GRANT KNOCHE has been building toward this moment for most of his life.
The Dallas-born, Los Angeles–based LGBTQ+ pop artist, whose journey spans from performing with Kidz Bop to placing fourth on NBC’s American Song Contest, is now stepped fully into the spotlight with his debut headlining tour. The run followed the release of his latest album, GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME, which earned praise in a recent Stardust Magazine feature and showcases Knoche’s evolution as a self-produced artist.
Known for delivering high-energy performances that blend sharp choreography with intimate, piano-driven moments, Knoche said this tour represented a new level in his career. Nearly a decade into calling LA home, the city holds special significance as he prepares to debut new material live for the first time. With viral tracks like “FIRST HELLO” and production credits for major artists including Christina Aguilera and ADÉLA, Knoche continues to build momentum both onstage and behind the scenes.
Q: This is your first ever headlining tour congratulations What has surprised you most about being the one at the top of the bill this time?
GRANT KNOCHE: Hey Gayety! First of all, it still feels insane to even say that I’m on my first headlining tour. This is something I’ve dreamed about for so long so actually doing it is the coolest feeling. I’ve done tons of festivals and opened for other artists but most of the time not everyone knows you yet so part of it feels like you’re tryna win the crowd over. But the wildest part about a headline tour is that everyone in that room is there for me. They’re singing every word, they know every hit, and every beat. It’s surreal to look out and see that energy.
Q: You said each night has been “unreal” with fans singing every word. Was there a moment on tour when it really hit you that things were changing?
GRANT KNOCHE: One of my favorite moments so far was opening night when I performed TALK. That song was already meant to be super upbeat and danceable but seeing real people jumping, dancing, and fully losing themselves in it… that hit different. It was this moment where I felt like “ok I actually did what I set out to do with this track”. The human connection was just insane.
Q: LA has been home for almost a decade. What makes performing here feel different from anywhere else?
GRANT KNOCHE: Los Angeles is my home now so getting to perform here and see so many friends and family in the crowd is such a full circle moment. But it’s also one of the biggest music hubs in the world and performing here always feels like a huge milestone.
Q: What can fans expect from the Moroccan Lounge show that they haven’t seen from you before?
GRANT KNOCHE: This is my first tour performing with dancers and this level of production so it’s definitely different from any LA show I’ve done before. I also feel like I’ve grown so much as an artist and human since my last LA show and I can’t wait to bring that growth to the stage.
Q: This show will mark the first time you’re performing some of the new album live. How does it feel to bring these songs from the studio to the stage?
GRANT KNOCHE: While I’m writing so many of these songs, I’m constantly imagining what they’ll feel like live. the lights, the movement, the emotion. So getting to live that out is so exciting. I just really hope they translate and connect with the audience the way they do with me.
Q: If you had to choose one track on the album that captures where you are in your life right now which one would it be and why?
GRANT KNOCHE: Oh my gosh I think I’d have to say I MISS YOUR LOVE really captures where I’m at. This year has been such a massive build up to the album and the tour! But at the same time, everything has moved so fast. You spend one night with a city having the best time ever and then you’re already traveling to the next one. I just keep finding myself really missing that love and energy after I leave. But I’m truly soaking in every moment.
Q: Stardust Magazine praised the project how does it feel to see the album resonating so deeply so quickly?
GRANT KNOCHE: It feels unreal! I spent the last two and a half years pouring my heart and soul into this project, so seeing all the love has been crazy. Music is so subjective. You never know how people will react but every review, every reaction, every post has been so positive and so sweet. After doing this for so many years, it finally feels like I’m growing in the way I’ve always hoped to as an artist. It feels really really good.
Q: You’ve had such a unique journey from Kidz Bop to American Song Contest to producing for icons like Christina Aguilera. What part of that trajectory has shaped you the most?
GRANT KNOCHE: They all shaped me in different ways but honestly Kidz Bop probably shaped me the most. It was such a huge opportunity at such a pivotal age. I could’ve easily walked away from that experience and decided to go back to school and not pursue music. But instead, it made me want it even more. It made me fall in love with the creation of music and being an artist.
Q: Your performances blend choreography with emotional intimate moments. How do you find the balance between big production and raw vulnerability?
GRANT KNOCHE: I’ve always been obsessed with emotional lyrics over a sick gritty beat. That contrast is so interesting to me. But more than anything, I focus on crafting a feeling. Whether that’s confidence, euphoria, heartbreak, nostalgia, or high speed love… I just want people to feel something.
Q: FIRST HELLO was a viral moment for you. Did that change the way you approached this album?
GRANT KNOCHE: Definitely! FIRST HELLO was such a vulnerable song for me to share and it connected with people in a different way that my music before that time has. After that, I really challenged myself to be more raw and more honest in my writing because I know how many people relate to that and how much it can help.
