Interview with Goldy Locks and review about campaign, “Buy the Record, Not the Bod”

Goldy Locks, the dynamic frontwoman of The Goldy lockS Band and former pro wrestling personality, delivers a bold and necessary cultural statement with her new campaign, “Buy the Record, Not the Bod.” In a striking move that blends vulnerability with defiance, Goldy poses nude, covered only by physical copies of her music—not for shock value, but as a rallying cry for artist support and industry change.

The campaign calls out the harsh realities many independent musicians, especially women, face in the digital age, where streaming royalties are pitiful and the pressure to sexualize content is constant. Goldy’s message is clear: stop treating female artists as products, and start supporting their actual work. Her statement—“I’ll get vulnerable not for clicks, but to push a conversation that needs to happen”—underscores a deeper artistic integrity and resilience.

Her new single, “I Didn’t Know,” featuring Mickie James Aldis and The LACS, complements the campaign’s emotional core, weaving themes of betrayal and rediscovery. The campaign also celebrates the resurgence of physical media, reminding fans that vinyl, CDs, and merch are lifelines for indie artists.

Ultimately, Goldy Locks isn’t just challenging industry norms—she’s leading a movement. “Buy the Record, Not the Bod” is provocative, empowering, and vital, sparking a conversation that’s long overdue.

Hello Goldy Locks. What was the turning point that inspired you to launch the “Buy the Record, Not the Bod” campaign?

What a great question, thank you for asking.

I have a lot of powerful friends in the music industry, especially around Nashville. Many are managers, label heads, or own production companies. I’m a talented person with a lot to offer, and I know I can give someone a solid ROI.

But when I ask to be considered seriously, whether for acting roles, label interest, or tour support, I often feel looked down on. Too often, it turns into something inappropriate. I’m not being dramatic or delusional; I’m just repeating the kinds of comments I get. It’s like the only way in is through “sexy time,” and that’s just not me.

I would crush it in one of their films. Our band would be an incredible addition to their roster. But instead of opportunities, I’m met with suggestions like, “You should start an OnlyFans.” And honestly? That makes me want to throw up.

It’s heartbreaking, because these people have real power. They could change everything for us with the snap of a finger. But I’ve never been one for the casting couch. And I shouldn't have to be.

So one day, I just broke down and prayed: God, please help me find a way to shine a light on this. That’s where the idea for our campaign came from, raising awareness that artists and musicians shouldn’t have to sexualize themselves just to be seen.

It also ties into how broken the streaming model is. We pour our hearts, time, and money into our art, while giant platforms make fortunes off of us. It’s not just disheartening. It’s infuriating.

Your campaign has a bold visual statement. How did you decide to use nudity to make a point about agency rather than objectification?

Another great question and I really appreciate you bringing it up, because yeah, it’s a total oxymoron that I’m doing this campaign nude. Only really intelligent people seem to get what I’m doing. Honestly, even I don’t fully understand it sometimes, it just felt like divine intervention. What I do know is this: it’s not behind a paywall.

OnlyFans, to me, is basically digital prostitution. You’re getting paid to be sexual. What I’m doing? It’s G-rated, PG-13 at most, and even then, it makes me uncomfortable. I’m comfortable in my own skin, but the entire situation is still weird. That said... it grabs attention. It’s provocative, it’s shocking, and it’s pulling in millions of views.

Let’s be real, nobody gives a damn about another band. They don’t care about a new artist. They don’t care about music. People care about whatever wild, stupid thing scrolls across their feed. Every day feels like we’re living inside the movie Idiocracy.

Just look at the current viral Coldplay moment: two people allegedly had an affair, and it’s somehow national news. NATIONAL. Meanwhile, people do that every single day and there are way more important things we should be focused on. Social issues. Human issues. But instead? We’re making memes about a couple allegedly hooking up.

I knew I had to do something bold and out of the box just to get someone to care for two seconds. And you know what? It’s working.

Do I have a six-pack right now? Am I in wrestling shape? Hell no. But that’s the point. One of the deeper messages behind this campaign is for anyone out there who doesn’t feel “ready.” If the opportunity shows up, take it. Go for it. Even if it feels weird or uncomfortable.

I came up with this campaign myself. I’m doing it on my own terms. And damn it, I want people to think twice about how OnlyFans is being normalized as the go-to move for artists just trying to get seen. That’s not okay.

And let’s not forget about the absolute travesty that is streaming. These companies are making billions off of us. Off our art. It’s another parallel, artists being treated like whores again. We’re putting out music for free while they rake in the money.

At some point, we have to stand up and say: NO MORE.
Buy our music, or we’re done.
Pun fully intended.

Streaming platforms pay notoriously low royalties, how has this impacted your career, and what do you think needs to change?

Back in the day, you spent real money on recording, production, mixing, videos, the whole nine yards, and you actually got paid for your work. Now? You're expected to do all of that for free.

What other freaking business on this planet do you spend $150,000 to $200,000 on education, double that on gear, triple it on production, only to turn around and say, “Here you go, Apple Music. Here you go, Spotify,” and just give it away?

And the worst part? It’s become normalized. Just like OnlyFans. You're expected to give your art away for nothing.

How is it affecting me? Well, it leaves me with no money from my actual MUSIC. No income. No return. How fun is that?

How do you balance your roles as a musician, former pro wrestler, and entrepreneur while staying true to your message?

I just wake up everyday and pretend I'm in school. I try and allocate an hour to this an hour to that and just plow through the day until 20 hours have been spent and then I sleep for 4. Rinse and repeat. I've heard Lady Gaga say something similar in social media posts so I know I'm in good company!

What kind of response have you received from other women in the industry about your campaign?

It’s the women, 1000%, that bring tears to my eyes. Every. Single. Time. They get it. Without missing a beat.

Growing up, girls weren’t exactly kind to me. A lot of jealousy, backstabbing, just plain awful things in school. It left me thinking I’d never have solid female friendships. Outside of my longtime friends back in Minnesota and a few incredible girlfriends here in Tennessee, I honestly never expected the outpouring of support I’ve received from women on social media.

It blows my mind. It makes me emotional even typing this. Every comment, every message, it cracks my heart wide open in the best way. The way women have rallied around me and this project... it’s beyond anything I could’ve hoped for. They understand what I’m doing, deeply.

Even when I approached female-run businesses with a wild idea, asking if I could come in and do something bold, unheard of, maybe even a little crazy, they didn’t hesitate. Before I could even finish the sentence, it was like that Jerry Maguire moment: “You had me at hello.”

They said: “Go for it, Goldy. We’re here for you.” And I will always remember that.

Special shoutout to the manager at a certain fuel station who gave me a chance, and to Tammy, the powerhouse owner of Live True Vintage in Old Hickory, Tennessee, who welcomed me with open arms and a full heart. If you're ever in the area, go see this woman. Go visit that store. It’s absolute heaven.

You’ve mentioned this campaign was inspired by prayer. Can you talk more about that moment of clarity and how faith influences your art?

My God… seriously. How did you even think of these questions? I'm blown away. You don’t miss a beat, do you?

I pray all day, constantly. Every time something great happens for me or the band, I hear my mom’s voice in my head saying: “You get down on your hands and knees and thank God above for the opportunities He’s giving you.” She’s not here anymore, but that voice still echoes loud and clear. I’m always asking, “What do I do next?” And then I say, “Thank you… please guide me.”

One night I had a full-on dream of just running around Nashville in the buff. I woke up thinking, What kind of God or Creator would suggest that?! Then I looked up at the naked man on the cross in my home, part of a little shrine I have that honors many faiths. While I’m a Christian and celebrate Jesus Christ, our supporters come from everywhere, all walks of life, all faiths. Some have sent me Buddhas, Hindu icons, other spiritual pieces. I don’t worship their gods, but I gladly welcome them into the space. I figure it can’t hurt to ask those entities to look over my friends, too, along with my Jesus.

Everything I do, every project, every campaign, every wild idea I bring to the band, I honestly believe is just an extension of a higher power saying: “I can’t walk the earth the way you do… but could you please do this for me, in my name?”

And that’s why I’m so damn blessed to have the bandmates I do. They don’t just show up and play, they care. About people. About social issues. About giving back. They donate their time, energy, and hearts without ever blinking or asking “Where’s my pay? Other men, other artists might say, “No way.” But Rod Saylor, my long time TN BFF and our wonderful guitarist Johnny Oro say, “Let’s go.” So blessed. Always.

What do you want younger women entering the music industry to understand about self-worth and sustainability?

Where are you getting these questions?! Are you seriously for real right now?
You are going above and beyond, getting right to the root of this entire campaign, and I can't thank you enough. I'm truly blessed to have crossed paths with you, my friend.

I wish I could wrap my arms around every young woman in this industry and let her know just how beautiful, powerful, and talented she really is. That she deserves to feel like the princess we all dreamed of being when we were little girls. Let’s be real, every woman wants to feel special. Seen. Appreciated. Not for what we look like, but for what we bring to the table. For our talent. Our fire. Our ideas. Our hearts.

Too many times, I've had people dangle a carrot, promise me the moon… only to try and get me into bed. That’s the truth. And it’s not just me. There are so many young women out there who’ve been there, who gave someone a chance, hoping it would open a door, only to wake up alone and never hear from them again. Just ghosted. Like none of it mattered.

Here’s the hard truth: nobody's going to do the work for you. You want to believe someone’s going to help you for your talent, but deep down, you feel it in your gut when that’s not what they’re really after.

So to every woman reading this: Listen to that feeling. If something feels off, it probably is. If someone’s not in it for the right reasons, walk away. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do. You don’t need them. You’ve got YOU. You’ve got GOD on your side. And that’s more than enough.

How has the collaboration on your new single “I Didn’t Know” with Mickie James Aldis and The LACS connected with your larger message?

The connection to The LACS and Mickie James runs deep, it’s about fighting from a place of strength through vulnerability. It’s about asking for help and finding power in that.

Both The LACS and Mickie graciously gave their time, without asking for a single thing in return. They drove a long way, stepped away from touring, wrestling events, signings, even pay-per-views... just to shoot that video and promote the hell out of it when the single dropped.

They didn’t have to do any of that. But they did. Because I asked.

And let me be clear,  this wasn’t some weird, manipulative setup like what I talked about earlier. This wasn’t transactional. This was born from mutual respect and genuine friendship as artists, as professionals, as people.

There’s a lesson in that: don’t compromise yourself or your values. Instead, ask for help.

My dad used to say: “You know, Goldy, just ask. Worst they can do is say no… or tell you to go to hell.” And really, what’s the harm in that?

Ask. You might be surprised who shows up.

With vinyl sales rising again, what role do you think physical media plays in preserving artistic integrity?

I think it’s everything. Who didn’t race to the mall as a kid, to the record store, just to look, smell, and touch that brand-new album? Whether it was a CD, a cassette, or a vinyl… there was something magical about it. You’d stare at that cover art for hours, fall into the abyss of it, fantasize about that singer, want to be that artist. You’d dream of dressing like them, sounding like them. It lit up every sense in your body.

There’s nothing like that today. A stream? It’s passive. It’s empty.
An email invite for the biggest day of your life? Come on. I get it, money’s tight, but still, where’s the heart?

There’s got to be some way to hold on to something real. Something physical. Something that feels like it means something.

That’s what our "Buy the Record, Not the Bod" campaign is all about, tapping into that nostalgia, those senses, and that real human connection. You’re not just buying the music, you’re getting the experience.  We throw in stickers, a cup koozie, cool little surprises, stuff you can have on your desk, in your kitchen, in your car… just like the old days.

It takes me back to my skater buddies and me designing new tags for our gear. Or those cereal boxes that came with the hidden toy. We didn’t care about the cereal, we just wanted the prize inside. That’s what made it special. Physical media is everything. It connects. It lasts. And it damn sure matters.

Drummer Rod Saylor has launched his own spinoff with “Buy the Record, Not the ROD," and guitarist Johnny Oro has been part of your journey as well.  How have your bandmates influenced or amplified the message behind the original campaign?

I’m currently editing Rod Saylor’s “Buy the Record, Not the ROD” promo spots as we speak. His edition of the campaign is brand new, and I’m genuinely excited to see how both men and women respond to it.

I know Rod felt a little weird doing the promos. He’s very modest, he even told me, “A lot of people don’t see me naked.” It was definitely out of his comfort zone, but he believed in the message and took one for the team.

That said, he was extremely sensitive about the environment we shot in. If there was even the slightest chance a child could be present, he didn’t want to do it. And I respected the hell out of that. Because of that, we had to change up a few locations and actually cancel some we had already scheduled. Not everyone thinks about that level of care, but Rod did.

I asked him afterward if he wanted to keep going or if he felt uncomfortable contributing. He said a few things that really opened my eyes, stuff I hadn’t considered from a man’s perspective.

He said, “If a woman walks down the street nude, people celebrate it. It’s seen as bold, empowering. But if a man does it? He’s thrown in jail. Branded a pedophile or a pervert, unless he looks like a jacked firefighter in a G-string. Then it’s okay because he’s ‘hot.’”

That hit me. I’d never thought about that double standard before, and I really appreciated him sharing that perspective. Rod’s always been passionate about causes and bringing awareness to uncomfortable truths. That’s why our band works so well, we’re all on the same wavelength when it comes to integrity, authenticity, and standing for something bigger than ourselves.

Then there’s Johnny Oro, our guitarist. He’s the quiet one. Doesn’t say much. But when he does, it’s profound. And when he plays? That’s when he really speaks. His voice comes out through his riffs, his chord progressions, and the emotion in his hands. He doesn’t waste words. You won’t hear idle chatter from him on the tour bus. You’ll never hear him speak badly about anyone. I’ve never once heard him curse, complain, or throw shade. Ever.

He’s funny. He’s kind. And he literally plays the whole tour. He brings his acoustic, sits in the back… and when I hear something that makes my antennas go up, I ask: “What was that? Where did that come from?”  Then I grab my phone, hit record, and we go to town. That’s how our songs are born, spontaneous, real, and from the heart. We’re so grateful for Johnny’s voice. Even if it’s quiet, it always speaks volumes.

What’s next for you and the “Buy the Record, Not the Bod” movement — are there follow-up projects or collaborations in the works?

Thank you for asking. I don’t think people realize that anything that catches on or gets attention takes a long time in the making. Whether I feel like doing these spots or not, I stay consistent, because I committed to this campaign. And when I commit to something, I follow through until the job’s done.

Oh look, there’s that new Teddy Swims track. Isn’t he phenomenal? Yep… and he’s been around forever. That man has been hustling, grinding, and pounding the pavement for years. Same with Chappell Roan. People think they just “popped up.” Nah. They’ve been out here for a decade, putting in the work.

Our next collaborations are going to be a blast, some badass videos that are fun, pull in the community, and even include a public service announcement at the end encouraging people to volunteer as firefighters. Did you know 80% of America depends on volunteer fire crews?
I didn’t, until we started filming. That’s why we turned it into a PSA.

We’ve also got some darker content coming down the pipeline, basically mini horror films with powerful soundtracks. Visually stunning. Emotionally charged. Just really cool stuff we cannot wait to share.

Music is one thing… but when you pair it with visuals? It becomes something bigger. And like we talked about, physical media matters. It sticks with you. It means something.

Thank you for this amazing interview. Your questions were out of this world, just like you. I can tell you’re deeply passionate about your writing, and obviously incredibly talented. Thank you for including me, and for honoring our campaign, even if it’s a little wild at times.
Stay Golden. Goldy