Started early 2003 by Jay Knight, Adam Rayner, Oliver Mackrill and Greg Marriott with an aim to push all forms of techno and its sub-genres, promote new artists and Djs from around the world and give the resident Djs a solid platform to push their own sound and style.
Originally held at the dark and intimate Attic venue throughout 2003 but after bringing artists as diverse and original as Pacou to play in Manchester, Locked soon outgrew the space and moved to the bigger Park venue at the start of 2004. It was around this time that Jay and Adam parted company with Oliver and Greg and both parties went their separate ways.
Throughout 2004, Locked played host many high-profile, international Djs including Surgeon, Angela Flame and Dj Amok, helping to push Manchester’s underground techno scene into the UK spotlight. As the reputation of the night gathered momentum and numbers attending the monthly party grew every month, the decision was taken by Jay and Adam to move once again, this time teaming up with Manchester electro crew, Computer Controlled, to take over both floors of the bigger Phoenix venue, Locked’s permanent home from 2005.
2006 saw Locked move to Joshua Brooks bringing djs like Ben Sims, James Ruskin, Paul Damage and Steve Rachmad to the turntables whilst 2007 saw the boys embark on a new project – Locked Records
For more info, photos and digital releases check out the website www.lockedrecords.co.uk