Machine Gun Kelly guitarist Sophie Lloyd recently opened up about the challenges of balancing her solo career with her touring commitments. She shared her thoughts in an interview with Guitar Interactive Magazine.
Lloyd discussed the mental challenges of juggling multiple musical projects simultaneously. When asked about balancing her solo work with her Machine Gun Kelly responsibilities, she provided candid insights into her creative process.
“Yeah, like I think I kind of struggle to do two things at once,” Lloyd said. “I have that kind of ADHD brain where it’s like I struggle to focus on anything other than what I’m doing at that moment. So like at the moment we’re on the Lost Americana tour, obviously, and I’m only back for like a couple of weeks. So I’m kind of struggling to get back into my own stuff a little bit other than videos.”
The guitarist explained how her focus shifts between touring and personal projects.
“Like I’m mainly very focused in on the tour and kind of you know the MGK world I guess and then when I come back I’m excited I’m going to start writing again and doing my own stuff because that’s sort of where like my passion really lies,” she continued. “Just being silly on guitar, do you know I mean?”
Lloyd also addressed her initial reluctance about becoming a touring musician. She explained how the opportunity with MGK changed her perspective.
“You know Colson knows this, I’ve never really wanted to be a session musician that was nothing I kind of… I didn’t really want to be a touring musician for a band you know that wasn’t really what I wanted to do but it’s such a good opportunity I had to take it,” she said. “And Colson gives us the freedom to be able to express ourselves in his music as well and be like ‘oh I want to do a solo there, I want to do that there’ and kind of bring our own flavour to that so that’s why I think it’s such a good opportunity.”
She emphasized the creative freedom she enjoys while working with Machine Gun Kelly.
“I think that that pairing works so well because I do have the freedom, I don’t just have to like play what someone says, if you know what I mean. I have a lot of creativity there, which is great,” Lloyd explained. “But like, yeah, I love just… doing silly stuff on guitar. Making music videos, making performances, being creative and kind of doing the shred versions just sort of making music that makes me go ‘haha that’s funny, that’s fun’, you know?”
Lloyd’s journey to becoming MGK’s guitarist represents a significant evolution from her digital beginnings to arena stages worldwide.
Guitar Interactive Magazine reported that Lloyd launched her YouTube channel in 2011. She built a massive global audience through her online guitar performances. Her digital presence became the foundation for her professional career, demonstrating how modern musicians can leverage social media platforms to reach international audiences.
The transition from online content creator to touring musician came in 2022. Wikipedia confirms Lloyd officially joined Machine Gun Kelly’s touring band as a guitarist. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, moving from solo digital performances to collaborating with one of the music industry’s most prominent artists.
Lloyd’s experience reflects the broader challenges faced by contemporary musicians who must navigate both digital and traditional music industry landscapes. Her candid discussion about ADHD and focus challenges highlights the mental health aspects often overlooked in the demanding world of professional touring.
The guitarist’s emphasis on creative freedom within MGK’s band structure suggests a collaborative approach. This approach allows individual artists to maintain their artistic identity while contributing to a larger musical vision. This balance between personal expression and collective performance has become increasingly important in modern music collaborations.
