Jon Lloyd

Since the release of his debut album in 2004, Jon Lloyd has been making lots of beautiful noise throughout the Southeastern United States. His soulful, kick-back style and dynamic rhythms and melodies are sure to get feet tapping and hearts fluttering.

Jon grew up the son of a church organist in Southeastern North Carolina. He evolved musically through church choirs and various small ensembles and, in his teens, taught himself piano and guitar. As early as Junior High, Jon was recognized as one of the top trumpet players in the state. Blessed with a voice that falls somewhere between Craig David and Ryan Cabrera, and immense songwriting skills, he now combines his diverse musical roots to provide a truly unique melodic experience.

Not surprisingly, Jon's influences range anywhere from Brian McKnight to Al Green to the Goo Goo Dolls. Though his first songwriting endeavors tended toward a bubblegum pop style, for Jon music extends beyond catchy hooks and syrupy-sweet sentiments. As his forthcoming second album proves, Jon hopes to strike a chord in the souls of many fans, underneath.

The “Underneath” album hails from Jon’s most prolific period as a songwriter and includes lyrics and compositions that showcase the sincerity with which he sings. At first listen, songs like “These are the Times” and “Blind Eyes” leave their mark in the mind as any good pop song does, by producing a catchy line that becomes very easy to sing along to, long after the song has finished playing. Those who truly take note of the songs’ essentials, however, will find explorations of deeper motifs, like the consequences honest artists face or the bravery required to maintain successful relationships. “I really feel this is my best writing yet,” Jon says of his most recent batch of songs. Excitedly, he adds, “I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next, to see what we, the fans and everyone involved, can make happen.”

Perhaps the greatest attraction to Jon’s music comes from his ability to communicate profound themes in an extremely relatable manner, within the form of a solid pop/rock song. Jon says of his songwriting process, “Whatever it is that is special to you, you have to find ways to keep it and work at it, and then if you’re an artist, to share it with other people.” And indeed the idea of preserving the significance of what happens in life can be heard on the “Underneath” album.

The album’s strength, though, does not belie the experience of a live Jon Lloyd show. Accessible, sharp, and comfortable, Jon forms a strong connection with his audience both on and off stage. Though he typically plays with an accomplished band that believes in sound music fundamentals as well as the art of having a good time, Jon sometimes offers an intimate solo performance. His comfort level and genuine demeanor, coupled with his band’s polished and relaxed sound, allow an audience to feel they’ve not only enjoyed a good time at a show but also made a new friend, one they can revisit as often as they like with the touch of a “play” button. What started as a local solo show project has blossomed into a full-band touring endeavor, with dates in diverse venues across North and South Carolina and beyond. No matter how people experience his music, once they catch sight of Jon’s work, they’ll want to keep watching with wide-open eyes.