BIOGRAPHY
Doug Locke is a Houston-born, Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and actor whose music blends pop, alternative R&B and rock with an unmistakably cinematic edge. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, George Michael and Madonna, Locke has built a reputation for creating genre-blurring music that explores identity, resilience and self-expression.
His work has been featured by Billboard, The Huffington Post, AFROPUNK, Out Magazine, Idolator, GLAAD, Logo’s NewNowNext, Upworthy, PopMatters, American Songwriter, Queerty and Blurred Culture, among other outlets. Across his catalog, his music has earned more than 1.8 million streams on Spotify.
Locke’s debut single, “#ThisCouldBeUs,” reached No. 32 on the iTunes Hot 100 chart, while its accompanying music video has amassed more than 2.3 million views. His video for “In or Out” received a nomination for Best Indie Music Video at the 2018 Queerty Awards, and he later returned to his hometown of Houston to film the music video for “KING,” an anthem centered on self-empowerment, acceptance and standing against bullying.
As a live performer, Locke has appeared at iconic venues including The Troubadour, The Roxy, The Viper Room, Hotel Café, Harvard & Stone and Portland Pride Festival, while also performing on the Main Stage at OUTLOUD Music Festival during WeHo Pride and as part of LiveOne’s Music Lives ON Festival. He has toured in support of Gavin Turek and has made television appearances on KCAL/CBS Morning Show Los Angeles and Great Day Houston.
His sophomore album, Phoenix, marked a creative evolution, exploring themes of transformation, hope and rebirth through a bold fusion of pop, rock and alternative R&B. The album led to a sold-out headline performance at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles, further establishing Locke as one of the city’s distinctive independent artists.
Beyond his recording career, Locke is the creator, producer and host of Doug Locke’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Cabaret, a monthly live music and variety show on the Sunset Strip that brings together musicians, burlesque performers, drag artists and special guests for immersive, themed evenings celebrating music, fashion and nightlife. Following successful seasons at Hotel Ziggy, the residency expanded to The West Hollywood EDITION, where it continues to showcase both emerging and established talent.
DISCOGRAPHY
Live at the Troubadour - (Album) - 2025
Phoenix - (Album) - 2023
Why? - (EP) - 2020
Black Travolta - (EP) - 2020
Blue Heart - (EP) - 2015
MUSIC VIDEOS
PRESS SAMPLE
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"Locke’s versatility shone through his seamless transitions between different styles and tempos. He delivered sultry R&B ballads with the same ease and confidence as he did upbeat, danceable anthems. Each costume change marked a new chapter in his performance, keeping the audience eagerly anticipating what would come next. Including a whip in one of his numbers was a bold move that added an edge to the performance, demonstrating Locke’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories. Beyond his stage presence and vocal talent, what truly impressed me was Locke’s ability to engage with his audience. His interactions felt personal and sincere, a testament to his grounded nature despite his rising star. Locke’s journey from Madame Siam to the mainstage at Outloud Fest is a testament not just to his talent but also to his perseverance and dedication to his craft. It’s a narrative of growth and evolution, marked by hard work and an unwavering commitment to artistic expression."
Derrick Lee, Blurred Culture
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Doug Locke delivers a captivating blend of pop and alternative R&B with a rock sensibility in his latest album, Phoenix. The album showcases Locke’s evolution and growth over a three-year period, symbolized by the title itself, representing hope, rebirth, and transformation, seamlessly blending 80s-inspired dance-pop with guitar-driven elements, all while incorporating disco and house influences for a modern twist. It’s got a little bit of everything, Phoenix serving as a must-listen album that effortlessly combines various genres into a cohesive and refreshing musical experience.
-Drew Filipski, Queerty
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When Doug Locke graced the stage, it was as if a beat dropped. Effortless taste and captivating swag rolled off of Doug with musicality. Everything from the attitude on his face to the spirit in his gait spelled purpose. With backup dancers in sync (Emily Chamberlain, Marlon Pelayo), he sang ‘#ThisCouldBeUs,’ while a guitarist in leopard print (Dakota Compain) shredded alongside him. Doug embodies many different eras – disco, rock, pop – and his voice penetrates a room like you’ve heard it before and need to hear it again. Complete with costume changes, sultry solos by Marlon and Emily, and Doug jumping into the crowd, they held nothing back for a full, fiery 50 minutes. Doug ended the set with his bingeable record ‘Black Travolta,’ but an encore begged the show to go on. Moving like he was born on stage, Doug and his crew closed the show with ‘Chokehold,’ the sizzling single off of his latest album Phoenix.
— Ari Tibi, We Found New Music
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For his new single “Black Travolta," Los Angeles-based artist Doug Locke didn’t merely sew a recognizable hook into an original song… he wove a total banger. Needling that iconic and unmistakable melodic funk riff from The Bee Gees’ disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” into an ecstasy-fueled Ennio Morricone soundtrack, “Black Travolta” turns up the disco bassline in this Spaghetti Western theme song to Full Throb.
— Rey Roldan, American Songwriter Magazine
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"Featuring some stunning '80s style dance-pop paired with country themes and guitar riffs and a bass toned voice that'll reverberate through your whole body, this song gives us everything from Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive' to Boney M's 'Daddy Cool'. 'Black Travolta' brings disco into the 2020s, while also giving Locke the chance to shout out his Texan roots once again, this time putting his pride in where he comes from at the forefront."
— Jenifer Gonsalves, Meaww Magazine
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"'Why?' is a question many people have been left asking themselves looking at the events of 2020. One of those people is singer-songwriter Doug Locke, whose new song of the same name directly addresses the violence faced by Black and LGBTQ people this year and throughout history. The brooding song condemns the 'epithets from Presidents as my brothers fall with no justice.'"
— Stephen Daw, Billboard Magazine
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"The standout track, “Why?,” is an alternative R&B song that resonates with an incredibly infectious melody and beat. Not satisfied with just a catchy song, “Why?” carries a massive punch that lasts long after the song ends."
— Logan White, Substream Magazine
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“Doug Locke is a sensual bisexual vampire in his latest music video “In or Out” and damn, we are definitely here for it. Co-written with his producer Eric McNeely, the certified bop blends elements of pop, rock, and dance with an infectious beat."
— Zachary Zane, Out Magazine
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"This song is just as much political commentary as it is fun groove and the featured artist brings a nice soulful balance to the digital, synth-based instrumentation that characterizes Locke’s sound."
— T. McClendon, AFROPUNK
“My mission is to add a little beauty to the world through my art and to inspire others to live in their truth. I believe that there is nothing more courageous than living a life of authenticity. Let us celebrate fierce individuality and practice radical self love though self acceptance and empowerment. I encourage you to take up space, raise your voice, be heard. Here’s to the outliers and the rebels who keep pushing the boundaries; I see you. In the words of Grace Hopper, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.”
So, be kind and leave this world a little better than you found it.”
— Doug Locke
INQUIRIES
info@thedouglocke.com