About Lockjaw Records

A bit of history

Lockjaw Records was founded in 1997 by brothers Jack, Ben and Sam Turner of the band Tribute to Nothing, who put out over 90 releases in 13 years. The label was relaunched in 2011 by Rob Piper (Darko), who worked with Kris Bradbury (Laughing In The Face Of) in the early days, then in collaboration with Lesley-Anne O’Brien (Onslaught Music, Midwich Cuckoos) from 2014.

Through the inception of the PNKRCKR collective in 2017, Rob and Lesley were inspired to develop Lockjaw Records into a more cooperative, community-led team. Now with outposts in Guildford, London, Tampa Bay, Oostkamp, Leeds and Munich, Lockjaw Records is proud to be part of a thriving international music community, built on friendship, social responsibility and a mutual love of punk rock.

After taking the label releases well into the 200’s and after 13 years, Rob stepped down from the label, and now the label is headed by Lesley-Anne with support from a passionate community team.

Lockjaw Records community and collective

Our values

Collaboration

We strongly emphasise collaboration with independent labels, venues, and artists, living by our ‘Do It Together’ philosophy.

Social responsibility

We are committed to supporting diverse communities and advocating for important social issues such as anti-racism, feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental initiatives.

Inclusivity

We seek to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background. We strive to promote inclusivity through music and advocacy.

Activism

Stemming from punk’s roots in activism, we encourage everyone to get involved and stand up for equity. We aim to positively contribute to a people, planet, and profit movement within the music industry.

Artist support & development

We provide personalised attention to each band, fostering their growth as artists. We focus on artist development, offering opportunities for bands to refine their skills both in the studio, online and on stage.

Meet the team

Lesley-Anne O’Brien

Label owner

Location
London, UK

Other passions
Band manager at Onslaught Music, Guitarist with the Midwich Cuckoos.

Favourite Lockjaw release
Darko – Sea of Trees

Ultimate line-up
The Clash, Motorhead and Prince (zombie mode only)

Power animal
Pat Butcher / James Kerr from Drones…. Have you seen that man jump?

Most likely to…
Stagedive

Joëlle Laes

Social media

Location
Antwerp, BE

Other passions
Momager and podcast host at Less Talk, More Records, writer at Shout Louder webzine. Fanatic roadtripper. Nature and music nerd.

Favourite Lockjaw release
Money Left To Burn/The Affect Heuristic split

Ultimate line-up
Propagandhi, The Fullblast, Belvedere

Power animal
European Polecat

Most likely to…
frown at you/keep your belongings safe

Sarah Williams

Press & PR

Location
Manchester, UK

Other passions
Editor & Founder at Shout Louder webzine and host of the fortnightly Shout Louder punk podcast. Freelance writer. Gig addict. Overly enthusiastic dancer.

Favourite Lockjaw release
Darko – Bonsai Mammoth

Ultimate line-up
Descendents, Capdown, Red City Radio

Power animal
Squirrel

Most likely to…
correct your grammar / still be awake at 4am

Cedric Degruyter

Gets shit done

Location
Oostkamp, BE

Other passions
Bassist and father figure in The Affect Heuristic; Raadgeverij.be; Valerie and the boys

Favourite Lockjaw release
Darko – From Trust To Conformity / Almeida – Social Media Circus. Both quintessential records in making me the halfass musician I am now

Ultimate line-up
Darko, Johnny Cash, Antonio Carlos Jobim

Power animal
Lilly, Jules, Lio & Florrie… and Chris Mason

Most likely to…
be annoyed, be busy with something, be driving, be your dad