Native had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Lockett a few weeks ago, just after he announced his headline show at Shepard’s Bush Empire.

Have a read of our interview, then go grab your ticket – he performs there on October 9 and you won’t want to miss it.

We have to talk about your latest single ‘Feels So Good’ – we love it! For those who haven’t heard it, what should people expect?

Thank you. It’s my most upbeat song, not like Calvin Harris but it is summery with a darker meaning behind it.

What was the writing process like for the song, do you remember how it came together?

I do actually! Lyrics for the chorus came first. Specific words, and then I wrote the music around it. It was an easy day, it flowed very easily at the time.

Do you tend to write on your own?

I write on my own, but I sometimes have a writing partner, John Dixon. There’s a handful of people he works with.



Congratulations on the announcement of your Shepard’s Bush show! How does it feel to have a headline show there?

Shepard’s Bush is surreal, I can’t believe it. Always worried if we’ll fill venues, but every time it does, and it always fills. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, riding the wave.

It’s the biggest show you’ve played so far, have you got anything special planned? Any surprises in store?

For this show we’ll have a bigger sound, shows before have been more chilled. For Shepard’s Bush we’ll kick it up a gear.

Are there any shows you’ve played during your career so far that are particularly memorable?

Union Chapel. It was incredible for everyone. There was a lot of love, something I’ll remember for life.

You’ve done a few live sessions online, if you got the chance to do a R1 Live Lounge cover, what song would you choose?

If I didn’t have to do a current song, I’d do ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ by Nirvana. I’d strip it back to a ballad and mix it with ‘Wicked Games’ by James Vincent McMorrow.



Looking forward to playing the Great Escape festival?

Yes, I played it three or four years ago supporting a rapper. This time is a lot bigger though, it’s a headline gig. Jack Vallier, Tom Walker will be there, loads of my mates… a community of male singer-songwriters, which is nice.

If you could have any three guests to a dinner party you were throwing, who would you invite?

Hmm… this is tough! I’d invite Hendrix, I think he’d enjoy a party. Maybe… Donald Trump, just for the interest of it, he wouldn’t have to say much. And Gandhi, for no reason other than he’s Gandhi.

After our little interview Billy went off for a drink in a beer garden with his friend and fellow musician Billie Marten – we hope you both had a lovely day!

Billy’s new song ‘Feels So Good’ is out now, and make sure to buy a ticket for his headline show at Shepard’s Bush Empire before they sell out!