The Jon Lloyd Band is one of the area's quickest rising Christian music artists... Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Jon a few questions about his new project and a few other things. We'll have Jon in the studio later this month AFTER the release of their first CD... more on that later - in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the conversation.
(Q) You and I briefly worked together in a secular project; both quit that - haven't heard from one another in a few years then - boom - here we are on the same path again - but working for a greater Mission - me, the Christian Radio Announcer; You, the quickly rising Christian Music artist... How did this come about for you...how and when did you finally come to a point where you began focusing your musical talents in this way?
(A) I've always loved music, and I've been immersed in it since I was a toddler. Most of my musical training came from singing in church choirs, which I started way back when I was only 5. After high school, I decided that I wanted to focus my efforts on performing - something I love to do. I started experimenting around with production and eventually had my first "EP" ready to go. It was a bubblegum-pop, NSYNC-esque record that, for lack of a better term, flopped. It was fun to do, but that was about it. I started learning to play guitar and eventually had a unique singer-songwriter sound that was a fuse of pop, rock, and soul. I spent last summer doing mission work abroad, and it was during that time that I started listening to some contemporary Christian artists, and fell in love with the music. It was also during this time that I realized my passion for helping others, as I did during that summer. It was amazing to me to see the look on a child's face when I was singing songs about Jesus to him while strumming a guitar. So that brings us to the present. I decided to wrap up my 2006 tour and focus all my talents toward glorifying God through music, and using that talent to show His glory to others.
(Q) Does your band have a "Mission Statement" - if so, what is it?
(A) The Jon Lloyd Band is all about touching lives. Our music is unique, in that it's powerful. A lot of mainstream artists today have a catchy tune that makes you tap your toe, and great lyrics, but no power. When I write songs, I think about people who could relate to the story I'm telling. We try to touch the hearts of the audience through the power of the songs.
(Q) Who were/are some of your musical influences?
(A) Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Newsboys, Dave Barnes, John Mayer, Casting Crowns, Donnie Hathaway, Lenny Bruce, Al Green, Tonic, Bebo Norman, and many, many more.
(Q) How did you come about your other band members? Who are they, what do the bring to the Jon Lloyd Band?
(A) Actually, most of my band came from an ad I posted on the internet looking for musicians. My former band and I split up due to various factors, the bulk of which were related to each member pursuing higher education. In the new band, you've got the following members:
* Scott Bolin - a "pedalhead," as I've come to describe him to others, Scott could make a guitar sound like an elephant if he wanted, just through his pedals. He's our lead electric guitar player, although he'll tell you he's not a lead player. He's a very passionate Christian, and really adds the "texture" to the music.
* Judson Hurd - Judson is a piano major at UNC-Greensboro, and is simply AMAZING. You could tell this guy to play the extended version of Freebird on piano, and he'd do it note for note. He adds that little taste of soul to the music that makes it really unique. Judson's actually working on a solo instrumental album right now, and from what I've heard, it's awesome.
* Roy Burch - you'd think there's really only a couple of ways to play a bass guitar, but Roy would challenge that notion. He's got an uncanny ability to just know what you want him to play. It's really astounding.
* Adam Joly - Joly is kind of a protege. He's a proficient drummer, and also a dynamic keyboard player. Adam can hear it once and play it, which is definitely a great skill to have!
(Q) How would you describe the Jon Lloyd Band's music?
(A) Powerful. Nuff said.
(Q) You also work with a local chuch, right? Do you have the opportunity to use your musical talents there too?
(A) Absolutely. I'm actually the Associate Director of Music at First Presbyterian in Lumberton. I teach children's choir, youth choir, handbell choir, and I'm also the Contemporary Worship Leader, meaning that I rehearse the Praise Team and select music for each Sunday's Contemporary Worship service.
(Q) You're in the studio now, recording your first CD - what's on it? All originals? What are we in for....?
(A) Well, technically it's not my first, but in this style of music, it is. It's all original. Expect upbeat worship songs as well as melodic ballads. One song, called "Help Me Hold On," will feature Judson on keys and an amazing Cello player from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If I had to choose a first single, it would probably be "The Light of Grace," which is a powerful anthem in the vein of Bebo Norman's "I Will Lift My Eyes," and revolves around the reality that God is always shining His light down on us, wherever we are. This is the basic motive of the entire record, called "This Place." Everything you'll hear is original.
(Q) Where can we get your CD?
(A) You'll be able to get it from jonlloyd.com, as well as iTunes, Rhapsody, MusicNet, Napster, as well as a ton of local record stores, such as Paradise Records and Schoolkids Records, and in the near future, in FYE stores across the southeast.
(Q) So, we come to one of your shows - what should the first-time attendee expect to see and hear?
(A) Expect to be moved. Don't come just to hear some music. Don't come just because you're bored. Come knowing that you'll leave a changed person - a revitalized spirit. The album was almost named "Revitalized," but "This Place" really hit home with the message of the album, which is that no matter where we are, no matter what we're doing, in our darkest hours, we are not alone. We can always say that God is in "this place."
Thanks for your time Jon. Look for more from the Jon Lloyd Band here and on your Family's Favorite: Christian 107.3....
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