Destin Conrad Speaks About Representations of Queerness, His Debut Album 'Love On Digital' and How Technology Has Transformed The Dating Space

Destin Conrad is one of the most talked-about young artists in the R&B genre right now, and for good reason. He has just released his highly anticipated debut studio album Love On Digital, to rapturous acclaim from fans and critics alike. The aforementioned album is a body of work that pays homage to many of the pioneers of the genre in the 2000s before him, whilst still managing to throw in his unique flair to each song. This album is a definite standout and will have people soaking up the sun. Boasting collaborations from some of the most sought-after names in the industry, including Kehlani and Lil Nas X, Destin is proving that he is ready to step into the limelight.

New Wave sat down with Destin to talk about the inspirations behind the album, representation of queer people in the industry and navigating relationships in this modern era.

Hey Destin, how are you feeling now that your debut album ‘Love On Digital’ is out and ready for people to hear?

I’m so excited and just ready to get out there and perform the songs.

With this album, did you have a different approach to creating it, compared to your previous projects?

Yes, I wanted everything to be more intentional. Everything is quite new to me in terms of the promotion side of it. With my previous projects, I just put out my EP’s and let them do what they did. With this album, I’m approaching everything in a bigger and bolder way, which is very exciting.

Was there a particular song on this record that you think really set the tone for everything?

‘Kissing In Public’ definitely. That was the first song I made. I had that song for about a year and a half before it came out. I knew I wanted the album to be fun, and I feel like that song captures that. Everything just followed suit after, for me that song was the catalyst.

You’ve collaborated with a lot of amazing artists on this record, including Lil Nas X, Kehlani, KWN and Sasha Keable. How did you go about picking the artists you wanted to be part of this journey with you?

Honestly, everyone I worked with are my friends. There are very few people whom I didn’t know prior to working with them on this album. I think that was a subconscious intention. I really wanted to feel comfortable when making this album, and I wanted to know what to expect when going in the studio.

You’ve said before that the tone of this record is quite playful and fun. Was there a reason behind that choice?

I feel like a lot of the music I made prior to this album is a little more introspective, and I kind of wanted this one to be more light-hearted. Eventually, I’m sure I will make some depressing music again. I knew this album would come out around the spring/summertime, so I wanted to create music that also reflected that. After my last tour, I had a realisation that I wanted to change direction and not have to keep singing these sad songs. So, touring and releasing the album when the sun is out played a role.

The production of the album was mainly handled by Louie Lastic and Mack Keane, what is it about their creative process that gels well with your way of working?

They’re just easy to work with, and like I said they are also my friends. I knew that going into this and working with them, I would be in safe hands. I’ve worked with Mack Keane on my previous project Submissive, and the same with Louie. Louie has basically had a hand in nearly all my work. I feel like they really understand me and understand what I intended to do with this album, so it just made sense.

Listening to this album, it is very reminiscent of early 2000’s R&B. Were there any artists or albums that you particularly went to in terms of what influenced this sound?

I listened to so much R&B from like 2000 to around 2008. I feel like there was a shift in R&B where the music became more digital, due to us having more accessibility to different software and programmes when creating music. That change in the R&B sound is what inspired me. In terms of artists and albums Justified by Justin Timberlake played a role, and I’m sure people can hear that influence, especially in songs like ’Kissing In Public’. Also, The Neptunes and Pharrell. That sound inspired a lot of this album. Brandy Full Moon, Rodney Jerkins and his productions. A lot of R&B from that era.

As well as evolving the sound of this record, you have also elevated your visuals, particularly with ‘Kissing In Public’, I love the little dance break in the video, have you always been a confident dancer? Did you train for it?

No, I definitely had to do some training. I did go to dance school when I was a kid, from the age of 10 to around 13. I was always a better singer though. However, because I did have that backing, it did make things a little bit easier. I think if I hadn’t gone to dance school, and just started dancing now, it would have been very difficult. I do want to keep training and hopefully see what that looks like for me down the road and maybe start incorporating it into my live shows. I probably won’t do it for this run because right now I’m more focused on getting everything right with my band. Maybe next tour though, I’ll have some dancing and bring some dancers with me.

That video also showcases real life couples from all walks of life, different genders, backgrounds and sexualities. How important is it for you to make sure that all people feel represented?

It is one of the main driving forces as to why I do what I do, especially when it comes to the representation of queer people and just gay men. I feel like there are not a lot of artists that write love songs about queer experiences and I’m just trying to take up space in that realm of music. I just want to make sure that I put myself forward as my authentic self as much as possible. I love and appreciate everyone who feels connected to it.

When it comes to live audiences, what do you think makes the UK audience stand out?

Personally, the UK is one of my biggest demographics. My biggest show was actually in London at KOKO, so it’s always great to perform my music on a bigger scale and see them connect with it. The UK just has a different energy that you can’t replicate. Honestly, London and the UK in general has always been one of my favourite places to perform.

What songs on the album do you think are going to translate particularly well in a live setting that people might not expect?

I think maybe ‘Make It Up’, probably one of the slower ones are going to be a nice little break in between the more upbeat ones. Right now, we’re still figuring all that out so it’s hard to say, but I think those ones will be very interesting to perform.

In the studio, do you normally go into sessions thinking about what sounds you think will work in a live setting?

Not normally, but with this album I did find myself consciously thinking about the live shows, because I have now been able to go on tour more. So now I have that experience it’s hard not to take it into account. I didn’t want to make a bunch of sad songs and have a really depressing set. I want people to dance, have fun and feel free.

Why did you decide to call the album Love On Digital?

It was my nod to the digital era of R&B, but it also took on a different meaning. I was in a situationship that was long distance, and I started thinking about it in terms of navigating a relationship using technology like face time, which I realised I’m not a fan of. Initially, it was my nod to the digital era of music and how now we create music to be put out on digital platforms.

Off the back of that and the themes of love, lust and relationships that you explore in the album, when it comes to dating, what are your red flags?

Love bombing! I really enjoy the process of getting to know somebody and love experiencing that. I don’t like it when there’s a pressure of becoming a couple instantaneously. When things move too fast, I freak out a bit and remove myself, which is something that I’m working on. I’ve noticed that the situationships and relationships I’ve been in where we were friends first, I care about them more, because I get to see the different layers and sides to them.

Finally, what do you want your fans to take away from this album?

I just want people to have a good time, I want people to dance, I want them to move, I want to make people feel good. The goal with this album isn’t to make people think too much, I just want people to vibe with it. That probably won’t be the case for all my albums, maybe my next album, I might make it more thought provoking. With this album though, I wanted it to be light-hearted, fun and enjoyed in the sun.

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