Two of the UK’s rising dance music producers are joining forces as Riordan and Locky release their new collaboration, ‘Friction,’ through Darkroom Records.
The new single brings together two artists whose recent momentum has pushed them well beyond the UK’s underground club circuit. Drawing from house and UK garage, ‘Friction’ leans into the sounds that have helped both producers build their respective followings.
The track centers around a punchy bassline and a fast-moving groove. UK garage influences run throughout the production, while its house foundation keeps the record firmly aimed at late-night dancefloors. Rather than settling into one genre, Riordan and Locky use elements of both to find common ground between their individual styles.
Riordan enters the collaboration following an especially busy 2026. The South Coast producer first gained attention through remixes, mashups and original music shared online before breaking further into the house and UK garage scenes. His productions now regularly move between house, tech house and UKG rather than sticking to a single formula.
That versatility has carried into his recent releases. Earlier this year, Riordan teamed up with Silva Bumpa for ‘Lifting’ and released music alongside Bushbaby and Aluna. He also made his Hot Creations debut with The Funk EP in May.
The release followed appearances at Coachella, where he performed in the Yuma Tent during both weekends. Riordan also joined Hamdi for a surprise B2B at the Do LaB, adding another major festival appearance to his growing international profile.
Locky’s Breakout Momentum Meets Riordan’s Rise
Locky’s career has followed a similarly rapid trajectory. His 2025 single ‘Can’t Decide’ became a breakout record, reaching No. 13 on the UK Official Charts and earning DJ Mag’s Best Track of the Year recognition.
The success helped take Locky from London’s underground scene to international touring. His recent appearances include major UK venues such as The Warehouse Project and Drumsheds, while his profile continues to grow outside his home market.
Locky has also expanded beyond his own releases by launching Dance Traxx LDN. The label debuted with his Supa Smoov EP alongside Luke Dean, giving him another outlet for the club-focused sound behind his rise.
‘Friction’ now brings the two trajectories together. The collaboration arrives as UK garage and bassline influences continue to cross into contemporary house music, but Riordan and Locky approach that crossover from different directions.
With both producers gaining international momentum, ‘Friction’ lands at an ideal point in their respective careers. It also gives Darkroom Records a collaboration between two artists increasingly pushing beyond the UK scenes where they first built their names.
Listen to Riordan & Locky – ‘Friction’ below.
