Jake Lloyd

Last Friday I had the pleasure of being invited to the private listening of soul sensation Jake Lloyd’s new album, MoonLit Mornings. Jake is an artist you immediately recognizes has a chip on his shoulder once you talk to him. The chip doesn’t come from envy or jealousy of his peers, but the fact that he knows his music is just as good if not better than any artist out here in the Austin music scene, and the constant overlook can be understandably discouraging. With that being said Jake has steadily pushed through and has been making sure you know his name, with his music appearing in an episode of NPR’s Here and Now: DJ Sessions, as well as in NPR’s Slingshot Scenes: 9 Austin Artist You Should Know. Lloyd also performed at KUTX’s #SXSBREAKS presented by The Breaks and Jam In The Van during this year’s SXSW, all off the strength of his 2017 debut, Jake Lloyd LP.

Lloyd is set to release his sophomore album, MoonLit Mornings this Friday, July 12th. While at his album listening party, I got a chance to steal him away to ask a few questions about the album, his inspirations, his career, and more.

Aaaron “Fresh” Knight: My first question I have to ask is what was the inspiration for MoonLit Mornings, the title and album itself?

Jake Lloyd: So the inspiration for MoonLit Mornings was two parts, the first was a nod at the duality of the way I approach making music, the way I sing. Then it’s a nod at the original cover of the werewolf, so we just wanted to keep that going.

Ovrld: My next question, and I tweeted this, I have to know the background of your obsession and fascination with women who work in the strip club environment. I know “Str8nge Fruit” was obviously about a stripper if you listen to the song closely enough. Your new song, “Novella” is about a bottle girl, waitress, or bartender. What’s the thought process behind making a song like that?

JL: I really don’t know, Fresh. Honestly, man, I’m just a fan of telling stories. That’s another big factor in the way I approached shit. I think it’s a cool setting to tell a story. That’s a cool backdrop. When Frank Ocean did that “Pyramids” remix at the end of the song, man…I liked that shit…It was so vivid and clear. So honestly man, that’s probably subconsciously part of it. But inspiring backdrop I think is right.

Ovrld: So for this album and its release, what are you looking to gain from it?

JL: Honestly, man, I want to obviously push my career forward. I want new listeners, new business endeavors, also I really really genuinely want to highlight the hip hop scene, the urban scene, the R&B singers. I just want to show people that live in Austin, or maybe those not from Austin that have their eyes on the Austin scene, that there is more here than just the indie pop and rock. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the indie pop rock artists from Austin, but at the same time and I feel like…I saw something the other day and it was something about Mélat when she got a write up talking about the bubbling Austin R&B scene. That’s what I want. I want more publications like that with that title. So that’s really what. There are selfish reasons for me too. I want to fucking quit my job, but I do want to push the scene forward man. That’s a legitimate concern of mine.

Ovrld: My next question, since you mentioned the pushing forward of the urban music scene, would you say with all of that, do you feel like there is an unfair advantage for the pop and rock and maybe the blues scene here in Austin as opposed to the urban, hip hop and R&B scene?

JL: Simple answer is yes. I can’t necessarily say whose fault that is but yes, there is an advantage and it’s just part of Austin’s infrastructure. Austin’s music scene wasn’t built on R&B or hip hop. It was built on blues, that’s why people love going to see Gary Clark Jr. It’s not necessarily any one party’s fault. But yes, that is absolutely a fact.

Ovrld: With you feeling like there is more or less and unfair advantage, how do you feel your part in the scene plays to help push things forward?

JL: That’s a good question, man. I wasn’t ready for that one. I guess it shows the usual consumer of music in Austin can look at somebody urban or who looks urban or whatever and say “hey, he’s doing these extremely pop songs,” like a “Daily Interlude.” That’s a pop song. I don’t know if I can make anything poppier than that. I just want to show these people, hey, you can look like this and still make this and still be rap, and still be hip hop, and that’s what I would like to think I played a part in. I have no idea if it’s true or not, but that’s what I like to think.


Ovrld: So speaking of “Daily Interlude,” as you said it’s obviously a pop record, and a lot of people feel that radio is dead and making “radio records” is over and done with in today’s time, with the streaming era being upon us. Yet you made this record that still appeals to the masses. Is that your thought process in making a record like “Daily Interlude?”

JL: That specific song, yes. Now when I go into the studio just to record not usually, I mean it’s always in the back of your mind, as an artist you want all your shit to blow everybody away, and touch everyone. That isn’t necessarily how I go into every song, but that specific song, yes I absolutely went in. I wanted to make something for Austin. I knew if Austin dug it, everybody else would. I mean, I can be honest, man, it hurt me that it didn’t get as much buzz. I’m not being selfish because I did the song. If I heard that song I would think it was a good song. There’s no way for me to say it and it not sound selfish. I really went into that one trying to write something for Austin, and for everybody to really dig. It might not be where it needs to be now, but it’s a good song. I feel like it’s got a lot of potential. - Ovrld

With the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, and Gary Clark Jr. coming out of Austin, the city is rather known for its rock and country roots. Well what if I told you that there was an artist who could give you all three of those gentlemen, along with the soulfulness of Otis Redding, and the stage presence of James Brown? That artist would be the Austin-born and bred, Jake Lloyd.

Over the past couple of years, Jake Lloyd has emerged as a flag bearer for Austin's exploding R&B scene and his newest single, "Daily Interlude," is a prime example of why. The new song highlights his ability to mash up a variety of musical genres and influences into incredibly catchy songs with undeniable hooks. The accompanying video shot at beloved North Austin hangout The Aristocrat does a great job showing off Jake's energy and warmth as a performer. "Daily Interlude" can be found on Jake Lloyd's forthcoming album, MoonLit Mornings. – Aaron "Fresh" Knight - NPR

We were leaving for Austin and we got a text from Alex at Orange Amps that was something to the tune of “have you heard Jake Lloyd? Tell me you have a session slot for him in Austin?” So with these videos as evidence, it is clear that we did in fact have a slot for him, regardless of the fact that Alex asked us two days before the event, and we’re glad we did. So with that being said, if you’re an emerging artist, especially in the Atlanta area, hit up Alex@OrangeAmps.com, he is an advocate for musicians. Definitely send him your demos, he wants to hear them all! - Jam In The Van

Even if you’ve never tuned into The Breaks (which…shame on you if that’s the case), you’ll likely recognize the name Jake Lloyd. This hungry, young genre mixologist is constantly pushing himself out of his R&B comfort zone with influences ranging from rock, soul, funk and hip hop. Lloyd’s wolf-like energy channels through his growling-yet-smooth vocal chords, and across his regular live performances and studio recordings, he’s got an undeniable sense of braggadocio and showmanship.

Last Monday Jake Lloyd premiered his new music video exclusively through KUTX in advance of his upcoming album, MoonLit Mornings. Jake Lloyd plays next Wednesday at Hotel Vegas and you can kick off your weekend right now with Lloyd’s latest single, produced by fellow Austin artist DSII, “Daily Interlude”! - KUTX 98.9

Four months ago Jake Lloyd released visuals to the lead single, Daily Interlude from his recently released album, MoonLit Mornings, which premiered right here on kutx.org. Now with the album out Jake decided to team up with videographer, Amir Rofoogar to reprise said visuals and do a fun style video for DSII produced single. - KUTX 98.9

While nationally R&B has had a resurgence, the same has been happening in Austin. One of those artists bringing eyes to the genre in the Capital City is, Jake Lloyd. The genre bending crooner released his self titled album in January and boy did it leave an impression. The lead single Str8nge Frute got people paying attention, but the entire album made people really listen. Album cuts like Mile and Dram showed that Jake has been slept on as a performer and song writer. - KUTX 98.9

Jake Lloyd and The Khordsmen have released a new installment of their wildly popular Co-Op Session. This time around its a bit of a mash up happening. The band covers Blue October’s Into The Ocean, while blending in Ben E. King’s classic song Stand By Me. Jake said this would be the best one yet, and it just might live up to that bold claim. - KUTX 98.9