Photo / Gavin Wallace
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Billy Lockett concluded his hugely successful UK tour last week with a sold-out show at London’s iconic XOYO.
Fans enjoyed a set list that not only featured some of Billy’s biggest hits, including ‘Covered In Chaos’ and ‘Miss Missing You‘, but also a surprise duet with fellow artist (and X Factor winner) Matt Cardle.
At the candle-lit piano Billy closed the show to his ‘big family‘ by performing ‘a song that’s changing [his] life at the minute’ – ‘I Could Use A Friend’, which despite only being out for two weeks, is already gaining traction.
It’s been a big year for the rising musician, who has now amassed more than 136 million streams across Spotify and Apple Music. Alongside his ever-growing fanbase, Lockett is also gaining support from British outlets as prominent as The Independent, Evening Standard and The Metro – who have all named him as ‘one to watch’.
Interview: Quickfire with Billy Lockett
How would you describe your sound to listeners who haven’t played your music yet?
My sound is dark ballads that make you cry but at the same time make you want to belt the chorus out at the top of your lungs like you’re at a football match.
What inspires you to write music?
The biggest inspiration for me is music, whenever I head a chord sequence of groove it normally sets me off on an idea.
You’ve supported icons like Lana Del Ray, Lewis Capaldi and Dean Lewis on tour… how does it feel headlining your own sold-out show at XOYO?
Yeah it feels good to finally be the headline act, I’ve worked a long time to get to this position so to have a room full of my own fans feels really special.
This is probably a tough one to answer, but what one song have you written in your career so far that you’re most proud of, and why?
It’s actually an easy question for me because obviously ‘I Could Use A Friend’ it’s my favourite song. I love the chords and the lyrics are totally from the heart, I feel like it’s a big step up from any of my old stuff.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
I’d love to collaborate with Raye, I think she’s a genius and a Billy Raye ballad would be special I think.
What can fans expect from Billy Locket in 2024?
2024 I think album 2 and a tonne more touring hopefully Europe and America, UK has been fun but we’ve toured a lot here this year so I think it’s time for a change.
XOYO Set List
Together at home/ Covered in Chaos/ Empty House/ Call me in the morning/ New song/ Blackmail kiss/ Last thing on your mind/ Miss missing you/ Hard act to follow/ I Could Use A Friend
Vote for Billy!
Billy’s ‘Abington Grove’ was recently nominated for album of the year at the CelebMix Awards, which you can vote for here.
