Billy Lockett launches debut album Abington Grove at Kettner’s Champagne Bar

Billy Lockett’s career hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. The Northampton-raised singer has, in many respects, already had an impressive career. His songs have had over 100 million streams, he’s been on tour with Lewis Capaldi, performed on the Late Late Show with James Corden, and his music has reached wide audiences with shows like Made in Chelsea and Love Island.  The pandemic was not kind to him, however, and despite this success, Lockett still hasn’t released a debut album. Until now. Abington Grove will be available from February 17^th 2023, and The Upcoming were able to hear some snippets at an intimate performance at Kettner’s Champagne Bar.

Lockett’s album launch took place in the friendly yet sophisticated champagne room at Kettner’s, which was one of Oscar Wilde’s favourite haunts in the 1890s. Black and white pictures line the walls of the space, which is split into two half rooms, a circular bar and a stage. The set is short, with just five songs, and the singer-songwriter definitely leaves you wanting more. With just his voice and a piano for four out of the five songs, Lockett is one of those few people who sounds better live than on record. The passion and range present in Hard Act to Follow are outstanding, and it’s impossible not to be enraptured by his vocals.

The set ends with new single Miss Missing You, a heartfelt ballad about regret, acceptance and struggling to move on. A surprise choir joined Lockett to add a deeper, soulful element to this number. This was a delightful shock, as the choir members had been milling around the launch and never gave away who they were or why they were there.

Speaking to the musician after the show, he shared his reflections: “This evening has been really nerve-wracking, one of the most terrifying moments of my life, but I think also one of the best,” he said. “Sometimes you’ve just got to throw yourself into it. Every time I worry, I shut my eyes and just listen to what I’m doing and then just let the music do its thing. I really hope the album does well: it’s my first one and it would just be a shame if it didn’t. I’m proud of it, so it has already done well because I like it. I love every song on it and I can’t wait until everyone hears it.”

Lockett says that writing songs has been like therapy to him, and each one represents a different part of his life. You can’t help but relate, if not to every word then to the feelings of sadness, hope, loneliness and loss. It’s been a long time coming, but this debut album is likely to be a success – as long as enough people hear it!

Sophia Moss

For further information and future events visit Billy Lockett’s website here.

Watch the video for the single You’re Not Alone here: