We were lucky to catch up with Doug Westcott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Doug thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have always been my biggest supporters. From me forcing them to listen to a new song I wrote, when I was just starting to write, to buying me merch to sell at shows, to driving me to Louisiana for a show at the Hard Rock Cafe on Burbon St in New Orleans. They have always supported me and Im always so greatful to have that in my life. They have never said anything negative and they are always offering encouragement. I was lucky enough to be blessed with two amazing parents. Love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for always believing in me and, more than anything, thank you for teaching me how to believe in myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Doug Westcott. I am a songwriter first, artist second, and musician third. I’ve been writing songs for 20 years and its my passion. The only feeling thats better than finishing a new song is performing it live in front of an audience.
I am a live looper or a 1 man band, if you will. Meaning I record a guitar riff onto a pedal at my feet. Then ill add a bass line and some percussion on the guitar, mixed with some vocal harmonies to give the effect of a wall of sound. Just like a full band, but its just me on stage. Ive been looping for 11 years. I found it the first time Ed Sheeran came to the US. I saw a video of him playing a song by himself and it sounded like a full band because he was using a loop pedal. That was the moment I knew I had to buy one. Then I locked myself in my room for 3 years and practiced. Started playing shows the following year and got addicted to the feeling of performing live. It was the best feeling I ever experienced. So I decided to chase it. 11 years later here I am. Still writing, still performing, and still trying to make an impact and connection with fans. I knew it was right for me because there was no better feeling in the world. It doesnt feel like work at all. It feels like purpose.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve been a solo Artist for the past 11 years, but I am an Original Artist and dont really play many cover songs. So I didnt play many shows where I am the “background music.” I played the kind of shows that are on a big stage with other bands. Im always the only solo Artist on the bill with a bunch of other full bands. So I always got the stares and heard the mumbles and questions like, “Wait, its just you?” Or “where’s you band bro?”
Being a live looper I am a 1 man band. So I was always the underdog at all the shows before I was known. Then after I would play a set those same people giving me weird looks and crazy mumbles would come up to me telling me how great of a show that was and asking questions of how I do what I do.
Its one of my favorite experiences when I can actually see their opinion of me change in real time while im performing. Its such a good feeling to be able to inspire.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Here’s the thing. We cant make a difference unless we can connect with you. I think the best thing society could do for original artists is to lend them your attention. Take in their words. You might be surprised how you feel afterwards. It may just sound like a song, but to us its a piece of Who We Are.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougwestcottmusic?igsh=MTRiMHRxN2NsczVoZw==
• Other: https://linktr.ee/dougwestcott88

Image Credits

Georgie Roe
Digital Dark Skies Photography by Elena
Greg Holleman