Guitarist Sophie Lloyd recently opened up about her experience working with Machine Gun Kelly. She explained why she believes the artist chose her for his touring band in an interview with Classic Rock History.
Lloyd discussed how she joined MGK’s touring lineup. She shared her perspective on the significance of female representation in rock music.
When asked about how she ended up with Machine Gun Kelly and why she thinks he picked her for his touring band, Lloyd provided insight into both the practical and symbolic aspects of her selection.
“MGK actually reached out to me via Instagram after his drummer, Rook, showed him some of my videos,” Lloyd said. “They were looking for another guitarist, and I guess they thought I was a good fit. I’m very grateful they took a chance on me, as they’d only really seen my online content, and I didn’t have much experience as a touring musician.”
Lloyd went on to explain what she believes was an additional factor in her selection.
“I think part of why they chose me was also about representation,” she continued. “MGK has a big audience of young girls, and having a female guitarist on stage sends a powerful message about what’s possible.”
Lloyd’s journey to MGK’s stage represents a remarkable rise from online content creator to touring musician with one of music’s biggest acts.
Louder Sound reported that Lloyd’s YouTube covers, which she began posting in 2011, have amassed over 100 million views. This built the online audience that ultimately led to her recruitment by MGK. Her content was heavily influenced by classic metal acts like Iron Maiden and Pantera, showcasing the technical prowess that would later catch the attention of major touring acts.
The collaboration with MGK provided Lloyd with opportunities to perform at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. As part of MGK’s Mainstream Sellout tour, BIMM Music Institute noted that she performed at iconic locations including New York’s Madison Square Garden and London’s Wembley Arena. This marked a significant milestone in her career transition from digital content to live performance.
Lloyd’s background demonstrates the power of social media in launching musical careers. Guitar Thrills Magazine highlighted that her roots in classic metal, with influences from bands like Iron Maiden, Black Label Society, and Pantera, have been some of the biggest influences on her lead guitar style. This helped her develop the technical skills that made her an attractive choice for MGK’s pop-punk evolution.
The 29-year-old guitarist’s story reflects the changing landscape of the music industry. Online presence can translate into major touring opportunities and representation on stage continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
