LOCKETT
Billy

• 1. Early and personal life

Billy Lockett is a British musician from Northampton.

Donning his trademark leather jacket and set to transform the music of the stereotypical indie wild child, a youthful, self-taught, ambitious Billy Locket began 2011 with an armoury of tracks ranging from flawless piano playing Heartache to catchy, punchy feel good tunes One That Got Away; all aided by a uniquely soulful voice that leaves crowds muttering choruses into the night… and you thought Northampton only produced good shoes.

Hidden away in a quaint, terraced house, beneath years of prestigious artwork and creative awe, in a basement full to the brim of old slot machines, canvases, board games and band equipment, lurks the infectious sound of Billy Lockett; the towns best kept, home grown, musical prodigy in the making. Call it “acoustic-pop with a hint of indie”, call it “indie-piano with a tint of pop”; all we know is there’s some serious method in the music he’s making.

Early and personal life

Billy’s lived in Northampton his whole life, yet it only clicked that he wanted to make something of himself when he turned 16. “You can’t win if you don’t play” is a quote that sticks out for him as he reminisces about the days he used to 7-ball all the drunks at the local pub. Although blessed with musical talent, Billy never realised he could truly make something of himself until he actually played the cards he’d been dealt [Follow me] and took his music out of his bedroom. “One day I thought to myself, get out of your room and work on your music… Show people why you’re doing it and what you’re capable of…”

Lockett starting playing piano aged 8; His Mum had originally wanted to take it up but after she lost the enthusiasm to play Billy took the reins and started jamming. From then onwards he played classical piano all through his early school days, and when his father’s friends came around to jam, he’d jump on the piano and join in – Never once did he have any lessons though. Then, at 15, he realised that there wasn’t much of a future in going to the pub, having a coke, mopping up the drunkards and chalking his cue, so he started a band. Sure, he might start where he left off; performing in a dingy little pub in front of an abundance of drunken people, who are applauding at a unique talent they wish they had, but there would only be one way up.