Joseph Dockery Steps Into the Spotlight at Bar Lubitsch

Joseph Dockery Steps Into the Spotlight at Bar Lubitsch

There’s a certain magic that happens when an artist steps into an unfamiliar format and makes it feel like home. That’s exactly what singer/songwriter Joseph Dockery brought to the first‑ever Almost Acoustic Showcase at Bar Lubitsch, presented by We Found New Music. Known for his genre‑blending studio work and his long‑running residency at Delilah, Dockery arrived with a stripped‑down setup, a drummer on a sample pad, and a willingness to experiment. What followed was a set that revealed the raw charm beneath his bossa‑nova‑meets‑alt‑rock sensibilities — and the easy charisma that has made him a fixture in both the LA lounge world and the indie scene. Before his performance, Dockery sat down with us to talk about his roots, his unexpected Bruno Mars moment, his creative partnership with Luci, and the ten‑song album he’s gearing up to release this summer.

First of all, what do you think of our local Los Angeles music scene, and how do you fit in?
I think the LA music scene is really spread out. There are so many different types of music being played here. There’s actually a surprisingly big rock scene — a lot of live performers with full bands, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect in today’s world, but it’s pretty great.

I’m originally from Chicago, and the music scene out there was really cool. So when I came to LA, I was a little nervous. But I’ve found my place here.

Let’s talk about the two songs you have on Spotify and the inspirations behind them.
Yeah — the two songs I have out are Off and On and What You Do To Me.

Off and On came out about a year ago. It started as a rock song, and a lot of people tell me it sounds like Arctic Monkeys. I wasn’t trying to go for that, but it’s cool that people hear that influence. The production is pretty raw and simple, and I ended up layering a lot of harmonies. I didn’t even realize how much I liked doing stacked harmonies until I got into the studio and started experimenting.

What You Do To Me has this bossa‑nova‑ish feel at the beginning, and then it shifts into more of an alt‑rock vibe. It actually started as two separate song ideas that I ended up combining. I’d never really heard that kind of genre blend before, so it was an experiment — but I think it worked. When I listen back now, there are things I’d tweak, but overall I’m happy with it. It has a beachy, breezy rock feel. They’re two very different songs, but I like that contrast.

You had a surreal moment at Delilah when Bruno Mars joined you for Christmas. Tell me about that — how it came about and what you were thinking while it was happening.
I’ve had a residency at Delilah in West Hollywood for about three years now. I play guitar for a singer — it’s mostly lounge music, and a lot of people come through.

That night, Bruno Mars was there. He didn’t get up and play with us, but the drum kit was right behind him. We were playing “Blue Christmas” or something like that, and he leaned over and started tapping along with his finger. It was pretty surreal.

After the set, I went up to say hi and told him, “I think you’ve got what it takes to join the band.” He laughed. It was a funny, cool moment.

Your weekly residency at Delilah has become a signature part of your career. How has performing in that environment influenced your musicianship or your understanding of audiences?
Playing there has taught me a lot about engaging with a crowd. Most people aren’t really paying close attention — they’re eating, talking, hanging out — but we still get a great reception. I think that’s because we try to draw people in.

I’ve learned that the best shows are the ones where you feel a connection with the person on stage. So instead of sitting there in my own world, I try to groove, look at people, and be present. It’s taught me how to be more of a showman. And the residency has lasted a long time, so I guess it’s working.

What can one expect from your show here tonight at Bar Lubitsch?
Tonight is an acoustic night — and my music is very much not acoustic — so it’s been a creative curve. I’m playing with my drummer, who usually plays loud rock drums, but tonight he’s using a small sample pad and keeping things simple behind my guitar.

It’s a cool vibe, something I haven’t really seen before. It’s an experiment, but I think it’ll go well. The last show I did was full band and loud; this one is going to be much more chill.

If you could open for any artist, living or from the past, who would you choose and why?
Maybe The Beatles. They’re the first band everyone listens to, but even now, I’ll hear a Beatles song and think, “Dang, this still feels fresh.” That would be amazing.

For living artists, I’ve been really into Father John Misty lately.

Any chance of new material on the way?
Yes — I have a full album recorded. I’m planning to release singles leading up to it, starting this summer. It’s a ten‑song album, and I’m excited to finally put it out.

Tell me about your performing partner Luci at Delilah.
We actually met when we were 16 in high school in Chicago. We moved to LA at different times but reconnected when we both started playing at Delilah. She’s one of my best friends, and I play in her band. She makes pop music, and she’s playing right after me tonight — I’ll be playing with her too.

We’ve played hundreds of hours together, so we have a really solid musical connection. She’s definitely my closest collaborator.

And when people walk away from your show tonight, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they have a good time. I hope they dance, enjoy themselves, and feel connected — to the music and to each other.

In Conclusion

In a city overflowing with talent and noise, Joseph Dockery stands out not by turning up the volume, but by leaning into authenticity — the harmonies he stacks instinctively, the genre blends he chases without fear, the connections he builds one room at a time. Whether he’s reimagining his songs for an acoustic showcase or trading jokes with Bruno Mars at Delilah, Dockery carries an ease and sincerity that make his performances feel personal, even in the most unexpected settings. With a ten‑song album on the horizon and a creative partnership that continues to evolve, he’s stepping into a new chapter — one defined by curiosity, craft, and a genuine desire to bring people together. If tonight is any indication, Joseph Dockery is just getting started.

(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Scott Waters)

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