The LA Lloyd Podcast
LA Lloyd is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show ”LA Lloyd Rock 30 Countdown.” Each week he has one of Rock‘s biggest artist as a guest co-host. You can hear these interviews after the show airs on this Podcast. Please subscribe https://apple.co/2IMEAEi and follow me on Twitter @lalloyd, Instagram @lalloyd1 and Facebook.com/lalloydsrock30
Airbourne: The Advice From Lemmy They Never Forgot
Years ago, Lemmy gave Airbourne advice they never forgot: stay true to who you are and don’t let the music business change you. Nearly two decades after their last Rock 30 appearance, brothers Joel and Ryan O’Keeffe reconnect with LA Lloyd backstage in Pamplona, Spain, just after opening for Judas Priest. They share how Lemmy’s words still follow them into the studio today, why they sometimes ask themselves, “Would Lemmy sing that?”, and how that connection helped shape “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out).” The conversation also takes in Bryan Adams, Mutt Lange, more than twenty years together as brothers in...
Blake Coddington | Letdown: When Making Music for Yourself Connects With Millions
Blake Coddington built letdown. by doing something that sounds simple—making music for himself. But songs born from some of the hardest moments of his life began connecting with millions of people. Blake joins LA Lloyd to talk about the personal struggle that started letdown., the sacrifices that came with its sudden growth, writing songs like “Empty” that aren’t always easy to share, and why “Do It For The Love” captures the reason he keeps making music. It’s a conversation about success, vulnerability and what happens when the music you need to make for yourself becomes something other people need to
Jake Diab | Autumn Kings: Success Without Losing Yourself
Success may have brought Autumn Kings to a bigger stage, but Jake Diab believes the journey matters just as much as the destination. Jake joins LA Lloyd to talk about the upcoming album Epiphanies, the continued rise of “Gone, Gone, Gone,” and what success looks like without losing sight of why you started making music in the first place. There’s also a road story Jake—and LA Lloyd—won’t soon forget. When the band’s van broke down in rural Wisconsin, a complete stranger named Ernie handed over the keys to his own vehicle so Autumn Kings could make the next...
Kingdom Collapse: Survivor — The Song That Became Someone's Story
When Kingdom Collapse wrote "Survivor," they hoped it would inspire listeners facing difficult battles. They never imagined one fan's story would forever change the meaning of the song. Jonathan Norris and Aaron Smith join LA Lloyd on the Rock 30 to discuss the emotional impact of "Survivor," the responsibility that comes with writing deeply personal music, and why genuine connection with fans continues to drive the band forward. It's a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the moments that remind artists why they create music.
Story Of The Year | Staying Connected After 25 Years
More than two decades after Page Avenue introduced Story Of The Year to the world, the band continues to evolve while staying true to the passion that first connected with fans. Dan Marsala joins LA Lloyd on the Rock 30 to discuss the new single "Disconnected," how fatherhood has changed life on and off the stage, songs that took years to become fan favorites, and why this chapter has become one of the most creatively fulfilling of the band's career. It's an honest conversation about longevity, creativity, and what success really means after 25 years in rock.
Ryan Perdz | More Than A Cover Song
Every artist has a beginning. For Ryan Perdz, it started with family, a few cover songs, and a determination to find his own voice. In this Rock 30 conversation with LA Lloyd, Ryan opens up about the people who shaped his journey, the moments that changed his life, and the stories behind the music as he continues to carve out his place in rock. New episodes of Rock 30 are released every Monday. Connect with Rock 30: 🎸 Website: https://lalloyd.com 🎙️ Podcast: https://lalloyd.podbean.com/ 📺 Rock 30 TV: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLITHJ-10UdqprgYTCoq0OUSGO0fcSEJyN #RyanPerdz #Rock30 #Rock30TV #RockPodcast #MusicIntervi
Tyler Connolly | Theory of a Deadman: Still Evolving After All These Years
After nearly three decades together, Theory of a Deadman isn't interested in repeating the past. In his 18th appearance on Rock 30, Tyler Connolly shares why the band's new chapter is driven by creative freedom—from embracing EPs as "small batches of Kentucky bourbon" to making music on the band's own terms rather than following the traditional album cycle. Tyler also dives into the stories behind Part 1: Funeral Songs, including the surprisingly relatable inspiration for "Winnebago (Lay Low)" and the emotional meaning behind "Barricade." Along the way, he reflects on nearly 30 years with the same bandmates, what younger bands are teaching hi...
Spencer Charnas: From Horror Fan To Horror Family
`` 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 and start trusting yourself, this one is for you. LA Lloyd welcomes Spencer Charnas for an honest conversation about Metallica, creativity, building Ice Nine Kills, working with McKenna Grace, and why...
Kenny Wayne Shepherd: These Songs Mean More To Me Today Than They Did At 18
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 on Fear, Fatherhood & Why Every Day Is a Gift
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 lessons about success, vulnerability, family, and the mindset that helps him connect with millions of fans around the world while still appreciating every day he's been given. If you've ever...
Nixon of Framing Hanley: "I Fell in Love with Music All Over Again"
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 why he feels more confident than ever about where Framing Hanley stands in 2026. If you've been a Framing Hanley fan since the beginning—or are discovering the band for the first time—this conversation offers an h...
Amy Lee on Authenticity, Purpose, and Why Music Still Matters
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 runs throughout Sanctuary and this conversation, as Amy opens up about purpose, emotional honesty, and why she still believes music matters. The interview also explores the inspiration behind Sanctuary, the current single “Who Will You Fo...
Lajon Witherspoon on ONE & the Sevendust Family
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 dives into songs like “Unbreakable” and “Construct,” younger generations discovering Sevendust through social media, and the emotional connection that keeps the 7D Army united year after year.
Toadies' Vaden Todd Lewis On Survival, Self-Doubt & The Charmer
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-school analog way changed everything for the band. One of the most honest Rock 30 conversations in a long time.
How Return To Dust Turned Chaos Into “Bored"
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 comparisons, landing tour dates with Yungblud after he personally requested them, and completely reinventing Hey Ya! into something dark, heavy, and emotionally raw. It’s the sound of a band figuring things out in real t...
Autumn Kings: From Guitar Hero to “Gone, Gone, Gone” | Rock 30 with LA Lloyd
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 searching, but fully locked in. This isn’t just the story of where they started—it’s the moment everything connects.
Billy Morrison Unfiltered: The Truth Behind “Becoming,” Hollow, and That Ozzy No. 1
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 that long-awaited No. 1 moment with Ozzy Osbourne on “Crack Cocaine.” Honest, unfiltered, and the kind of conversation you don’t usually get.
Zahna Unleashed with LA Lloyd: “Defiler,” Faith, and Her Darkest Evolution Yet
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 rock territory, Zahna proves she’s built for the long haul—and not backing down.
Story of the Year with LA Lloyd: A.R.S.O.N. Ignites
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 heart of a band that never chased the moment—they outlasted it. Plus, insight into their songwriting process, live set strategy, and what’s next with new tour dates on the horizon.
Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix on Faith, Mental Health & “Wake Up Calling”
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 emotional weight of hearing fans say his songs kept them alive. Then the conversation takes a deeper turn — as Jacoby opens up about faith, recovery, and how his relationship w...
Brandon Saller of Atreyu | Dead, All For You & Rock 30 Interview
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 Brandyberry of From Ashes To New | Rock 30 Interview
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.
Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) | LA Lloyd Rock 30 Interview
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.
Lzzy Hale conversation with LA Lloyd
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 before. One of those stops was in Biloxi, MS at Hard Rock Live where this podcast takes place.
Jesse James Dupree conversation with LA Lloyd
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. On a phone call between Jesse James Dupree and Brian Johnson, the two started talking about how the marines would do a cadence while marching. From that idea, Brian told Jess...
Nita Strauss conversation with LA Lloyd
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 likes of Lzzy Hale, Dorothy and the Number One song Dead Inside with David Draiman from Disturbed. Nita was asked if she considers herself a role model. Her take on it is if someone loo...
Scott Stevens (the Exies) conversation with LA Lloyd
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 of things percolating regarding the Exies music. The next chapter of this story brings us to the new song For What It's Worth. Its inspiration comes from the p...
Chris Daughtry conversation with LA Lloyd
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 I know that I am preparing for something, there is nothing you can do to make me crack." The new single from Daughtry is Pieces. The lyrics will definitely hit you emotionally when you...
Papa Roach (Jacoby Shaddix) conversation with LA Lloyd
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 way a donation is being made. The band's initial donation to the AFSP of $155,000 was presented at their final show in Denver, Colorado. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please reach o...
Scott Stapp conversation with LA Lloyd
”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 time, without that song even being, it was the song that had to be the title track and had to be the first song on the record because that’s where the journey began.” Dorothy will...
Slash conversation with LA Lloyd
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 including Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Chris Stapleton, Beth Hart, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Gary Clark Jr, Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top), Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), Demi Lovato, Dorothy, and Tash Neal on...
Beartooth (Caleb Shomo) conversation with LA Lloyd
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 video The Better Me...and yes Caleb actually knows how to play golf well. LA Lloyd is very happy for Beartooth getting their first NUMBER ONE song on the...
Austin Meade conversation with LA Lloyd
If you haven't discovered the music from Austin Meade, this podcast should intrigue you to listen. The Texas native has established himself as a story-driven songwriter whose latest album Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind showcases his work. Blackout is Austin Meade's single that debuted on the Rock 30 late 2023. According to Austin, the inspiration came to him after attending a Jelly Roll showcase. He received the VIP treatment and and as he put it, "I'm having a good time until I'm not." With a passion for cinematic narratives, the video pays homage to the film Fight Club. I met Austin Meade...
Josey Scott (Saliva) conversation with LA Lloyd
Josey Scott stepped away from being frontman of Saliva at the end of 2011. What has he been up to since that major decision? A LOT! He is back with a new band called “Josey Scott’s Saliva.” They have been touring and writing in 2023. Wayne Swinny Wayne Swinny, original Saliva guitarist passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2023. Josey was devastated but will share how happy he was he had one last chance to reunite with Wayne and Saliva on September 11, 2022. At The Blue Ridge Rock Festival September 11, 2022, Josey made his first appearance with the band as a special guest since departing in 2011. Th...
Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins conversation with LA Lloyd
Smashing Pumpkins released the highly anticipated triple album Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts. It is the twelfth studio album released in three separate installments of 11 songs—Atum: Act One was released on November 15, 2022, Atum: Act Two was released on January 31, 2023, and Atum: Act Three on May 5, 2023. Billy Corgan talks in-depth about the album box set. In addition, he talks about his love of wrestling and the purchase of NWA.
Bobby Amaru (Saliva) conversation with LA Lloyd
Only days before we heard the news that original Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny unexpectedly passed away, LA Lloyd interviewed their vocalist Bobby Amaru. We send condolences to the Saliva fans and family.
White Reaper conversation with LA Lloyd
White Reaper is a band from Louisville, KY. Their sound has been called "Garage Punk" but when you see them live, they are just basically a great Rock Band period. They released their album Asking For A Ride January 27, 2023. Hunter Thompson, guitarist and Sam Wilkerson will tell LA Lloyd the stories behind many of the songs on the album including their current single Fog Machine.
Scott Stevens (The Exies) conversation with LA Lloyd
It's been a long time since we heard a new song from the Exies. Scott Stevens, vocalist shares the story of how "Spirits High" came to be when he first began working on it in lockdown 2020. Two and a half years later the song was finalized. Scott also reveals if there will be more music coming from the Exies. After The Exies split up in 2010, Scott honed his craft of songwriting and producing eventually working with many top rock artists. In this Podcast, Scott will go artist by artist and give his feelings on working with Halestorm, Shinedown, Daughtry, Scott Stap...
Dayseeker conversation with LA Lloyd
Rory Rodriguez, Dayseeker vocalist talks in-depth with LA Lloyd about their album Dark Sun which was released November 4, 2022. Fans of the Rock 30 have been requesting the new single from Dayseeker called Without Me. As Rory explains, we were encouraged to do a co-write with someone outside the band. That person was Matt Squire, who had worked previously with Panic At The Disco, Te Used and even Demi Lovato. It was a good decision as the song is turning out to be one of their biggest hits.
Giovannie and the Hired Guns conversation with LA Lloyd
Giovannie and the Hired Guns was the surprise success story of 2022. Their song Ramon Ayala went to number one on not one but two charts. This is the first time since 2006 that an artist’s first career-charting radio single reached No. 1 at both Alternative and Active Rock. LA Lloyd actually recorded this episode in Gio's limo on Congress Avenue in Austin, TX at the historic Paramount Theatre. It's the perfect match as Giovannie and the Hired Guns was touring with Los Lonely Boys and as you can see from the marquis below, fans love it as this one was SOLD OUT!