Damon Locks

Damon Locks is a multifaceted artist based in Chicago, known for his work as a visual artist, educator, vocalist, musician, and deejay. With a career spanning decades, he has been involved in various projects within Chicago's underground music and art scenes. Locks was a member of the band Trenchmouth and co-founded The Eternals. He has also collaborated with notable artists such as Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra and Nicole Mitchell. In recent years, he has led the Black Monument Ensemble, which has released albums like "Where Future Unfolds" and "NOW." Additionally, Locks has been involved in educational projects, including teaching art at Stateville Correctional Center as part of the Prison and Neighborhood Arts/Education Project.

Locks' work often blends music with visual and educational endeavors. He has produced cover art for numerous albums and has been recognized with awards such as the Helen Coburn Meier and Tim Meier Achievement Award and the 2016 MAKER Grant. In 2023, he collaborated with Rob Mazurek on "New Future City Radio," exploring themes of community and transformation. Locks continues to innovate, recently announcing a project focused on spoken and text-based work titled "List of Demands".

Genres

Free Jazz

Experimental

Ambient

Soul

Alternative Rock

Jazz

Art Rock

Avant-garde

Funk

Post-punk

Afrobeat

Spoken Word

Free Improvisation

Indie

Related Artists

Kendrick Lamar

J. Cole

Pharrell Williams

Thundercat

Khruangbin

Denzel Curry

Chance the Rapper

Lupe Fiasco

BADBADNOTGOOD

Common

Bilal

Robert Glasper

Latest Release

Isn't It Beautiful

Damon Locks

Single - Released January 31, 2025