Check out our interview with British soul-drenched pop singer-songwriter Billy Lockett who just released his debut album Abington Grove via Photo Finish Records, alongside new focus single “Don’t Be Hard On Yourself”.
In the single, “Don’t Be Hard On Yourself” Lockett sends out a heartfelt message of self love and powering through the dark days. “Don’t be so hard on yourself is about muting the constant voice in your head telling you that you’re not good enough. It’s about self-love and realizing that doing your best is enough and you are enough. Since writing this song I’ve used this as a mantra for my life, it’s really helped me personally. Hopefully, it helps others too,” confides Billy. With stunning falsetto singing cathartic melodies over soul-stirring piano, “Don’t Be Hard On Yourself” is an anthem of self acceptance.
Billy Lockett has supported the likes of Lana Del Rey and Lewis Capaldi and has amassed over 125 million collective streams. Coming from a background of struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, Billy’s journey continues in a positive new direction.
Follow Billy @billylockett
Hi Billy, please tell us a little about you?
Hi I’m Billy Lockett and I’m a singer-songwriter from Northampton.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Positive, worrier, ambitious
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I got into the industry when I was about 18 years old professionally but I started making music when I was 8 years old.
How has this changed your life?
This is my life, I literally don’t think about anything else, I’m so obsessed with everything to do with this job that I need to sometimes remind myself to eat. Haha
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Emotive, honest, vibey
Tell us about your debut album “Abington Grove” via Photo Finish Records?
Abington Grove is my debut album, it’s named after the street my dad’s house was on and this is also the house I grew up in and wrote and recorded the whole album. It couldn’t be called anything else in my eyes. I created it with my producer Barney Cox in the cellar of the house and it’s basically a document of my whole life over the last ten years. It’s heavily mental health based and you can kinda tell that from pretty much every song title, it’s either a positive or negative moment my head was going through at the time. The songs involve heartbreak, love, death, addiction and all the different mindsets that go along with those life situations. I honestly love it so much and I’ve never been this proud of anything I’ve done before.
And about your new single “Don’t Be Hard On Yourself?”
“Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” is a message to myself really, it’s about telling yourself that trying your best is enough and that all the worries you feel each and every day are normal. Everyone feels those things and so yes this song is special, it’s kinda been a therapy for me.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding part of the job is the live shows, when you get to hear people singing the songs back to you, nothing on the planet feels that good!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
My greatest lesson I’ve learnt so far is to take your time and focus on getting the art right. This kinda thing should never be rushed.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think my best friend would describe me as a workaholic, haha.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book it would be called “The long way round”
What’s next for Billy Lockett in 2023?
2023 is going to involve lots of touring and I hope to go to America and Europe at the very least!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is truly working out who you are and being able to love what you do.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Bear Grylls and just ask him loads of questions
Best advice ever given?
“Take your work seriously, don’t take yourself too seriously”
Do you support any charity?
I support Tourette’s Action
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to be able to just keep doing this without having to have any other job. That’s the dream I’m living right now so fingers crossed I can get away with it for another 5 years at least, haha
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten”
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter…everywhere really!
Photo credit: @gavinwallacephoto
