Dakota, who I’ve played with for years now, so to play at this iconic rock ‘n’ roll venue just felt like the icing on the cake. It very much felt aligned, so I’m just on top of the moon.

Have you always had a passion for singing, songwriting, and music?

I have. I grew up in a family of artists. My sisters and brothers are creative, but I didn’t have any musicians in my life. So, even though I loved to sing, I didn’t really know what that journey looked like. When we were kids, one of our favorite games to play, we called it Tournament, and it was basically American Idol or America’s Got Talent before that even existed. We would dance, sing, perform, whatever. So, yes, it’s always been a passion of mine.

Now that I have this project, and I’ve co-wrote every song with my producer, it’s been exciting to be able to play so many different genres. We’ve got pop songs, songs that are R&B-influenced, rock songs, and the song to my grandmother is country. It’s been a lot of fun to play with different genres, and that’s something I’m also very proud of because I feel like I’m now at a place where I have enough confidence in my craft, where I feel like I can just experiment and play. There’s no rules anymore.

What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from Phoenix?

Oh, that’s a great question. I hope that people, when they listen to Phoenix, are inspired to live their authentic life, be their true authentic self, and encouraged to follow their passions. One of the greatest lessons I’ve been learning, personally and spiritually, over the last few years is how to continue to show up for myself, even when the path isn’t clear. Even when I have an idea, dream, or goal, and I don’t necessarily know how I’m going to get there, I just need to take it step by step and realize that the universe will show up and put the people in my life to help me get there.

One of the things that I’m very grateful for is that I’ve manifested a mentor into my life who has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. That’s another thing that I hope the album inspires people to do. Step out of your comfort zone, and bet on yourself.

Do you have any upcoming performances we should be on the lookout for?

Right now, I’m working on booking more shows for the fall, which I’m very excited for. I’m trying to manifest a little mini tour, and then the other thing that I’m excited about is that we are having the album pressed on vinyl. I’ve been a big vinyl nerd since I was in high school, so for me, even more than having the album out, having the record on vinyl just blows my mind. That’s a project I can’t wait to launch.

What are some other future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

Performing brings me so much joy, so doing more shows is a big, big thing for me, and I would love to collaborate more. I want to write with other producers and artists. I feel like music is such a beautiful form of expression, so while I definitely want to continue to work on my own projects, I also just want to flex a little bit more and create with others. Another goal that I’ve kind of been working on in the shadows is, I play guitar, and I’ve been working to get a lot better at it. I’m no Jimi Hendrix yet, but I’d love to get there (laughs).

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

I think the last thing I would say at this time is, I would like to encourage everyone to consider donating to a foundation. I very much love the Trevor Project, but locally, there’s a homeless youth shelter called My Friend’s Place that I really like to donate to. Helping out is a great way to really uplift our community.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Locke by following him on Instagram @douglocke, or visit his website, douglockemusic.com. Phoenix is available on Spotify and all other music streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of Evan Woods