No Echo was the first outlet to cover Lockslip back in January 2024, when vocalist Sara G sent me their self-titled debut EP before its release. At the time, the Los Angeles band was just getting started, with Sara describing its chaotic metallic hardcore sound as the kind of music she had envisioned herself playing since she was younger.
Nearly three years later, Lockslip are preparing to release their debut full-length, The Conversation, on November 6 through Bleakhouse. The 11-song record finds the band expanding on the chaotic sound of their earlier material while Sara's lyrics deal with anxiety, OCD, consequences, and abuse of power.
Lockslip's latest single, “Vengeance (You’ll Be Seen By Your God),” confronts abuse and the consequences faced, or sometimes avoided, by people in positions of power. Inspired in part by the experience of someone close to Sara, the song opens the door to some of the larger themes running through The Conversation.
I caught up with Sara again to talk about the album, writing through anxiety and OCD, her connection to the Los Angeles hardcore scene, and more.
Consequences come up again and again on The Conversation. What drew you to focus on that idea for a whole record?
I didn’t intend to focus on this one thing before writing the record. It just turns out that a lot of things I think about have to do with consequences in various ways. While a song like “Vengeance” deals with the eventual consequences of people doing evil things, there’s a song on the record called “Cut Out the Odds” that deals with my OCD and how my brain manufactures consequences for my own actions, whether they’re realistic or not.
“Vengeance” was inspired by someone close to you. Was it difficult figuring out how to approach a subject that personal while still respecting someone else’s story?
Though inspired by it, the song isn’t explicitly about this one experience. I have a lot of respect for this person and his story, and for the fact that he has shared his experience publicly in an attempt to help others. So while it’s not a secret, it is still fragile. I would never want to upset anyone I care about with my lyrics.
You’ve talked about channeling the world’s anxiety and unpredictability into Lockslip’s music. Does writing and performing these songs help you process those feelings, or does it keep you in that headspace?
It helps me process. To be completely honest, I am rarely not worrying about the world. Performing gives me a few moments of emotional release. Plus, writing this record actually made me aware of the true scale of my OCD and started me on a path to recovery.
It’s incredible how cathartic writing and performing can be. I genuinely feel like this record has helped me become a better person.
I always run into you at most of the hardcore shows I attend here in Los Angeles, which is always a treat. Something beyond the music itself must keep you so connected. Talk to me a bit about that.
I love going to shows and seeing familiar faces. I love hanging out somewhere I feel I can really be myself. This music opened up a huge world for me beyond what I ever thought I could have.
I met my partner through music. I met most of my friends through music. I never want to take that for granted, and I try to support this scene as much as I possibly can.
Getting this LP out must feel good.
Lockslip really is a labor of love. I am so thankful I got to make this record with this group of people. We’re really excited to play these songs for everyone, and hopefully we’ll be doing a lot of that in the near future.
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The Conversation will be out November 6th on Bleakhouse (preorder).
Lockslip on social media: Instagram
Upcoming shows:
Oct 19 - Tampa, FL @ Skatepark of Tampa
Oct 22 - Gainesville, FL @ The Ox (Pre-Fest)
Oct 24 - Gainesville, FL @ Bazaar47 (The Fest 24)
