The LA Lloyd Podcast

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 struggled with self-doubt, chased a dream, or wondered what drives one of rock's biggest frontmen, this conversation is for you.
Brent Smith. Shinedown. Unfiltered and authentic with LA Lloyd.

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 honest look at a band entering its next chapter with renewed purpose and confidence.
Hosted by LA Lloyd.

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 Follow,” and the creative journey that continues to push Evanescence forward.

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 time — and getting bigger every step of the way.

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.