Lloyd Barwood: "The dream for me is to pursue music full time"

Lloyd Barwood is an emerging DJ and producer from the UK, making waves in the electronic music scene since 2022. He has released music on labels like Capital Heaven, Stellar Black, Prognosis, and Vesta Records, with more upcoming in 2024 and beyond. Lloyd has supported artists such as Steve Parry and Framewerk, and regularly performs in London's and Manchester's club scenes. He has also DJed internationally, including at the Forum club and Extrema Outdoor in Belgium. Additionally, he curates his own progressive and melodic house events across the UK.

"Praying To The Moon" has just been released on AXPET, the label of Yulia Niko. How did the collaboration with her come about, and what did you want to convey through this track?

I remember it well. I was partying in Ibiza and noticed Yulia had added my record “Burning Desire” to her Spotify playlist, so I decided to reach out on instagram. I never expected a response but I thought you miss all the shots you don’t take. To my surprise, Yulia responded and asked me to send her my unreleased records and that’s when she took a liking to "Praying to the Moon".

The idea behind “Praying to the Moon” was to produce a record that would work on the big stage. It all started with the orchestral strings, drawing on classical techniques to create tension and energy. The bass and drums were then composed to elevate and empower the strings to take centre stage. The vocals were the final addition and became the hook of the record, hence the name.

You started your musical journey in 2022 and in a very short time you've already signed with labels like Capital Heaven, Stellar Black, and now AXPET. What was the turning point that made you realize you were truly entering the scene?

There are a few standout moments that come to mind which solidified my confidence that I’m on the right path. Running underground music events in London with a friend was a great way to get my foot in the door, as it gave me opportunities to DJ in front of crowds and to meet people in the industry. But getting booked for my first few gigs was the pivotal moment.

Last summer, I got booked to play The Prog Lab in Bristol supporting Emi Galvan, Henry Saiz and Jeremy Olander, which was a huge deal for me. And a few months later, I performed in my hometown of Torbay for the first time in front of lots of friends and family, which was special. Then in September I had the amazing opportunity to headline my first ever show for Revibe Emotions in Bournemouth. That summer will always be unforgettable.

As a producer, the turning point was my music being supported by some incredible global artists. There’s nothing more satisfying than receiving videos from people like Yulia and Danny Howells dropping my records to 10,000 people in Dubai or a packed club in Buenos Aires. I’m smiling from ear to ear just thinking about it.

You've brought your music to major venues both in the UK and abroad, such as the Forum Club and Extrema Outdoor in Belgium. How does playing in an intimate club compare to performing at a large international festival?

With where I am in my career right now, most of my gigs are in intimate venues, which I honestly love as I can really engage with the crowd and gauge their response to each record I play whilst I build a journey. When I’ve been lucky enough to play on the big stage, it’s the only time I’ve ever felt nervous stepping up to the decks but it’s an exhilarating feeling like no other. I can’t wait for the day that becomes a regular occurrence but, no doubt, I’ll always love playing intimate events. 

In addition to producing and performing, you're also curating events dedicated to progressive and melodic house in the UK. What’s your vision for these events, and what do you aim to offer the audience?

This last year, I’ve been throwing events with my friend Will, otherwise known as Super Progressive. The focus has always been to curate events that bring together like-minded people in the underground music community - both artists and ravers - allowing them to connect and network whilst enjoying sets from their favourite headline artists in an intimate setting. For our most recent event, we had Quivver as the headliner and for our upcoming event on the 3rd May we’ll be joined by Danny Howells. It’s an incredible feeling getting to book your heroes and then having the opportunity to perform alongside them.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, with new releases on the horizon, what are your main goals as an artist, and are there any collaborations or future projects you can share with us?

The dream for me is to be able to leave my corporate 9 to 5 as a Cyber Security consultant and pursue music full time. Being able to wake up every day knowing that I’m doing something that truly fulfills me and is my purpose is the ultimate success story.

I’d love to also, one day, release music on the labels that have been my inspiration as an artist, the likes of Sasha’s Last Night on Earth, Bedrock, Selador and Anjunadeep. I know this will take time and patience perfecting my craft, but the one thing I have on my side is time.

I have some big collaborations and releases already scheduled for 2025. Kicking things off with the release of “Praying to the Moon” on Yulia’s Axept Records on the 25th April.

Then, in May, I will be releasing on Quivver’s Controlled Substance with more releases planned for later on in the year, including a collaboration with Alfonso Muchacho on Music To Die For and a big EP releasing on Stripped Digital, with remixes from Cass, Medway and Kiz Pattison, which is a dream come true.

I’ll also be DJing around the U.K throughout this year, with a few more Super Progressive events in the works, the Prognosis x Critical Elements event at the end of May and a day party in Milton Keynes. Lots to look forward to.

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