Jim Lockey

Jim Lockey is a singer-songwriter from Cheltenham, England, working in folk and folk-punk. He begins as a solo project in late 2006 and later performs with a band under the name Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun, a country-folk and punk act built around his politically minded storytelling.

Early work and releases

Lockey starts out as frontman for the alt-rock band theholloh, where he gains BBC and Kerrang! radio airplay. He then develops a solo and band project in the alt-country and folk area, drawing on indie, folk and hardcore punk influences. His debut record, I’ll Be Neon, follows in 2008 through I Started The Fire Records. The album is described as charting relationships, friendships, loss, values and politics, and it includes guest appearances from musicians from Cheltenham.

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun

As Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun, he expands the project from a solo act into a quintet featuring fellow label mate Joe and former theholloh bandmate Phil, along with other local musicians. The band’s sound combines country-folk and punk with warm country rhythms, hook-led harmonies and outspoken lyrics. Their approach to live performance is energetic and often moves into the crowd for singalong sections. Their influences include Bright Eyes, Billy Bragg and Frank Turner.

Atlases and recognition

The band’s second album, Atlases, is released in 2010 on I Started The Fire Records and is produced by James Towler. It receives critical attention and radio play from Steve Lamacq on Radio 2, Kerrang Radio and BBC Introducing. BBC Gloucestershire Introducing names the band its Band of 2010. Lockey is also nominated as best live folk artist at the Exposure Music Awards.

Live activity and festivals

Lockey tours heavily across the UK and performs with artists including Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner, Dry the River, Johnny Flynn, Alessi’s Ark and Pete Doherty. He also supports Chris T-T, Hayseed Dixie and Frank Turner, including as main support on a sold-out UK tour and at an NME Awards showcase. Festival appearances include Big Chill, Wychwood, Y-Not and 2000 Trees, where he performs on the second stage and earlier on the acoustic stage.

Style and reputation

His songs focus on love, politics and everyday life, delivered with husky vocals and an overtly political ethic. Reviews and comments in the input place him within the modern British folk and folk-punk scene, and he is linked with the wider new folk movement through performances alongside Frank Turner, Johnny Flynn, Mumford & Sons, Chris T-T and Pete Doherty.