#i call him a garageband wizard

[brulermag]

The Chester Lockhart Interview

Tell me a little bit about your childhood.

I grew up in Southern California in a white trash town. I was obsessed with theatre, dance, choir, Hollywood musicals from 1950, Whitney Houston, etc. and I did NOT FIT IN. My parents are very conservative Christians... so there was a lot of conflict there being gay and dealing with accepting that. I was bullied relentlessly because I couldn’t help but be my odd self and eventually I just learned to own it, then the bullying stopped. I eventually went out on my own and immediately moved to LA and started working in the entertainment industry.

What are five things people don't know about you?

As a teen I was so deep in the “scene.” I had side bangs, a mullet, girls jeans. I exclusively listened to death metal for a few years: Suicide Silence, Job For A Cowboy, Impending Doom, etc.

I have probably seen every movie musical from 1940-1955. Gene Kelly was my first crush and made me realize I was gay.

I’m equal parts Korean, Japanese, Danish, and Norwegian.

I’m lactose intolerant.

I have a lazy eye.

We know you mainly from Todrick's Whimsical Youtube videos inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Disney inspirations. Tell me about that experience and that relationship.

Todrick is my best friend in the world, literally my sister and mother rolled into one. Toddy and I met doing Hairspray the Musical. Then a little while later, I started working as his assistant, and went to work and live with him for years. We literally would spend 22 hours a day together and became inseparable. He and I just get each other and we turn to each other for advice on everything, whether it’s about our creative projects, love, fashion, everything.

Talk to me about Glen Coco. That video went viral and you are perfection in it.

That was actually a last minute thing. We got into the school to film and we had such limited time to throw the video together and we realized no one was there to be Glen Coco and I jumped in right then. Luckily, it went well but it almost didn’t happen at all.

You're a Producer. Tell me about that.

Well I’m both a Video Producer and Music Producer. Working with Todrick I wore every hat behind the scenes so I would set up every video shoot, hire talent, sometimes help with choreography, get locations and equipment and sometimes film stuff.  As a Music Producer, I didn’t have too many friends growing up and I had a very active imagination, so I would tinker in GarageBand and eventually taught myself how to produce music, but it was a long time before I told anyone about it.

We share a horoscope sign: Aries. So are you a natural born leader too and love Cheez Its as much as I do?

I definitely only know how to be myself!! I can be a little controlling sometimes but I try to be open to suggestion. One of the reasons I do everything myself (music, videos, art direction) is because I have such a strong point of view and can’t bare to let other people do anything.

Okay, let's talk about "Save Me From Myself" a beautiful single that really showcases Chester front and center. The video is gorgeous too (directed by you).

Thank you!! The song is all about how we can get sucked into this age of Instagram and Hollywood where we see people posting pictures of their luxury cars and beautiful mansions but underneath people are completely broken and unhappy. I filmed the video in decrepit parts of Las Vegas and felt because the subject matter was so dark it would be a nice contrast to have it be this odd karaoke video so we can also sing along to how messed up we are.

What does your music mean to you vs. Making music for someone else.

I have a pretty vibrant personality but I find that the darker times in my life are what inspires my music. So each song captures an important moment in my life and I try to make that song feel exactly like the mood I was in. For other people, I stay true to myself but I find it is naturally a little more upbeat.

What are preconceived notions people always have about you?

That I am always “on.” People either see me being a glittery unicorn in a Youtube Video or being some dark depressed boy in chains. But really I’m somewhere in between. I also get “Wow, you’re actually kind of intelligent,” or “I didn’t think you would care so much about real world issues.” ….Surprise! She cares.

What are 3 bad habits you have?

When I go on one date with someone, I start planning out the rest of our lives immediately. What color are the table cloths at our $10 Million wedding? Where will we keep all 200 of the doves for the reception? etc.

I compare myself to everyone and everything. Even if its not in my lane or even my freeway…. I’ll find a way to make myself feel inadequate.

I drool when I sleep on planes. Every. Time.

What are your TV Show guilty pleasures?

Maybe not a guilty pleasure but I have always been obsessed with late night anime. Also, anything featuring Tiffany New York Pollard.

Thoughts on Trump's America.

Not a fan.

Name 2 people who really ride or die for you.

My best friend, Todrick, is always going above and beyond for our friendship. He’s one of those people that is in a competition with himself to be “#1 best friend of all time.” He’s always incredibly supportive and also puts me in my place when I need it. Same thing with my mom. She’s such a fierce Korean business dragon. She always pushes me to go above and beyond what I expect from myself. She also makes bomb  Kimchi Jjigae.

What's the sexiest you've ever felt?

I’m not a particularly “sexy” feeling person. But when alone in my room, humidifier on full blast so it looks like fog while dancing to “I’m Your Baby Tonight” that’s when I’m really a sultry 80’s goddess.

If you had LGBT children sitting in a room with you for two hours, what would your message be to them?

Learn to forgive. Forgive those who don’t understand you or what you’ve gone through. Forgive yourself for whatever shortcomings you think you have. We are all on this earth for a short time, learn to have love in your heart for everyone and everything, even those who may try to hurt you. No more hatred.

If you could do any job for a week what would it be?

Dr. Pimple Popper’s assistant. Dream Job.

Talk to me about the lush Roses EP.

I had been sitting on a lot of music material for a long time and I hadn’t told anyone about it so kind of at the spur of the moment I just finished up a few songs I had written at the beginning of 2016 (with the exception of “The Man I Love” which is a cover of a classic Gershwin Brothers song from the 1920s). I was in a weird funk, dealing with some health issues, and watching a lot of Turner Classic Movies. I was hearing tons of really robust string arrangements in these classic film scores and that combined with my glumness, produced an EP about beautiful but difficult times. I produced and recorded the whole thing in my closet.

Will we be expecting an album for 2018 to make our lives better?

I’m currently working on a project called “When Night Falls.” Can’t tell you exactly what it will be yet, but I’m going to be releasing new material constantly this year.

What is your favorite pair of underwear and why?

Marco Marco briefs. It’s like a warm hug for your butt.

What can we expect from you in 2018 Overall?

Content that will make you feel love, loss and everything in between. Also I’ll be starring in a show at the Paris hotel in Vegas with Scheana Shay from Vanderpump Rules until May 6th. It’s a subtle show called “Sex Tips.”

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Interview By: Xavii Matisse ©

XAVII MATISSE

JANUARY 16, 2018

#chester lockhart