The LA Lloyd Podcast

`` He grew up loving two things: Metallica and horror movies. Then both became part of his story. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills shares the lesson that led him from horror fan to becoming part of the horror family. From Silver Scream Con to finding your own voice instead of chasing everyone else's, this conversation goes far beyond music. If you've ever wondered when to stop following the crowd...

Kenny Wayne Shepherd joins LA Lloyd to reflect on Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions), the album he recorded while still in high school. Thirty years later, Kenny talks about revisiting those songs, rediscovering the original guitar tones, the musicians who influenced him, and why some of the music means more to him today than it did when he first recorded it at age 18.

Brent Smith of Shinedown joins LA Lloyd for one of his most personal conversations yet. The voice behind hits like Second Chance, Sound of Madness, and A Symptom of Being Human opens up about the fear he still feels before walking on stage, why fatherhood changed his perspective on life, and the gratitude that keeps him grounded after more than two decades at the top of rock radio. Brent shares le...

Framing Hanley frontman Nixon joins LA Lloyd on Rock 30 to discuss the band's return, the new single "The Reckoning," and the upcoming album that he believes is the strongest work of their career. Nixon opens up about stepping away from music, rediscovering his passion for creating, learning to trust himself again, and why chasing expectations nearly took the joy out of songwriting. He also shares...

Amy Lee joins LA Lloyd for a thoughtful conversation as Evanescence prepares to release Sanctuary on June 5. From authenticity and creativity to AI, social media, and the search for genuine human connection, Amy reflects on what continues to drive her as an artist. One moment in particular captures the heart of the discussion: “I want to make something good before I leave this world.” That mindset...

Sevendust’s Lajon Witherspoon returns to the LA Lloyd Rock 30 as the band celebrates the release of their new album ONE. In one of their most personal conversations yet, Lajon opens up about brotherhood, the bond between Sevendust and their fans, the healing power of music, and why the “Sevendust Family” continues to grow stronger more than 30 years into the band’s career. The conversation also di...

What begins as a conversation about The Charmer quickly turns into something much deeper. Toadies frontman Vaden Todd Lewis joins LA Lloyd for a raw, unfiltered discussion about survival, self-doubt, mental health, aging in rock, and the moments he never expected to still be here for. Along the way, he also pulls back the curtain on working with Steve Albini and why recording The Charmer the old-s...

Return To Dust joins LA Lloyd backstage in Austin for a conversation that goes way beyond the usual band interview. They break down how “Bored” was literally written under an L.A. underpass while couch surfing between tours, why acoustic songwriting still drives their sound, and how a random meeting in Los Angeles changed everything. The band also opens up about the constant Alice in Chains compar...

Autumn Kings’ Jake Diab joins LA Lloyd for a face-to-face conversation in Austin that tracks the band’s full evolution—from an AC/DC concert at 12, to mastering Guitar Hero before ever touching a real instrument, to grinding through years without a safety net. That path leads straight into “Gone, Gone, Gone,” a track co-written with Charlie Scene of Hollywood Undead that captures a band no longer...

This isn’t a surface-level promo hit—this is Billy Morrison pulling the curtain all the way back. He joins LA Lloyd for a conversation that cuts into the real stuff: evolving without selling out, the truth behind “Becoming” with Sully Erna and Nuno Bettencourt, and why keeping it raw in the studio mattered more than making it perfect. He also digs into the mindset behind Hollow and reflects on tha...

Zahna joins LA Lloyd for a raw, high-energy conversation on her latest music—including the explosive single “Defiler”—and what she calls the “evil twin” evolution of her previous album Stronger Than Death. She breaks down writing songs in days, working with Brian Head Welch’s crossover label, and balancing life in a husband-wife band. From vocal discipline to faith, doubt, and pushing into new roc...

Story of the Year frontman Dan Marsala joins LA Lloyd to break down the explosive success of A.R.S.O.N., why “Gasoline” is becoming one of their biggest radio hits ever, and how the band has stayed true to their sound for over 20 years. From balancing family life and a career resurgence to navigating evolving music trends and building a multi-generational fanbase, this conversation dives into the...

From “Last Resort” to sold-out arenas worldwide, Jacoby Shaddix has lived every high and low rock ‘n’ roll can throw at you — and he’s still standing. In his 20th appearance on Rock 30, Jacoby joins LA Lloyd for a conversation that goes way beyond the music. He breaks down the grind behind the massive “Rise of the Roach” tour, the mindset it takes to keep pushing after decades in the game, and the...

Atreyu vocalist Brandon Saller joins Rock 30 for his 13th guest co-host appearance, discussing the band’s global tours, the viral “RIP” post that launched their single “Dead,” and the Tokyo writing sessions that produced their new song “All For You.”

Matt B. of From Ashes To New returns to Rock 30 for his eighth guest co-host appearance — and this one goes deeper than ever. From ShipRocked 2026 to personal growth on stage, leadership evolution, and the story behind their powerful new single “Drag Me” from Reflections, this is the conversation fans haven’t heard before. Download the podcast and subscribe now.

Four decades later, Guns N’ Roses are still dominating arenas and the Rock 30 Top 10. Duff McKagan joins LA Lloyd to talk stamina, legacy, record-breaking crowds, and the revival of “Nothin’” and “Atlas” — plus what it really takes to sustain that level night after night.

LA Lloyd has an intimate conversation with Halestorm's Lzzy Hale about her music, poetry and her milestones in her life.  In January 2025, Halestorm embarked on a unique and intimate musical journey known as the Living Room Sessions tour. This special tour featured Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger performing unplugged shows that brought fans closer to the band's raw talent and emotional depth than ever...

You may know Jesse James Dupree as the chainsaw slingin' frontman for Jackyl.  What you may not know is he has a friendship with Brian Johnson of AC/DC that has lasted for decades.  With the similarities in their vocals, it only makes sense they would collaborate together.  What started as some song ideas for Jesse did indeed lead to the two working together on Jesse's solo album Breathing Fire. O...

LA Lloyd talked with Nita Strauss during her headlining tour with Diamante and Starbenders. They talked about Nita's album Call of the Void which she described as an "educational experience as a songwriter."  The difference in this album compared to her previous ones was the approach of writing songs that were not only for herself but others she worked with.  This led to collaborations with the li...

Scott Stevens was the success story of 2023 on the Rock 30 countdown. He released the song Spirits High through his band the Exies.  It took over 30 weeks for the song to reach number one on the Rock 30.  This was made possible with the fans' continuous requests week after week that got it to the top. Scott didn't sit idle with the success of Spirits High.  As he tells LA Lloyd, there's been a lot...

Daughtry finally reached Number one on the LA Lloyd Rock 30 with the song Artificial.  Chris will give his thoughts on the inspiration of that song on how society is dealing with the growth of Artificial Intelligence at record breaking speed. You probably noticed in the Artificial video of Chris' workout ethic. He tells LA Lloyd, "I have the strongest willpower of anyone I know." He continued, "If...

Papa Roach has an emotional song called leave A Light On. According to Jacoby Shaddix, it's his favorite moment during their set as it is done acoustically with the fans doing a sing-along. Benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the band's royalties on this song are being donated directly to the AFSP, in perpetuity. Every time the song is streamed, downloaded, or used in any w...

”Faith” is a word you will hear Scott Stapp mention many times in this Podcast.  The Grammy winning, platinum-certified artist released his fourth solo album, Higher Power on March 15, 2024. Working with long-time friend and producer Scott Stevens, the relationship led to writing some of the best songs in his career. Scott said this regarding the single Higher Power, “Where I was in my life at the...

Slash is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, original Guns N' Roses member and founder of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.  What's next for the Gibson axe-slinger?  He follows his dream and passion to recreate some of the greatest Blues songs ever written.  "Orgy Of The Damned" is a 12-song album dedicated to the Blues featuring Slash on guitar and an all-star lineup of vocalists inc...

Caleb Shomo is one of the most dynamic front persons you will see live.  The Beartooth vocalist brings pure energy and doesn't stop moving for the entire set.   In this podcast, he discusses the sold out shows on his current tour, how he has stepped from his own shadow into the spotlight and why he loves it.  In addition, he talks about working with Country Rock superstar HARDY on the song and vid...