Luke Leetham is one of Salt Lake's newest favorite queer pop artists

Luke Leetham is still at the beginning of his music career, but he regularly graces stages up and down the Wasatch Front and in San Francisco, including Youth Pride at last year’s Utah Pride Festival.

Known to some as “one of Salt Lake City’s favorite queer pop artists,” Leetham’s music is upbeat and contemplative at the same time.

He just dropped a new song, “Empty” June 16, which he says is about “celebrating loneliness.”

Please tell me about how you got involved in a music career.

I got involved by just doing it! I put my mind to it and pushed and pushed. I watched a lot of DIY videos on YouTube and just experimented with different agencies and companies who wanted to help me expand my career. I’ve played countless shows and have collaborated with a lot of artists. I learned when and where to put myself. I guess, all in all, I was and continue to be good at being in the right place at the right time.

What drives you to produce music?

I want to be the best I can possibly be. I try and produce/write something every day. Even if it’s total crap, I see the idea through. This art form requires practice constantly. I also just love it and can’t imagine spending my time any other way.

If you’re in the shower belting a song, who are you singing?

I love to pretend I can sing along to Demi Lovato. They hit notes that are so unbelievable! I love to sing along to “Cool For The Summer” by them. Does it sound good? Probably not [laughs] but it’s fun practice!

What other musicians have helped shape your music?

I’ve pulled inspiration from so many artists. I’d say my biggest inspirations at the moment are JORDY, Gorillaz, and Kim Petras.

Who would be a dream musician to collaborate with?

I would totally lose it if Kim Petras did a song with me. I have no clue what it would be about or how we’d do it. I just know I could die happy if she hit me up!

Tell me how being in the LGBTQ community affects your music.

I think being queer helps me approach music at a different angle. I can write a love song or a breakup song and make it simple, but have it be queer.

I’d also say that the LGBTQ community is the most supportive community for new music. I’m always getting hyped up by my community. It’s the best!

What are your short-term and long-term dreams and goals?

I would say my short term goal is to play a festival soon. I don’t really care what it is. I just want to do it!

Long term goal would be to release another album and reach an audience that would be excited if I toured! Big stuff, but I think I can do it!

Is there anything else you’d like the LGBTQ+ readers of QSaltLake Magazine to know?

If you want fun music to jam out to, and want to support a local gay boy, stream Leetham, come to a show, buy some merch! Anything and everything helps. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people backing me, specifically the queer community. Thank you for your continued support! Love y’all!

Leetham will be at Metro Music Hall supporting Blindlove on July 6 and The DLC at Quarters supporting Girlfriend On the Moon July 28. He’s often seen at Kilby Court and The Boardwalk in Orem. His new song can be heard on all of the music channels.

You can find more information about Leetham on his LinkTree, linktr.ee/Leetham