Lloyd Miller Band
Austin, Texas, United States
Music
Press
The Los Angeles formed blues/rock trio Lloyds of London is riding the lead wave at the forefront of a sacred musical mission. Seamlessly, honing elements from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to blues greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Muddy Waters, the group layers its potent and dynamic sound around the fiery guitar-playing antics of front man and songwriter, Lloyd Miller.
Miller created the band in 2005 with drummer and friend Jeff Blazek after a romp through music school at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood.
“We had a vision to put together our own blues project and to create our own sound,” said Miller.
“I felt like I had been guided to play music since I was 10 years old.”
That vision was the momentum that pushed Miller and Blazek to start writing songs and audition bass players. The next year was spent forging their sound and gigging around L.A.
They cycled through numerous bass players before finally landing upon the groove poppin’ style of African Hawaiian bassist Tori Dozier. Dozier blended with the pair nicely, acting as a cool balance between Miller’s manic guitar explosions and Blazek’s tour de force on drums.
“If Lloyd and Jeff bring the rock and roll to the table, then I bring the funk,” said Dozier.
After Dozier joined, the group took on a unique look to further accompany their unique sound. Miller’s guitar playing acts as the leader of a renegade rebellion as his wiry frame courses and spouts with energy and guitar waves visibly surge through his body. Dozier emits a perfect, island-style, low-end rhythm bounced alongside Blazek’s thunderous percussion.
Miller was nominated for the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards “Best Independent Guitar Performance” and the Lloyd’s of London group was nominated for the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards “Best Power Trio.”
“There really aren’t a lot of people out there truly playing their instruments and laying down the sound. That’s one of the things we offer as a band—tight, filled-out music from just three people,” commented Dozier.
Not only bound by melodic musical vibrations, LoL members are linked by a spiritual faith that unifies them as musical comrades and seeks to bring positivity to their fans. Their music draws on inspiration from a higher power that keeps them driving forward.
“We are trying to send a positive message. My lyrics are inspired by what God has done in my life. We’ve got uplifting words which everyone can relate to,” says Miller.
It’s true that Los Angeles has a barrage of bands encompassing many styles that are strewn across many genres. Lloyds of London is a unique mix of three bright shining musicians with a passion and precision for the blues/rock craft. - Epoch Times
"Lloyd has a building quality that gives a sense of anticipation and an overall groovy sound."
Jon Pang
Music Director
Bounce Radio
http://www.bounceradio.net - Bounce Radio
"Awesome hooks and excellent arrangements make this rock music stand tall. The Lloyd London CD showcases a talent destined for international exposure. The music is unique, catchy and hypnotic! You guys rock - big time!"
Douglas Newsom
Music Dept.
CEO of BBS Network, Inc. (BBS Radio)
- BBS Radio
Lloyd London's music is deep rooted in Blues and Classic Rock & Roll. With their catchy hooks and melodious tunes, the band is already creating quite a buzz in the Indie music industry; winner of two Los Angeles Music Awards (LAMA) in 2008. Lloyd London is creating a nice atmosphere of solid music that fans and critics are enjoying. With just enough Pop appeal to their sound to give the band a mass appeal, Lloyd London is the perfect choice for those fans looking for music that features top notch performances and original sounds. Check out this recent interview that our Webzine completed with Lloyd Miller of Lloyd London. I hope everyone also check out their amazing music on the band's official websites listed in the interview. Enjoy!
Isaac: What was the best part of 2009 so far for you musically?
Lloyd: It has been a great year so far but I would have to say the best part has been going into the studio with producer Michael Vail Blum and recording our first full length album. We did 11 songs in about 100 hours.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Lloyd: We have been making a little more progress every year. The biggest accomplishment in 2008 was being nominated for a Los Angeles music award and winning. I received the award for "producer's choice, best independent guitar performance".
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Los Angeles.
Lloyd: The best way for me to describe the music scene in Los Angeles is, very difficult. We have been fortunate to be able to play consistent gigs and build a following. It's hard to build a fan base here since people don't really go to see live music unless it's their friends' band. I think the bands that do the best are people who grew up here and have a large group of friends.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Lloyd: The best venue for us to perform at has been the Prince O Whales in Playa Del Rey because although it is a small venue it is one of the few places in L.A. where people go to have a good time and listen to new music instead of showing up late to see their friends' band and leaving immediately afterward like some of the more popular venues.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Lloyd: My first main influence was Stevie Ray Vaughn. I heard his version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Little Wing" on the radio when I was in high school and it blew me away. As I dove deeper into his catalogue, the passion he portrayed through his music resonated with me and set my soul on fire. That was when I knew my calling is to pursue a music career. Through Stevie, I learned about Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix who is my second main influence. A lot of my songwriting was influenced by Jimi as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Lloyd: My vision for my music career is to put out a positive message through great songs that people can relate to on a personal level and to be a good role model to younger generations by the example that I live.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Lloyd: It's hard to pick just one but since I have to I would choose Buddy Guy since he is the last legend still around who has inspired and influenced so much of my passion for playing the guitar.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Lloyd: I would describe it as rock music rooted in the blues with catchy melodies and a groove that makes people move.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Lloyd: Our fans have said that it's like nothing else out there today, and that they can relate to the message in our music.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Lloyd: We can be found at www.lloydlondon.com, on Facebook, www.myspace.com/lloydondon, www.sonicbids.com/lloydlondon, www.musicsubmit.com/lloydlondon.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Lloyd: We will be promoting and releasing our new album soon. Also, we are planning on touring as much as possible.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Lloyd: I want to thank my mom and dad, Lloyd and Sally Miller for their support, my sister and brother in law, Jennifer and Indra, Dale and Ann Sprague and Josslyn Anderson at Canyon Creative in Las Vegas for their graphic design talents and all my family at Turning Point Ministry in Los Angeles for their support.
- Juniors Cave
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos