Raised on Cornbread and Jesus by a church pianist and rock n’ roll drummer in the southern delta of Mississippi, Zechariah’s music is steeped in the gospel, country, and blues music that surrounded him growing up.
Beginning as a drummer at age 12, he cut his teeth on Led Zeppelin & Molly Hatchet records on his uncle’s record player. His percussion background comes through in songs like “Change is Coming” and “Waste These Days”. His winning of the Vicksburg Blues Challenge and sem-final ranking in the International Blues Challenge in 2015 confirmed his decision to pursue music full-time. His 2019 single, Down to the River, won 1st place Blues in the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Competition in 2020, and 2nd place Blues in 2021. Continuing success led him to win the title as “Mississippi Songwriter of the Year” in June of 2022, which awarded him the opportunity to record a new song at Wishbone Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL with producer Billy Lawson. In addition to recording his new song, Travellin’ Man, Mississippi Songwriter of the Year has partnered with the media program at Mississippi State University to record a music video for his winning song, Down to the River. Zechariah Lloyd continues to play regionally and is currently working with Blue Sky Studios in Jackson, MS on a few new tunes as well.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My late friend Billy Hicks took me in as his drummer when I was 20. He taught me a lot about music and really laid the brickwork for me to be able to play live. He once told me “Man, you just gotta keep doing it. Lots of people are gonna play music, lots of people will quit and the greats are gonna pass on. Keep on doing it and one day you’re gonna be where you wanna be”. I think about that a lot when life gets hard and I feel like I should give up.
Do you have any other plans relating to this release? A video? Online Shows?
Yes! I just released a music video for the title track of my latest EP, Heart in a Notebook. Go check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEHCjlTzJfE
Where was your current project recorded?
My latest EP, Heart in a Notebook, was recorded, mixed and mastered at Plaid Dog Recordings in Boston MA.
What is your biggest musical challenge?
I feel like I never quite feel like my songs are finished. Whether I’ve been writing for a week or a year, they just feel “done”.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
It may sound cliche, but it really helps to just put it down for a while and come back to it in a few days. I also like to get friends and family’s opinions too.
Do you enjoy recording and production?
I do! I love the whole process. Seeing a song come to life is probably one of my favorite things. From instrumentation to vocal harmonies – I love bringing a song to life and building it into something great.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
My superhero power would be teleportation and I think my name would be Mr. Do-it-all!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Under Pressure! Easy!
If you had to describe yourself as a flavour, what would it be?
Beer braised; pepper rubbed pork belly! I have no clue why but it just sounded good.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Jack Black
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Have more confidence and do what you love! It will pay off.
www.instagram.com/zechariah.lloyd
www.facebook.com/zechariahlloydmusic
music video for Heart in a Notebook: https://youtu.be/FEHCjlTzJfE
www.zechariahlloydmerch.com