Interview With Dylan Lloyd
What’s the story behind your artist name — and does it reflect who you are today?
My artist name is my real name, I just got lucky that picking an artist name would be that simple!
Which song of yours means the most to you, and what inspired it?
My newest album “40” which has yet to be released will be my first Christian album. All of the songs on there mean the most to me because I wrote them for God. I’ve never done anything like that before in my entire career. So I’m really looking forward to how my fans react to the record.
How would you describe your sound in three words — and why those?
Michael Jackson, mixed with Ben Folds and the Foo Fighters. Those three artists helped to build a foundation for my voice and my songwriting so that I could shape my sound as an individual.
What was the moment you truly felt like an artist — not just someone making music?
Every time I got a sync in a TV show. For example, in March my songs appeared in the Top 10 Netflix show “Temptation Island”, and it was a surreal moment for me that I even shared with my son. That’s when I knew, I would always be more than just a songwriter.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your work?
Like I said previously it’s Michael Jackson, Ben Folds, and the Foo Fighters. But definitely you can add Prince, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, and the Grateful Dead to that list. My influences are old school, but they’re from what I consider to be the “Golden Age” of music. The 80’s into the 90’s.
What’s your creative process like — from a blank page to a finished track?
It varies so much that I can’t really say definitively. But I know that ultimately I end up being very methodical during the recording process because I want my fans to know that when they hear my records, they’re hearing my best effort.
If someone’s hearing you for the first time, which track should they start with — and why?
I’d say listen to the songs “Caught Up”, “If I Can’t Have You”, “Run Away”, “Am I On Your Mind”, and “Gift of Life”. Those 5 songs do a great job of showcasing who I am as a songwriter when it comes to Pop songs. but there are other songs that are more subdued instrumentally that you can listen to, like any of my songs from the “Love Thoughts” record, where it’s just me and a piano…a listener will be able to sense that my catalog is very diverse.
What’s been your most unforgettable moment on your music journey so far?
There have been so many…signing a music publishing deal when I was 23…performing in front of 100 million TV viewers in Ukraine across two consecutive nights…getting a Top 30 single on the iTunes Pop Charts…having my song be on a Top 10 Netflix show…I honestly can’t pick one, there’s been thankfully, many so far! God willing, there will be even more.
What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
I want them to feel like they have a safe place to let go and just be lost in the moment. We’re always pent up with life situations. I hope that my songs can help them transport to another spot mentally where they can focus on themselves, and not anything or anyone else.
What’s next for you — and what should fans be excited about?
This Christian album called “40” is proudest moment as an Artist. When I release this, I hope whoever listens to it can feel amazing afterward. I just want people to feel a strong sense of goodness within themselves after they finish this record.
