S-X – ‘Locked Out’ feat. KSI
““Locked Out” locks in on an exciting formula that somehow fuses an 80’s beat and mood with a modern, pop-punk attitude. The song splashes lots of energy packed into a neat production where the vocal duo fits perfectly both with each other, timbre wise and with the song’s theme.”
-Nagamag.com
Critically acclaimed producer turned solo artist S-X resumes momentum towards his debut album release with new single ‘Locked Out’ feat KSI out today.
The third track to be released from his eagerly anticipated debut album set for release this Summer; ‘Locked Out’ follows previously released smash singles ‘All Night’ featuring multi-platinum selling US rap sensation Trippie Redd and ‘Who We Are’.
Continuing to make waves with his own brand of hiphop and alt pop-R&B vibes, S-X teams up with long-time collaborator KSI for this latest instalment. S-X says; ‘The song is a reflection of being “lockedout” of someone’s presence or energy. Feeling like you don’t know where you stand and going through ups and downs as a cycle.”
This is mirrored by the track’s high energy music video which features performances from S-X and KSI and is directed by trend-setting film director and fellow Wolverhampton resident, Troy Roscoe (Stefflon Don, Kojo Funds, Giggs, Yungblud, Fredo, Chunkz).
The official music video is available to watch at 4pm GMT [HERE]
KSI adds; ‘Sam has always said he’s wanted me on his album, but he’s waited till it was the right song. That song is now here, ‘Locked Out’ is one of my favorite songs to date. The whole process from recording the song to filming the music video was so much fun and I can’t wait for my audience to hear it, especially since I haven’t released music in a while.”
From the release of his critically acclaimed EP ‘A Repeat Wouldn’t Go A Miss’ last year to his collaborations with the industry’s biggest names including Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Chance The Rapper, J. Cole and Skepta; S-X’s sounds have long been shaping the industry. The release of his debut album in June will fully allow his voice to be truly heard, as he pushes his art into new dimensions and cements his status as an unstoppable artist in his own right. The Wolverhampton wonderkid has a producer’s ear, a pop-star’s voice, and is one of the nicest guys in the business to boot.
Heading out on tour for first time since his live dates were rescheduled due to the pandemic, S-X will embark on a full UK tour starting on the 1st June in Nottingham and wrapping up in Dublin on June 11th.
Meanwhile, S-X is the first A&R and production consultant for Wolves Records, the first record label to be launched by a UK football club. Wolves have teamed up with Warner Music UK’s Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), the multi-award-winning label services division to launch an ambitious and unique proposition that will unite two of the world’s biggest passions – music and football. S-X will help to identify the next wave of grassroot musical talent.
‘Locked Out’ is out now and available on all streaming platforms via BMG / RBC Records lnk.to/S-X_KSI_LockedOutnq
About S-X
S-X has already more than proved himself as an artist. His sounds have long been shaping the industry but it is now, for the first time, that his voice will truly be heard.
The Wolverhampton Wonderkid has spent years making a name for himself with his production prowess, working with the likes of Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper and J. Cole. There’s his Grammy-nomination and gold and silver-selling records as well as international touring with Lily Allen. After years in the making, his debut album marks the 28-year-old’s arrival: a graduation into a class of his own. It was worth the wait.
It’s a step-up S-X has been preparing for since childhood. He was the class beatbox at school, the soundtrack to MC-battles; he started DJing – and making his own tracks – at his estate’s youth club in his early teens. S-X quickly tapped into raw talent, drive, and determination: he’d travel down to London and stand outside the Radio 1 studio with copies of his mixes, desperate to ensure the result of endless hours spent perfecting his craft received the audience it deserved. And it worked.
Even back then, S-X’s output was prodigious – he’d written Woo Riddim (grime’s biggest instrumental) and collaborated with Chipmunk, Wretch, Tinie Tempah and Skepta before he was old enough to buy a celebratory pint.
Despite being signed to Warner Chappell, and producing for iconic artists from London to Los Angeles, in 2015 – with all eyes and ears on him – S-X stepped away from music completely despite his ascendancy. “All I’d ever wanted to do as a producer was work with Lil Wayne,” reflects S-X today. “My life goal? I’d achieved it. I needed time to work out what next.”
Taking a warehouse job at his beloved Wolverhampton FC, he started a family and dedicated time to his head and heart. Unknowingly, he began to lay the groundwork for his musical progression as well. “For the first time in years,” S-X says, “slowly music once again became a project of passion. I was writing both beats and lyrics on my own terms.”
With no pressure or expectation, he uploaded self-produced tracks which built a buzz of their own volition. As his numbers started clocking up higher and higher, so did the quality of his catalogue of work. It’s no great surprise that soon S-X returned to making music and working with big-hitters: he has a producer’s ear, a pop-star’s voice, and is one of the nicest guys in the business to boot.
“Coming out of the pandemic, I’ve signed a new record deal and am making my best music,” S-X says. “The time is really now for me to prove to the world what I can do. For the last few years, people have said I’m underrated and need more exposure. The music and energy I’m channelling now is going to put things right.”
Taking inspiration from Phil Collins to Pharrell Williams, S-X is now a man on a mission: “I’ve got nothing to prove anymore,” he says, “I don’t need to blow my musical load in minutes. I’m finally making the music I’ve always wanted to make. I’ve evolved into an artist. The time is now, I don’t want to waste any more of it.”
S-X has arrived, and it Feels So Good.
Reviewed by Nagamag on May 14, 2022