INTERVIEW: Lucy Lockwood
The neglection of the Jazz and Blues genre in the UK is no recent affair. Music belonging to other genres such as pop, rock and indie have long reigned the charts, making it difficult for a decades-old genre to remain number one.
Lucy Lockwood, a Jazz and Blues vocalist, has been singing ‘long enough to struggle to place it on a timeline.’ She started performing part time in 2011 between her day job and by 2014, left her retail job to pursue it as a career. For the singer, one job had to go and it wasn't going to be the one that made her so happy.She said, “It was a bit hairy for about 6 months, having to beg my brother for a place to live while I built up an income. It was only less than 3 months before I started to pick up more work, though.”
Having always been a performer, the Jazz and Blues vocalist grew up loving ballet, tap, modern dance, drama and participated in the school choir. “Every time I sang, someone would say I should be on a talent show. I know people meant it as a compliment – but I couldn’t think of anything worse.” She also mentioned her ideal level of fame, saying “I just want to be able to make a secure but demure living, from doing something that makes me happy, and makes other people happy.”
Lucy Lockwood has sung with live bands and has developed 2 separate singing business identities – one for functions and commercial work, the other for jazz, live bands and creative work.
She has sung in some interesting venues, including an amphitheatre in Greece, Ronnie Scotts in London during the Jazz Festival and got paid to perform gigs abroad in Bulgaria and Switzerland last year. “I also love singing for people’s private weddings and parties, I’ve sung out onto the most awesome views of the British countryside.”
Miss Lockwood added, “I have sung some really weird stuff for themed weddings – but if they love it, I love it. If they’re happy, I’m very happy!”
When asked about key musical interests, the singer expressed her love of music from all different corners of the world, including; hip hop, blue-grass, cajun, soul, funk, rock, acoustic, African, Indian, Klezmer, folk, comedy, calypso, ballads. However, Jazz and Blues have always had a special place in her heart.
Covid-19 has affected most things, including all the countries these different types of music have originated from and unfortunately, the virus has also impacted live gigs. “I think it’s going to be 2021 before we see any way of gathering socially in small spaces and Jazz clubs are always small" Miss Lockwood said.
She added, “I’m sure I could have done more (during lockdown) such as live stream gigs, etc - but honestly - there’s enough of that about! I’m not convinced anyone needs or wants to hear yet another clamour for their attention and time. I have pretty hefty reservations about the quality of sound and the ability to jam live over our internet connection!”
Many bands and artists have already used this idea to interact with music lovers during lockdown, including Blossoms and Take That. There was also the 'One World: Together at Home' concert back in April, featuring huge names such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney.
The idea was to provide a virtual concert to people all over the world, all with one thing in common: being stuck inside their homes. It was a huge success and proved popular, bringing in over 14 million viewers.
When discussing how Miss Lockwood personally passed the time in lockdown, she answered “I have been editing stock footage videos to some recordings I made before this all kicked in - but I don’t feel the need or nerve to ask for money. I’ve also been learning piano and sight reading, learning new songs, and sorting big band charts, singing for the street at the Thursday clap for key workers and carers.”
On a side note, she added, “I also used this break from performing in front of people to shave my head for the first (and possibly only) time in my life!!”
The Jazz singer isn't the only person to brave the shave. Many people have been following suit due to the hairdressers still being closed and as a result of these closures, people have got very creative with their hairstyles. However, Miss Lockwood's wasn't a drastic decision but more of a fashion choice.
“I’ve always wanted to do it' she added, 'and now I’m locked up for 12 weeks (high risk shielding my mum), I can let it grow out even if it had been a disaster! It hasn’t though, I really like it! - It’s just a bit of an odd look for singing old 1940s jazz ballads! (I see some wig purchases in my future)”
Despite everything being uncertain with the pandemic, Lucy Lockwood approaches her future in the Jazz and Blues world with a positive and upbeat manner. I look forward to seeing her perform in the (hopefully) not too distant future and in her words, ‘May Life Sing Sweet, Til Again we Meet.’
You can find out more about Lucy Lockwood on her website in the link below: https://www.lucylockwoodjazz.com/
