With “If I could say” out now, we took some time to hear from William Locks. Read below to learn more about William Locks, the story behind “If I could say,” and what’s to come.
Hi William Locks! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
My name is Willem van der Sluijs, in English people are calling me William. My last name, van der Sluijs means: from the locks (as in ship lock). A producer in the past called me “Mister Locks” for this reason. That’s how after some time the name “William Locks was born.” Easier to pronounce for people who are not Dutch.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
Born in Spijkenisse in the Netherlands. Living in a small village called Nieuw Lekkerland.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I’ve been writing songs my whole life. I’ve written a lot of songs for other people. English songs, but most of all Dutch songs. There are a couple of Dutch songs from me on Spotify and other platforms. But recently I decided to only release English songs from now on.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
For me, it’s more about what the songs tells and not so much about the music style. I can create small songs with only a piano or a big funky song (hint). So, it’s more that the music must support and tell the story of the song. When it’s an emotional song, it will be different then with a upbeat happy and funky song of course.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I love to write, song texts, but also poems or just a journal. I love to weld. I’ve been a welder for years. Now I’m in a sales function in the welding branch. But still love to weld in the weekends or for a client for example purposes.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I love artists who can translate a feeling to song lyrics. I don’t have any love for songs in which the artist tells how good they are, how bad others are, or other big boss stuff. Just be real and try to help people. If my songs can help anyone, it’s already a success. There is too much pain and suffering in this world. So if music can help process it or help to let something go…I’d love to write for that purpose. So, artists like Louis Capaldi, Dean Lewis or even James Bay are some musical influences.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Actually, it’s this song I just released, my first English song called “If I could say.” Because for me personally, it’s a bit of processing and now also closure.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Tomorrow is not a certainty, so make sure you always seek love and peace towards your neighbor. And also: People will think something anyway, so do what you love and do it with all your heart.
Now onto your release, “If I could say.” What inspired this song? What is “If I could say” about?
It’s a bit of processing. Years ago, I lost my (ex) girlfriend in a car accident. Although the relationship had been over for about two months, it was obviously devastating. Especially when, after a while, I began to realize what an “a**hole” I’d been to her. Years passed, and my personality and being changed dramatically for the better. But with that, I also increasingly felt that sense of self-awareness and guilt. Because I realized that no matter how much I changed for the better, I would never be able to show her again, or even more painfully: never be able to apologize to her again. Three years ago, I wrote the song, “If I could say,” about this. It’s now closed, processed, and I’m at peace about it. Also towards myself. Now it was time to release this song. Because this feeling might be relatable to others, and if not, perhaps the realization will come through through this song.
What was the creative process like when making “If I could say?”
To be honest, sometimes emotional. But, it was a honor to work with musicians and producer who would like to stay anonymous. But, they helped me a lot and gave the song the attention it deserved.
How long did it take to complete “If I could say?”
In total, 3 years. I drafted a raw version 3 years ago. The the project paused. A year ago, I rewrote it and made the choice to share it with the world. So, in the last 6 months, the most things happened.
What is your favorite lyric in “If I could say” and why?
“If heaven had a line to call, I would say sorry most of all.” Read above for why.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “If I could say” and your music in general?
Be kind, live with honor and self-respect and respect for others. If you can help someone, always try to.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Right now, there are some songs in the “pipeline” release – dates aren’t set yet, but will follow soon. Songs titled: “Not meant to stay” about a love that was real, but wasn’t meant to stay as it turned out. “Promise” is a duet with a female singer that I can’t announce yet. A song about the promise you make in a relationship. You can’t change each others past, but you can promise each other the future. Other titles are: “Tell me what it’s like,” “From the day I met you,”’ and “Someone who loves you.”
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamlocksmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@williamlocksmusic
Before you go, let’s ask you a random question. What is your favorite food?
LASAGNA!! I just love lasagna, people have called me “Garfield” in the past because of my love for lasagna.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
