Hailing from Evans, GA is independent artist SirLockeHolmes.
In a niche all his own, his music tastefully blends country, pop, folk and hip-hop. On July 5th, he released his latest summer banger, “Outlaw”. Within the first two weeks since its release, the track has been spun over 58K times on Spotify alone– adding to the collective 5M+ digital streams within his discography on the platform–which is an impressive feat for an unsigned artist this early in his career.
Recently, I spoke with SirLockeHolmes about his artistry, his latest single and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you share with us how you got your start? What made you want to pursue a career in music?
SirLockeHolmes: Music has always been around in my life, my father had the same dream as me but stopped once I was born. Ever since I was a kid, I was infatuated with music, but didn’t pick up writing and recording it until late high school. A few of my friends and myself decided to start a band called “Woodland Drive,” and we’d put out songs and we’d get so much positive feedback it just fueled us and really gave us hope that we can do this. I decided to go solo in 2022. While it was tough leaving the band, I felt it was the best decision for my music career and so far it’s panned out!
Kyla Pearson: Your music sits at the intersection of country, pop, folk and hip-hop– what inclined you to pursue this route? Which artists would you say influenced your sound? Given the unique stylistic blend of your music, how would you say it helps you appeal to a wider audience and sets you apart?
SirLockeHolmes: Before “SirLockeHolmes” I was “John Locke” and a part of a band called “Woodland Drive”. We made every genre you could think of, and that experience kind of moulded me into the artist I am today. Some of my most influential artists would have to be Aurora, Kacey Musgraves, The Fray, Zach Bryan, and I’d say Young Thug.
Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you wish to share through your artistry/music? Why is this message important to you?
SirLockeHolmes: I want to spread awareness on just being yourself, This is important to me because I feel to be a true artist, you have to know who YOU are!
Kyla Pearson: On July 5th, you released your latest catchy single, “Outlaw". Can you tell us a bit more about the track, as well as the songwriting and recording process behind it?
SirLockeHolmes: Going into “Outlaw,” I knew I wanted to tell a story. I ended up coming up with one about a man wanting better for his family & himself, and who is willing to do anything to reach that goal.
The process of making this song was really fun, as I worked alongside the talented Jesse Shirts who did the production/mix/mastering. I’d say he’s the one who really made this track!
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting for fans to listen to the track in order to fully experience it?
SirLockeHolmes: The ideal setting for this song would be on a late-night ride with the windows down for sure!
Kyla Pearson: One of your tracks, “Backroads Calling” surpassed 3M+ digital streams on Spotify alone. What has this accomplishment meant for you, especially so early on in your career and as an indie artist?
SirLockeHolmes: “Backroads Calling” reaching the 3M+ milestone means the world to me, because I almost didn’t put that song out to begin with! I was so close to deleting that song and starting a new one, but I decided to post a snippet of the chorus on TikTok. It immediately went viral, so I’d say the moral of the story is never delete your songs, finish them and see what they sound like as a whole!
Kyla Pearson: You’ve been releasing music under your current solo project for 2 years now. How has the journey been for you so far? Where do you hope to be in the next 5 years?
SirLockeHolmes: The music journey for me has been great so far, there’s been ups and downs for sure but definitely more ups. I’m glad that people are receiving my work and having a positive reaction, that alone means the world to me. In the next 5 years, I see myself being a household name and hopefully selling out arenas!
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play “Outlaw” live?
SirLockeHolmes: As of right night there are no shows booked, but that is sure to change within the upcoming months. So be on the lookout!
SirLockeHolmes. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Jul 16 2024.
SirLockeHolmes. “Outlaw” Spotify, SirLockeHolmes. Jul 5 2024.<https://open.spotify.com/track/1puLOV6sF1MQxZHHrG7Zbt?si=31ec4e740bfe4c95>.
Unknown. “Featured: SirlockeHolmes.”. Photo courtesy of SirLockeHolmes. Accessed Jul 17 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: SirlockeHolmes.”. Photo courtesy of SirLockeHolmes. Accessed Jul 17 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for SirLockeHolmes’ latest single, “Outlaw”.”. Photo courtesy of SirLockeHolmes. Accessed Jul 17 2024.
