LOCK-IN

Formed in Essex, LOCK-IN are an indie-pop five-piece of lifelong friends - Benjy Leak (vocals), Joe Leak (lead guitar), Angus Moore (guitar), Sam Collins (bass), and Ollie Stacey (drums). Raised on house-party gigs, they've since sold out venues like The Garage and Lafayette in London.

Q: WHAT DOES “NEVER CONFORM, ALWAYS EVOLVE” MEAN FOR YOU?

It means not boxing ourselves in. We’ve grown into something more raw and honest. We never chase trends — we shape our own path, sound, and story, and evolve every step we take, even if it ruffles feathers.

Q: WHY ARE YOU A VOICE OF DEFIANCE?

For us, it’s about staying true to who we are while always being open to growth. We don’t follow what’s expected — musically or otherwise — but we’re constantly learning, improving, and pushing ourselves to move forward in a way that feels real.

Q: WHAT’S ONE WAY YOU HAVE DEFIED THE ODDS?

We’re not here to cause a stir for the sake of it, but we do stand our ground. We’re coming up in a scene where you have to work for every opportunity, keep going and back ourselves even when the odds aren’t in our favour.

Q: WHAT’S THE HARDEST CHOICE YOU’VE HAD TO MAKE?

Balancing music with everything else life throws at you — jobs, studies, mental health — and still choosing to commit to the band. There’ve been moments where it would’ve been easier to pause or walk away, but we choose to keep pushing.

Q: WHAT LESSON DO YOU LIVE BY?

Earn it. Every fan, every tune, every mile on the road — it’s got to be real. If it’s handed to you, it’s not worth much. We put in the work because we know it’s the only way to last.

Q: WHO OR WHAT SHAPED YOUR APPROACH?

A mix of things — the bands we admire and the people around us who’ve supported or challenged us along the way. Every rehearsal, every tiny venue, every bit of graft has shaped how we approach what we do now.

Credit: Rhona Murphy