We're excited to share our latest interview with Latenours, where we sat down with Kris and Nelie for an honest conversation about music, growing up in Thunder Bay, songwriting as brothers, and everything happening behind the scenes as Lockyer enters a new chapter.
Read the full interview: Lockyer on Latenours – Off Record
Growing Up in Thunder Bay and Finding Music Together
For Will and Charlie Lockyer, music has always been a family affair.
Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the brothers spent much of their childhood surrounded by music. Piano lessons, singing lessons and family singalongs eventually turned into something much bigger.
What started as two kids experimenting with music in their living room slowly became a shared ambition to pursue music professionally.
Although the brothers have different strengths, their creative partnership has always been at the centre of what they do. Will gravitates toward production, instrumentation and building the musical foundation of a song, while Charlie often brings lyrical ideas and melodies to the table.
Their songwriting process isn't necessarily traditional. Sometimes Charlie writes lyrics late at night and sends them to Will, who builds the music around them the following morning.
It's a creative relationship built on years of understanding each other, knowing when to challenge an idea and being willing to start over when something isn't working.
How Will and Charlie Lockyer Write Music Together
One of the most interesting parts of the Latenours interview is the brothers' approach to songwriting.
Rather than dividing songs into strict roles, Lockyer approaches music collaboratively. One brother might bring an entire lyrical concept to the table, while the other helps develop the production, structure and arrangement.
They also aren't afraid to disagree.
In fact, the brothers describe their creative process as being pretty ruthless behind closed doors. Every song involves some level of disagreement, but neither is particularly concerned with winning an argument. The goal is to make the strongest possible song.
That mindset has also been shaped by their experiences working with established producers throughout their careers.
One lesson that stuck with them was simple: don't become too attached to your demos.
The brothers even have a name for the phenomenon of becoming overly attached to an early version of a song: "demo-itis."
For Lockyer, songs are never really finished until they've been challenged, rearranged, performed and refined.
The New Lockyer Sound: Pop Music With Real Instruments
As Lockyer enters its next chapter, the brothers are embracing a sound that feels more authentic to who they are.
After years of experimenting with different styles, collaborating with new people and exploring different directions, they've found themselves gravitating back toward the music they loved making as kids.
The idea is simple: pop music built around real instruments.
Organic arrangements, live musicianship, strong melodies and honest songwriting are becoming increasingly important parts of the Lockyer identity.
Moving away from home also played a major role in shaping this direction.
After relocating from Thunder Bay to Toronto, and spending time in Los Angeles, the brothers began to appreciate their hometown in a different way. Being away made them miss the people, places and experiences that shaped them.
In many ways, the new music reflects that feeling.
As they explained in the interview:
"It's not really a rebrand. It's more finally realizing what our brand is."
For Lockyer, this next chapter isn't about becoming something different. It's about getting closer to what they've always wanted to create.
From Thunder Bay to Toronto and Los Angeles
Leaving Thunder Bay was a major turning point for the brothers.
After playing some of the biggest shows of their careers in their hometown, Will and Charlie realized they needed to challenge themselves creatively and professionally.
Toronto became the next step.
The move opened up new opportunities, introduced them to different creative communities and allowed them to explore a wider range of musical influences.
They also began spending time in Los Angeles, giving them opportunities to work in new environments and continue developing their sound.
Despite the changes, Thunder Bay remains an important part of their identity.
The brothers still consider Northern Ontario home, and that connection continues to influence their songwriting and the stories they want to tell through music.
What's Next for Lockyer?
The Latenours conversation offers a glimpse into what the brothers have been working toward.
With new music in development, Lockyer is focused on building a project that feels genuine to them. Rather than rushing songs out the door, they're taking the time to experiment with different arrangements, tempos, keys and production ideas.
Live performance is also an important part of that process.
The brothers often test new songs in front of audiences to see how they translate outside the studio. If something doesn't feel right on stage, they aren't afraid to go back and make changes.
It's this willingness to experiment that continues to shape the Lockyer sound.
Whether it's writing together in their home studio, performing for a packed room or exploring new musical directions, the goal remains the same: make music that means something.
We're grateful to Kris, Nelie and the Latenours team for taking the time to sit down with us and share our story.
This is just the beginning of the next chapter of Lockyer.
Follow along for new music, upcoming shows and everything happening next.
Visit lockyerhouse.com to stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lockyer
Who are Lockyer?
Lockyer is a Canadian pop duo made up of brothers Will and Charlie Lockyer. Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, the brothers have been making music together since childhood. Their sound combines pop songwriting, organic instrumentation, rich harmonies and personal storytelling.
Who are the members of Lockyer?
Lockyer consists of two brothers: Will Lockyer and Charlie Lockyer. Will focuses heavily on music production, instrumentation and arrangements, while Charlie frequently contributes lyrics and songwriting ideas. Both brothers sing, write and perform together.
Where is Lockyer from?
Lockyer originally comes from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The brothers grew up in Northern Ontario and began making music together at a young age. They later moved to Toronto to pursue new creative and professional opportunities.
Where is Lockyer based?
Lockyer is based primarily in Toronto, Ontario, while also spending time in Los Angeles. The brothers maintain a strong connection to their hometown of Thunder Bay.
What kind of music does Lockyer make?
Lockyer makes pop music influenced by organic and northern instrumentation, live musicianship, emotional songwriting and layered vocal harmonies. Their evolving sound focuses on combining modern pop melodies with real instruments and authentic storytelling.
How did Will and Charlie Lockyer get started in music?
The brothers started making music together as children in Thunder Bay. They grew up taking piano and singing lessons, performing for family and friends, and eventually developing their passion into a professional music career.
Do Will and Charlie Lockyer write their own songs?
Yes. Will and Charlie are both involved in writing and producing their music. Their songwriting process is collaborative, with ideas often beginning as lyrics, melodies or instrumental arrangements before being developed together into finished songs.
What makes Lockyer different from other pop duos?
Lockyer combines the creative chemistry of two brothers with a strong emphasis on musicianship, vocal harmonies and organic pop production. Their music draws on personal experiences, their Northern Ontario upbringing and the relationship they share as siblings.
Where can I watch the Lockyer interview with Latenours?
You can read the full written interview on the Latenours website. The conversation is also available as an episode of Latenours Off Record, with video and audio versions available through YouTube and Spotify.
Where can I listen to Lockyer's music?
You can find Lockyer's music on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Visit the official Lockyer website for links to music and the latest releases.
Where can I follow Lockyer on social media?
You can find Lockyer on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook by searching @wearelockyer.
Where can I buy Lockyer merchandise?
Visit https://www.lockyerhouse.com/the-closet to explore official Lockyer merchandise and updates.
About Lockyer
Lockyer is a Canadian pop duo consisting of brothers Will and Charlie Lockyer. Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and now based primarily in Toronto, the brothers create cinematic, melody-driven pop music rooted in organic instrumentation, emotional storytelling and powerful vocal harmonies. With a shared passion for songwriting, production and live performance, Lockyer continues to develop its sound while bringing its Northern Ontario roots to audiences across Canada and beyond.