Australian singer-songwriter LokkisKott recently released his debut single, “Deep Inside,” an intense, personal song tinted with elements of alternative and Gothic surfaces.
Lokkiskott is the brainchild of Lachie Alford, whose interests in cinema, theatre, story writing, and expressing life experiences fuel his song craftsmanship and creative process. Ultimately, this project is guided by its founder’s own personal philosophy:
“Life is too short for regret. Take notes on what lights that fire in you and have the courage to go after it! Everything you need will be on that path.”
Opening on a low-slung, gleaming acoustic guitar, “Deep Inside” slowly builds, exploring the intimacy of vulnerability, and the torment of profound emotions.
Tattoo.com spoke with LokkisKott to find out more about the inspiration for “Deep Inside,” how he got started in music, and his influences.
What three things can’t you live without?
Goals, life purpose, and faith.
What inspired your debut single, “Deep Inside?”
The re-pursuit of my deep and longed-for childhood dream after reaching another, to realize it wasn’t right for me.
Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record the release.
I was very excited and nervous! This song had been around for a while and was awaiting its manifestation. I think the song, and I both knew it would happen one day, and I felt it was something special. I did feel stressed because I wanted to get it right. But I guess it’ll be like that for all releases, really. I did get that fire in my guts as we accomplished it, though. I enjoyed it, and it was very fun to hear the end result.
How did you get started in music?
I was very young, and I got a red kid’s High School Musical guitar from a Kmart store. I got into AC/DC and loved Angus Young! I fell in love with music, and it was just something about the world of creativity and the seemingly endless potential of it.
Where are you from?
Goulburn, New South Wales. Australia.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
Interestingly enough, not my hometown, but an endeavor I once had in that hometown! I was once in a duet with a friend, and we used to do acoustic covers of songs. When I was pursuing ‘Deep Inside,’ I was thinking about doing something different and unique. I didn’t want to be just another artist. Remembering the duet’s style is what began the unconventional sound you hear in ‘Deep Inside.’
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
As a singer, my biggest influence was Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. Over time, I have grown into my own voice, and I am still exploring what’s unique about it. As a guitarist, it’s years of everything, really. Overall, I wanted to create something new and unique. I didn’t want to sound like anybody else.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
My definition of tone would be ‘mood’ or ‘vibe.’ Yes and no. My music will always evolve. However, I will never strip music of its natural energy.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
Everything and anything! I can write about a lot, for a lot of reasons, under a lot of circumstances, especially if it hits me in the feels. I definitely like powerful stuff that wrenches your guts and draws out real emotion.
What can you share about your writing process?
I don’t really have a writing process, as such. I don’t like to restrict the way it happens. I like to remain open-minded. This is simply because some of the best stuff won’t always be what you think it is or happen the way you think.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Fundamentally, I think any artist that has had or is having an industry career is ‘killing it.’ Like any endeavor, it takes work. More so music because it’s a popularity contest of an industry. So, if you can make waves big enough to carry a career, then yes, you’re killing it! I feel very sad when I think about how much talent is out there that may get missed due to whatever factors.
How do you define success?
Accomplished! You’ve done the work. You’ve had the courage and discipline to obey an end goal. You’ve shown this world who you are and been something that’s authentic to you. You’ve dominated the living shit out of life and owned it. You’ve accomplished happiness and fulfillment. You’ve lived your best life and been the best version of yourself. You’ve made your own mind up and haven’t fallen for the world around you. You’ve unlocked as much of your power and potential as you can. But most of all, you’re not left stomaching the deep boil of regret!
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs? New material?
Plenty! Due to some recent nostalgic press articles, I’m releasing some content to enlighten these. At least another single may be released by the end of the year, along with a surprise relating to ‘Deep Inside,’ and LokkisKott may evolve. I’ll drip-feed the socials with the info. So, you’ll always get a hint.
