The Indie Boulevard Music Awards 2024 are fast approaching, and with them comes the excitement of discovering who this year’s nominees will be. The voting is set to kick off soon, and the anticipation is already building. Behind the scenes, the jury—entrusted with this significant task—has been revealed, and among them is songwriter and performer Michelle Lockey.

photo by Melody Yazdani

Michelle’s inclusion feels fitting. A musician who knows firsthand what it means to be heard and recognized, she understands the weight an award like this carries for independent artists. In this conversation, she talks about her reaction to joining the jury, the qualities she looks for in great music, and why authenticity matters more than ever. At its heart, her approach is refreshingly simple: how does the music make you feel? It’s a question as old as art itself, but one that cuts through the noise. With new projects on the horizon and a seat at the jury table, Michelle offers a grounded perspective on indie music in 2024—a place where the rules are breaking, anything goes, and sometimes, a single song is enough to keep an artist moving forward. Yet, despite the honor of being a jury member, Michelle is about to face a daunting challenge: selecting the best of 2024’s indie artists. It’s a task that promises to be difficult, fascinating, and electrifying—a process that will test her ability to balance heart and discernment.

Hello Michelle! So, the names of the Indie Boulevard Music Awards 2024 jury have been announced, and you are one of the three experts entrusted with this important role. Wow! How did you react to this news? Was it a surprise for you, and how did you feel when you found out you’d be part of this team?  

I was really excited to be selected as a jury member! It was a surprise. I feel honored to be part of the team and can’t wait to hear the submitted music. 

What qualities do you consider most important for fairly evaluating the nominees’ work?  

An honest, open and excited mind as well as being a music lover. 

In your opinion, how important are awards like this for independent artists and their careers? Have similar awards or nominations ever helped you in your own career?  

I think awards like this are important for independent artists. It makes us feel heard, seen, and most importantly that our music is touching lives. I have received several awards and nominations, and been on the red carpet in Hollywood! It is such a boost to morale! The contests help to build notoriety, create buzz, help to be seen as a serious music professional.  

You’re well known as a songwriter and performer. How does your experience in the music industry influence how you evaluate other artists?  

I evaluate artists based on authenticity, performance, songwriting- is it emotive, are the lyrics meaningful, does it make me feel something? 

What’s the first thing you pay attention to when listening to new music?  

I close my eyes and ask myself: How does this music make me feel? Does it instantly capture my attention and evoke a feeling?  

Tell us about what you’re working on at the moment. Are there any new projects, albums, or collaborations you’d like to share with our readers?  

I have been releasing Christmas music this month. And I have a new single, Dig Deeper, that I have yet to decide when to release. This song is about keeping going when the road to your dreams seems like it will never be reached.  It is currently available to those who join my community, however. I am also writing briefs with a few co-writers for music licensing in Film/TV. I am working on more original music performance shows this year as well!

How does being part of the jury inspire you as a creative individual? Do you perhaps discover something new in the music of emerging artists?  

Being part of the jury inspires me to keep creating. Also I look forward to listening to emerging artists’ music and seeing what kind of creativity is out there. 

What changes or trends in indie music have you noticed over the past year?  

Seems like anything goes. I like music that does not follow mainstream “rules” and does something different.  

If you could give one piece of advice to the nominees, what would it be?  

Believe in yourself! The road is hard, but keep on going!

And finally: what inspires you to stay in the industry and continue creating music?

I have to say that I have felt like giving up many times. This is a tough business. Having award contents like this, and winning or being nominated definitely helps me to keep going as well as having groups of like minded people to provide support.  Also, hearing from fans on how my music affects their lives gives me the lift to keep creating. You never know who you may touch.