Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Alex Lloyd.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Alex Lloyd
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Key Information
Alexander Lloyd (né Wasiliev) is an Australian singer and songwriter. Four of his albums, Black the Sun, Watching Angels Mend, Distant Light, and Alex Lloyd, released between 1999 and 2005, made the top ten on the ARIA charts. Lloyd has also won the ARIA Award for Best Male Artist on three occasions.
Early life and education
[edit]Alexander Wasiliev was born to a father of Russian descent and a mother of Irish descent.[1] Lloyd grew up in the inner Sydney suburb of Balmain, and attended Balmain High School (now Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus).
At the age of 15, Lloyd was a member of a school rock band that won the 1990 Balmain Battle of the Bands. This mainly blues-rock band evolved into "The Beefs", which began playing in local pubs and clubs and into the indie rock band Mother Hubbard. Lloyd adopted his mother's maiden name 'Lloyd', following her unexpected death in 1991.[2]
Career
[edit]1998–2002: Black the Sun and Watching Angels Mend
[edit]Early in 1998, Lloyd released his debut single "Peepshow/Momo", which did not chart. In July 1998, Lloyd released the single "Black the Sun", the lead from his debut album of the same name. The song peaked at number 86 on the ARIA Charts. Lloyd's debut studio album, Black the Sun was released in July 1999. It peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts and was certified 2× Platinum. Triple J listeners voting it their album of the year in 1999.[3] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2000, Lloyd won ARIA Award for Best Male Artist.
In 2001, Lloyd released "Downtown" and "Amazing", the lead singles from his second album. "Amazing" became his best-performing single, peaking within the top 20 in Australia and being certified gold. It was voted in a number 1 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2001. At the APRA Music Awards of 2002, the song won Single of the Year. The accompanying video was directed by Ryan Renshaw. Watching Angels Mend was released in September 2001 and peaked at number 2 in Australia and was certified 3× platinum. Two further top-40 singles in Australia followed in 2002: "Green" and "Everybody's Laughing".[4] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2002, Lloyd was nominated for seven awards, winning ARIA Award for Best Male Artist for a second time.
2003–2004: Distant Light, Alex Lloyd and Amazing: The Best of Alex Lloyd
[edit]In August 2003, Lloyd released "Coming Home", the lead single from his third studio album. The song peaked at number 24 on the ARIA Charts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2003, the song won Lloyd the vARIA Award for Best Male Artist for a third time.
Lloyd's third studio album Distant Light was released in September 2003. The album peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts and was certified gold.[5] It spawned two more top 50 singles in "1000 Miles" and "Beautiful".
In August 2005, Alex Lloyd released "Never Meant to Fail", the lead single from his fourth studio album. The song reached the top 30 in Australia.[4] On 25 October 2005, Lloyd released his self-titled fourth studio album. The album peaked at number 7 on the ARIA Charts and was certified platinum. In April 2006, Lloyd performed in the grand finale of Dancing with the Stars, singing his breakthrough song, "Amazing". His performance on the show saw the album re-entered the albums charts.
In September 2006, Lloyd released his first greatest hits album, titled Amazing: The Best of Alex Lloyd. It was his final on EMI Music. A limited edition of the album features a second album of B-sides and rarities and it peaked at number 34.
2008–2011: Good in the Face of a Stranger and the Mad Bastards Trio
[edit]In November 2008, Lloyd released his fifth studio album Good in the Face of a Stranger through Inertia. The album peaked at number 80 on the ARIA Chart. The album spawned two singles, the first, "Slow Train" featured a video clip made with 7,000 hand-drawn pictures. The album's second single, "What We Started", was released in March 2009 and subsequently used as song on the television show 90210.
In 2011, Lloyd began touring with Steve and Alan Pigram from the Pigram Brothers. The trio had worked on the soundtrack for the Australian film Mad Bastards, and subsequently became known as the Mad Bastards Trio, using the tour to promote the film, which was released on 5 May 2011. The tour ended later that month. The Mad Bastards Trio also performed on Adam Hills in Gordon Street Tonight and also had an interview with George Negus about the music and the film itself. One of Lloyd's songs from Good in the Face of a Stranger, "Slow Train" made it onto the soundtrack, along with songs written by the Pigram Brothers, but the majority of the soundtrack was written as a collaboration between the trio. At the APRA Music Awards of 2011 the trio received three nominations. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2011, the album was nominated for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album.
2012–2015: Urban Wilderness and "Coming Home (To Richmond)"
[edit]In March 2013, Lloyd began road-testing new songs on a limited tour. Speaking to The Newcastle Herald, Lloyd announced the title of the album as Urban Wilderness.[6] In August 2013, Lloyd released the first single from the album, "Better the Less You Know", featuring footage of people listening to the song in London and on the Central Coast.[7] The album was released on 18 October 2013, and was met with a mostly positive reception. Late in 2013, Lloyd performed his first Australian tour in over five years.[8]
In 2014, Lloyd collaborated with the Richmond Football Club, releasing "Coming Home (To Richmond)"; a combination of his original 2003 single with references made to the AFL club. Lloyd subsequently adopted the Tigers as his club. The song became his first re-entry into the Australia Top 100 in over eight years, peaking at number 62 on the ARIA Charts.[9]
A third single from Urban Wilderness was released in April 2014, titled "Good Thing".
2016–2017: Acoustica
[edit]On 11 February 2016, Liberation Music announced that Lloyd would be releasing an acoustic album as part of their acoustic series, featuring re-imaginings of many of his most successful tracks.[10] The following day, an acoustic version of "Coming Home" was released on their YouTube channel.[11] Lloyd also began touring with Australian rock band Icehouse for their tour dates in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra throughout February and March 2016.
Acoustica was released on 5 August 2016 and peaked at number 45 on ARIA charts.
2018–2019: Black the Sun 20th Anniversary Tour
[edit]Following an appearance at A Day on the Green in 2018[12] and supporting The Whitlams on their national tour of 2018, Lloyd announced a 20th-anniversary release of his debut album Black the Sun. The subsequent national tour, took place from October–November and was a success, with multiple sell out shows.[13]
2021–present: "Amazing" 20th Anniversary Tour and new album
[edit]Following the reopening of venues during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lloyd announced an eleven-date acoustic tour to celebrate the 20th-anniversary release of "Amazing".
In May 2022, Lloyd released his first single in eight years, "Trojan Horse", coinciding with the commencement of the tour.
In August 2025, Lloyd was the subject of an episode on Australian Story titled Dark Star.[14]
Personal life
[edit]Lloyd is married to Amelia Wasiliev and they have three sons and one daughter. Lloyd and Wasiliev separated in 2012.[citation needed]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [4] |
NZ [15] | ||||
| Black the Sun |
|
9 | — | ||
| Watching Angels Mend |
|
2 | 22 |
| |
| Distant Light |
|
9 | — |
| |
| Alex Lloyd |
|
7 | — |
| |
| Good in the Face of a Stranger |
|
80 | — | ||
| Urban Wilderness |
|
— | — | ||
| Acoustica |
|
45 | — | ||
| "—" denotes the album did not chart or achieve certification | |||||
Soundtrack albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Mad Bastards (with The Pigram Brothers) |
|
Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [4] |
NZ [15] | ||
| Watching Angels Mend / Black the Sun |
|
20 | — |
| Amazing: The Best of Alex Lloyd |
|
34 | — |
| Rare Tracks & B-Sides |
|
— | — |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Black the Sun |
|
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Certification | Album | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [4] |
AUS JJJ Hottest 100 |
NLD [16] |
NZ [15] |
UK [17] | |||||
| 1998 | "Peepshow/Momo" | — | — | — | — | — | non-album single | ||
| "Black the Sun" | 86 | — | — | — | — | Black the Sun | |||
| 1999 | "Lucky Star" | 91 | 21 | — | — | — | |||
| "Something Special" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 2000 | "My Way Home" | 50 | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2001 | "Downtown" | 75 | 63 | — | — | — | Watching Angels Mend | ||
| "Amazing" | 14 | 1 | 91 | 1 | 176 |
| |||
| 2002 | "Green" | 25 | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Everybody's Laughing" | 33 | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "Bus Ride" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 2003 | "Coming Home" | 24 | 39 | — | — | — | Distant Light | ||
| "1000 Miles" | 32 | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 2004 | "Beautiful" | 30 | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Hello the End" | — | — | — | — | 146 | ||||
| 2005 | "Never Meant to Fail" | 27 | — | — | — | — | Alex Lloyd | ||
| "The Wonder" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 2006 | "Brand New Day" | 53 | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2008 | "Slow Train" | — | — | — | — | — | Good in the Face of a Stranger | ||
| 2009 | "What We Started" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2013 | "Better the Less You Know" | — | — | — | — | — | Urban Wilderness | ||
| "Waterfall" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 2014 | "Coming Home (To Richmond)" | 62 | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Good Thing" | — | — | — | — | — | Urban Wilderness | |||
| 2016 | "Coming Home" | — | — | — | — | — | Acoustica | ||
| "Mockingbird" | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |||
| 2022 | "Trojan Horse" | — | — | — | — | — | TBA | ||
| "—" denotes the single did not chart or achieve certification | |||||||||
Awards and nominations
[edit]ARIA Awards
[edit]The ARIA Music Awards are a set of annual ceremonies presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987. Lloyd has won four awards.[18]
| Year | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Breakthrough Artist – Single | "Lucky Star" | Won |
| Best Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2000 | Breakthrough Artist – Album | Black the Sun | Nominated |
| Best Male Artist | Won | ||
| Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2002 | Producer of the Year | Watching Angels Mend | Nominated |
| Best Rock Album | Nominated | ||
| Best Male Artist | Won | ||
| Highest Selling Album | Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Highest Selling Single | "Amazing" | Nominated | |
| Single of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2003 | Best Male Artist | "Coming Home" | Won |
| 2004 | Engineer of the Year | Distant Light | Nominated |
| Best Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album | Mad Bastards (Music from the Motion Picture) (with the Pigram Brothers) | Nominated |
APRA Awards
[edit]The APRA Awards are several award ceremonies run in Australia by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) to recognise composing and song writing skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually.
| Year | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Song of the Year | "Amazing" | Won |
| 2011 | Best Original Song Composed for the Screen | "Won't Look Back" (with the Pigram Brothers) | Nominated |
| Best Soundtrack Album | "Mad Bastards – Music from the Motion Picture" (with the Pigram Brothers) | Nominated | |
| Feature Film Score of the Year | "Mad Bastards – Music from the Motion Picture" (with the Pigram Brothers) | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Peter Holmes (1 December 2002). "Light 'n' easy". The Sun-Herald. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Troubadour waters". The Sydney Morning Herald. 17 October 2003. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Kingsmill, Richard. "Feature: J FILES: 1999". ABC. Retrieved 18 June 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Australian (ARIA Chart) peaks:
- Top 50 peaks: "australian-charts.com > Alex Lloyd in Australian Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
- Top 100 peaks to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 169.
- "Coming Home (To Richmond)": "The ARIA Report Issue #1253 – Week Commencing 10 March 2014" (PDF). Australian Web Archive. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 March 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- ^ "Alex Lloyd's latest baby". 29 March 2013.
- ^ "Alex Lloyd - Better The Less You Know". YouTube. 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
- ^ "Alex Lloyd Returns to Australia with East Coast TOur". The Music Au. 14 October 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
- ^ Gavin Ryan (1 March 2014). "Pharrell Williams Spends 8th Week On Top Of ARIA Singles". Noise11.com. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "ALEX LLOYD releases 'Coming Home' – the First Taste of upcoming album 'Acoustica' - Liberation Music". liberation.com.au. Archived from the original on 17 February 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
- ^ "Alex Lloyd - Coming Home". YouTube. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "StackPath". Adayonthegreen.com.au. 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "2019 shop". Festickets. 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
- ^ "Alex Lloyd to Delve Into Prescription Drug Addiction On 'Australian Story'". The Music. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b c "charts.nz > Alex Lloyd in New Zealand Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ "dutchcharts.nl > Zoeken naar: Alex Lloyd" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ "Chart Log UK 1994–2010 > DJ Steve L. – LZ Love". zobbel.de. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ "History: Winners by Artist: Alex Lloyd". ARIA Awards. Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 7 June 2009.[permanent dead link]
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Alex Lloyd
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early years
Early life
Alexander Wasiliev, who later adopted the stage name Alex Lloyd, was born on 19 September 1974, in Sydney, Australia, to a father of Russian-German descent and an Irish mother named Bridget Lloyd.[4][5] The family's multicultural heritage provided a rich backdrop for his childhood, blending Eastern European and Celtic influences in the vibrant, working-class suburb of Balmain, where he spent his early years.[6] Lloyd's parents separated when he was around six years old, after which he and his younger brother Oliver lived primarily with their mother in Balmain.[3] This period was marked by a chaotic home environment due to their mother's long-term abusive relationship, yet it was also filled with her encouragement of his creative side. Tragedy struck in 1991 when Bridget died suddenly from cancer at age 52, leaving the 16-year-old Lloyd devastated; in tribute to her, he adopted her surname "Lloyd" as his professional moniker shortly thereafter.[2][1] From a young age, Lloyd's passion for music was nurtured by familial influences and the eclectic sounds of his Sydney surroundings. His father introduced him to the Beatles via songbooks and guitars, sparking an early fascination with songwriting and performance, while Balmain's lively pub scene and street culture offered informal inspiration for his budding artistic expression.[5]Education and early music
Lloyd attended Balmain High School in Sydney, where he grew up in the inner suburb of the same name.[7] At the age of 15 in 1990, he joined the school's rock band, marking his initial foray into group performances.[7] During his teenage years, Lloyd taught himself to play guitar starting around age 12 or 13, drawing inspiration from rock music staples in his household, including Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, David Bowie, and Bob Dylan.[8] These influences shaped his early affinity for blues-rock, which he explored through informal jamming with friends at local markets.[3] Lloyd's school involvement evolved into forming his first band, the blues-based The Beefs, which emerged from Balmain High School circles and began performing in local pubs and clubs.[9] This group later transitioned into the indie rock outfit Mother Hubbard in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where Lloyd served as lead singer, honing his songwriting and stage presence in Sydney's underground scene.[9][5]Career
1998–2002: Debut album and breakthrough hit
In 1998, Alex Lloyd released his debut single "Black the Sun," which marked his entry into the Australian music scene as a solo artist after years with band projects. The track, produced under EMI Records, received notable airplay on Triple J, building anticipation for his self-titled debut album. Released on July 18, 1999, Black the Sun debuted at number 41 on the ARIA Albums Chart before climbing to a peak of number 9, where it remained for 28 weeks. The album achieved double platinum certification in Australia, selling over 140,000 copies and establishing Lloyd's reputation for introspective, melodic rock influenced by his earlier experiences.[10][11][12] Following the success of his debut, Lloyd signed with the major label EMI in Australia, which supported his transition to a broader audience. He undertook initial promotional tours across the country, performing in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne to connect with fans and radio audiences. These early live shows highlighted his guitar-driven songwriting and helped solidify his presence in the Australian indie-rock circuit. By 2000, the momentum from Black the Sun positioned Lloyd for further breakthroughs, including ARIA Award recognition for Best New Artist.[12] Lloyd's sophomore album, Watching Angels Mend, arrived on September 17, 2001, via EMI, peaking at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and spending 41 weeks in the top 50. Certified triple platinum with sales exceeding 210,000 units, the record showcased a more polished production by Magnus Fiennes, blending pop sensibilities with emotional depth. Its lead single "Amazing" became Lloyd's breakthrough hit, reaching number 14 on the ARIA Singles Chart while topping the Triple J Hottest 100 poll for 2001, voted by listeners as the year's favorite track. The song's widespread radio play and cultural resonance propelled Lloyd to national stardom, with accompanying tours expanding to larger venues across Australia.[13][14][15][16]2003–2007: Follow-up albums and compilation
Following the breakthrough success of his 2001 album Watching Angels Mend and its lead single "Amazing", Alex Lloyd continued his commercial ascent with his third studio album, Distant Light, released in September 2003 by EMI Music Australia. The album debuted and peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking his third consecutive top-10 entry and demonstrating sustained popularity in the Australian market.[17] It featured introspective rock tracks influenced by Lloyd's experiences living abroad, with production handled by Richard Dodd at Studios 301 in Sydney. The lead single, "Coming Home", released in August 2003, reached number 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart and earned Lloyd his third ARIA Award for Best Male Artist in 2003, underscoring the song's emotional resonance and radio play.[18][16] Distant Light was certified gold by ARIA for shipments exceeding 35,000 units, reflecting solid sales driven by the single's momentum and Lloyd's growing fanbase.[11] In 2005, Lloyd released his self-titled fourth studio album, Alex Lloyd, on October 25 through Sony BMG, recorded in Seattle with producer Rick Parashar to capture a more polished, alternative rock sound. The album entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number 7, becoming his highest-peaking release to date and his fourth top-10 album in six years.[19] Key tracks included the lead single "Never Meant to Fail", released on August 12, 2005, which climbed to number 27 on the ARIA Singles Chart and received significant airplay for its uplifting lyrics addressing personal resilience.[20] Follow-up singles "The Wonder" and "Brand New Day" further supported the album's promotion, contributing to its platinum certification by ARIA for over 70,000 units shipped, a testament to Lloyd's established presence in Australian pop-rock during this period.[11] The record's success solidified his mid-2000s commercial peak, blending melodic hooks with introspective themes that resonated with listeners. By 2006, Lloyd's label capitalized on his hits with the compilation album Amazing: The Best of Alex Lloyd, released on September 2 as a single-disc and limited-edition double-disc set through Sony BMG. The collection debuted at number 34 on the ARIA Albums Chart, his first release outside the top 10 but still charting within the top 50, serving as a retrospective summary of his career highlights up to that point.[21] It included staples like "Amazing", "Coming Home", and "Never Meant to Fail" alongside deeper cuts such as "Black the Sun" and "Green", offering fans a curated overview of his evolution from indie roots to mainstream acclaim. While not certified, the compilation underscored Lloyd's enduring appeal, encapsulating the body of work that had earned him multiple ARIA nominations and awards by the mid-2000s.[22]2008–2011: New release, soundtrack, and legal challenges
In 2008, Alex Lloyd released his fifth studio album, Good in the Face of a Stranger, on November 3 through the independent label Inertia. The record marked a shift toward more introspective songwriting, featuring tracks like "Drugs and Love" and "Same Day," but it struggled commercially, peaking at number 80 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[23][24] By 2011, Lloyd expanded into film scoring through a collaboration with Indigenous Australian musicians Alan and Stephen Pigram of the Pigram Brothers. The trio contributed original music to the soundtrack for the drama film Mad Bastards, directed by Brendan Fletcher, which explored themes of reconciliation in remote Aboriginal communities. Released as Mad Bastards - Music from the Motion Picture via Bush Turkey Films and MGM Distribution, the album included co-written songs such as "Nothing Really Matters" and "Won't Look Back." Their efforts earned a nomination for the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album, though the award went to Chris Lilley's Angry Boys. Following the film's release, the Mad Bastards Trio began touring, performing selections from the soundtrack across Australia.[25][26] That same year brought professional challenges for Lloyd when truck driver Mark Edward O'Keefe filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against him in the Federal Court. O'Keefe alleged that he and Lloyd had co-authored the chorus of the 2001 hit "Amazing" on the back of beer coasters during a 1999 encounter at a Sydney pub, entitling him to half the song's royalties. The plaintiff, representing himself due to financial constraints, claimed the inspiration stemmed from a casual jam session. However, after a trial in October 2009, Justice Christopher Jessup dismissed the case, ruling that O'Keefe failed to provide sufficient evidence of joint authorship, and ordered him to pay Lloyd's legal costs.[27][28][29]2012–2017: Independent work and acoustic era
Following the challenges of his previous years, Alex Lloyd transitioned to independent music production, releasing his sixth studio album, Urban Wilderness, on October 18, 2013, through his own label, Table Music.[30][31] The album was crowd-funded to allow Lloyd full creative control, resulting in a collection of 12 tracks featuring multi-layered harmonies, loops, and themes centered on family and romance, written across various global locations.[32][33] Critics noted its eclectic mix of infectious pop with heartfelt compositions, such as "Light On You" and "Untouchable Moon," marking a personal and artistic return for the singer-songwriter.[34][35] In 2014, Lloyd collaborated with the Richmond Football Club to release a reworked version of his 2003 hit "Coming Home," retitled "Coming Home (To Richmond)," on February 21.[36][37] The single, adapted as the club's membership theme for the year, incorporated references to the team and was accompanied by a music video featuring club elements.[38][39] A portion of the proceeds supported the club's charity partner, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, highlighting Lloyd's ongoing community involvement.[36] Lloyd's acoustic phase culminated in the release of Acoustica on May 6, 2016, via Liberation Music, which debuted at number 45 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[40][41] The album consisted of 12 reinterpreted acoustic versions of his earlier songs, including "Amazing," "Green," "Coming Home," and "Black the Sun," spanning his career and emphasizing stripped-back arrangements for a more intimate sound.[40][42] Reviewers praised tracks like "Green" and "Brand New Day" for their emotional depth, positioning Acoustica as a reflective project in Lloyd's discography.[43]2018–2022: Anniversary tours and singles
In 2018, Lloyd announced a special 20th-anniversary edition of his debut album Black the Sun, which was remastered and released on vinyl for the first time, celebrating the original 1999 release that featured his breakthrough single "Amazing."[44] This milestone prompted a national tour in 2019, where Lloyd reunited with the album's original band lineup to perform the record in full, including stops across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, with special guests Hey Major from Canada.[45][46] The tour highlighted the enduring appeal of Black the Sun, which had achieved double platinum status and an ARIA Award for Best Debut Album.[47] Building on his acoustic explorations from the previous era, Lloyd launched the "Amazing" 20th Anniversary Tour in 2021, an intimate acoustic outing marking two decades since the single's release from Watching Angels Mend.[44] The tour expanded into the "Live and Amazing" series by 2022, featuring a mix of career-spanning hits, fan favorites, and covers performed in a stripped-back style across Australian venues, emphasizing Lloyd's songwriting depth and live rapport with audiences.[44] Coinciding with the ongoing anniversary performances, Lloyd released his first new single in eight years, "Trojan Horse," in May 2022, a reflective track produced independently that signaled his return to original material.[48] The song, available on digital platforms, explored themes of personal introspection and resilience, receiving airplay on Australian radio and positive reception from fans during live sets.2023–present: Recovery, new singles, and album return
In 2023, following a period of personal challenges, Alex Lloyd released the single "Forever," marking his return to new original music after several years focused on reissues and tours.[49] The track, released on November 17, showcased Lloyd's signature introspective style with themes of enduring love and resilience, receiving positive reception from fans on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.[50] Building on this momentum, Lloyd's recovery from addiction enabled a creative resurgence, leading to a series of 2025 releases. In August 2025, he dropped "Echoes of Home," a poignant single exploring themes of longing and return, which was promoted alongside announcements of his forthcoming EP.[51] This was followed in September by "I'm Sorry," described by Lloyd as a natural progression from the previous release, delving into apology and emotional reconciliation.[52] Both singles highlighted his renewed passion for songwriting, blending acoustic elements with his established pop-rock sound. On August 16, 2025, Lloyd announced plans for his first studio album in 12 years since Urban Wilderness (2013), emphasizing themes of healing and personal growth amid his journey of recovery.[3] The album, yet to receive a confirmed title or release date as of November 2025, represents a significant comeback, with Lloyd stating it captures his rekindled love for music after overcoming a five-year struggle with prescription drug addiction. This narrative was intimately detailed in the ABC's Australian Story episode "Dark Star," aired on August 18, 2025, which chronicled his battles, redemption, and artistic revival, including footage of studio sessions for the new project.[53] To support these releases, Lloyd resumed live performances, blending fresh material with career-spanning classics. A notable show occurred at The Vault in Port Kembla on November 14, 2025, where he delivered an intimate set backed by top Australian musicians, featuring debuts of tracks from the upcoming album alongside hits like "Amazing."[54] These appearances underscored his ongoing return to the stage, fostering a deeper connection with audiences through vulnerable, healing-oriented performances.Personal life
Family and relationships
Alex Lloyd married Amelia Wasiliev in the late 1990s, and the couple remained together for 15 years until their separation in 2012.[3] Together, they have three sons—Jake, Isaac, and Elvis—and one daughter, Belle.[12] Following the separation, Lloyd and Wasiliev focused on co-parenting their four children.[12] Lloyd now lives in regional Australia, where he prioritizes time with his children and maintains an active role in their lives.[3]Addiction and recovery
In the late 2000s, following the stress of a 2009 court case involving allegations of lyric theft for his hit song "Amazing," Alex Lloyd developed a dependency on prescription opiates, particularly oxycodone, initially prescribed for chronic nerve pain.[2][55] The legal battle, which he ultimately won but at a personal cost of $300,000 in fees, compounded resurfaced childhood trauma—including the death of his mother during his teenage years—and led to a five-year addiction that isolated him and triggered severe private turmoil, including extreme weight gain to 168 kg and binge drinking.[2][53][56] This period of addiction contributed to a prolonged career hiatus, during which Lloyd withdrew from public life, attempting multiple times to quit the drug on his own without success, later describing oxycodone as "the evil drug" that was initially "fucking awesome – too awesome" but ultimately destructive.[2][55] Lloyd's recovery began in earnest around 2019 and culminated by mid-2024 through a combination of professional therapy, lifestyle changes such as regular running to manage weight and mental health, and ongoing use of buprenorphine for maintenance.[2][53] He has noted the challenges of withdrawal, stating, "I had no idea what I was getting into on that drug … I tried to get off it myself so many times," but credits these interventions with restoring his stability, allowing him to feel "mentally OK" despite requiring a small continued dose of medication.[2] In August 2025, Lloyd publicly disclosed his journey for the first time in the ABC program Australian Story's episode "Dark Star," filmed over 12 months from mid-2024, where he emphasized themes of redemption and a renewed passion for music as central to his healing.[53][55] The episode highlighted his transformation, with Lloyd reflecting, "I was in a dark place," underscoring the bravery in sharing what had long remained a private battle.[53]Discography
Studio albums
Alex Lloyd's studio albums span a career marked by commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, followed by more introspective and independent releases. His debut effort established his pop-rock style, while subsequent works explored personal themes amid varying chart performance. The following table summarizes his main studio albums, including release dates, peak positions on the ARIA Albums Chart, and certifications where applicable.| Title | Release Date | Peak ARIA Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black the Sun | July 1999 | 9 | 2× Platinum |
| Watching Angels Mend | September 2001 | 2 | 2× Platinum |
| Distant Light | September 2003 | 9 | Gold |
| Alex Lloyd (self-titled) | October 2005 | 7 | Platinum |
| Good in the Face of a Stranger | November 2008 | 80 | - |
| Urban Wilderness | October 2013 | - | - |
| Acoustica | August 2016 | 45 | - |
| Untitled (eighth studio album) | 2025 | - | - |
Compilation albums
Alex Lloyd released his first greatest hits compilation, Amazing: The Best of Alex Lloyd, in September 2006 through Sony BMG Australia. The album features 15 tracks selected from his earlier studio releases, including hits like "Amazing" and "Never Meant to Fail," providing a retrospective overview of his career up to that point.[22] It debuted and peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking a commercial milestone as one of his highest-charting releases since 2003.[60] No additional major compilation albums followed, though digital reissues and bundles of select tracks from Amazing have appeared on streaming platforms in subsequent years, maintaining accessibility to his early hits.Soundtrack albums
In 2011, Alex Lloyd collaborated with brothers Alan and Stephen Pigram on the soundtrack album Mad Bastards: Music from the Motion Picture, created for the Australian drama film Mad Bastards directed by Brendan Fletcher.[61] The album features 13 tracks blending indigenous Australian influences with rock and folk elements, reflecting the film's themes of reconciliation and remote community life in the Kimberley region.[62] Lloyd contributed vocals and songwriting to several songs, including "Nothing Really Matters" and "Slow Train," performed as part of the Mad Bastards Trio alongside the Pigrams, who also appear in the film.[63] Additional artists like Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson appear on tracks such as "Won't Look Back," which earned a nomination for Best Original Song Composed for the Screen at the 2011 Screen Music Awards.[64] The soundtrack was released on ABC Music and received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Aboriginal storytelling through music, with Lloyd's involvement stemming from his prior connections in the Australian music scene.[26] It was nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album in 2011, highlighting its cultural impact but ultimately losing to Jed Kurzel's score for Snowtown.[26] To promote the album, Lloyd and the Pigrams toured Australia, performing the soundtrack live and emphasizing its role in amplifying indigenous voices.[65] Beyond this project, Lloyd's songs from his solo discography have appeared in other Australian films and TV shows, such as "Lucky Star" in the 1999 crime comedy Two Hands and "Coming Home" in the 2003 TV movie Travelling Light, though these are individual track placements rather than dedicated soundtrack albums.[66]Extended plays
Alex Lloyd's discography includes a limited number of extended plays, reflecting a career emphasis on full-length albums and singles rather than shorter multi-track releases. These EPs primarily served promotional or introductory purposes in the early stages of his career. The artist's debut EP, Black the Sun, was released in 1998 through EMI Records Australia. This four-track release, clocking in at approximately 14 minutes, featured an early version of the title track alongside "Snow," "Hold On," and "Mr. December." It acted as a teaser for Lloyd's self-titled debut album of the same name, released the following year, and highlighted his emerging acoustic-driven singer-songwriter style.[67] In 2003, a promotional EP titled Sunday Telegraph Exclusive CD was issued as a giveaway insert with the Australian Sunday Telegraph newspaper, distributed by Capitol Records. This copy-protected, four-track compilation ran about 14 minutes and included "Coming Home (Acoustic Version)," "Distant Light," "Amazing," and "Black the Sun." Mastered at Studios 301 in Sydney and recorded at Milkbar Studios, it showcased a mix of acoustic reinterpretations and popular hits to promote Lloyd's ongoing catalog.[68]| Title | Release Year | Label | Tracks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black the Sun | 1998 | EMI Records Australia | 4 | 14 min |
| Sunday Telegraph Exclusive CD | 2003 | Capitol Records (Promo) | 4 | 14 min |
Singles
Alex Lloyd's singles career began in the late 1990s with introspective alternative rock tracks that established his presence in the Australian music scene. His debut single, "Black the Sun", released in 1998 from his self-titled debut album, marked his entry into the charts, peaking at number 86 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[69] This track, known for its brooding lyrics and acoustic-driven sound, received moderate airplay and helped build anticipation for his full-length release. In 2001, Lloyd achieved his first major commercial breakthrough with "Amazing", which peaked at number 14 on the ARIA Singles Chart and spent 21 weeks in the top 100.[15] The single, associated with his album Watching Angels Mend, resonated widely due to its uplifting melody and themes of personal resilience, becoming one of his signature songs. During his mid-career peak in the early 2000s, Lloyd continued releasing singles that balanced emotional depth with radio-friendly production. "Coming Home", issued in 2003 from Distant Light, reached number 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart, holding the position for one week and charting for three weeks total.[70] This track captured a sense of longing and return, aligning with the album's introspective tone. Two years later, in 2005, "Never Meant to Fail" from his self-titled album peaked at number 27 on the ARIA Singles Chart, maintaining the position for one week and staying on the chart for 10 weeks.[71] Featuring a mix of pop-rock elements and Lloyd's signature falsetto, it underscored his ability to connect with audiences through vulnerable storytelling. After a period of reduced output, Lloyd returned to releasing singles in the 2020s, focusing on independent releases amid his recovery and anniversary activities. In 2022, he dropped "Trojan Horse" on June 17, marking his first new music in eight years; this metaphorical track explored themes of hidden struggles without entering the ARIA Top 100. Later that year, on July 15, "House of Dreams" followed, delving into nostalgic reflections, also outside major chart territory.[72] The momentum continued into 2023 with "Forever", released on November 17, a poignant ballad emphasizing enduring love and personal growth.[49] By 2025, Lloyd's output intensified, with "Echoes of Home" arriving on August 15—a homecoming anthem tied to his ongoing tour—and "I'm Sorry" on September 26, offering an apology framed in redemption and healing.[73] These later singles reflect a mature evolution in his songwriting, prioritizing authenticity over commercial peaks.Awards and nominations
ARIA Music Awards
Alex Lloyd has received substantial acclaim at the ARIA Music Awards, earning four wins across his career, with a particular emphasis on his contributions as a male artist and emerging talent in the Australian music scene. His successes underscore the commercial and critical impact of his early albums, including Black the Sun (1999), Watching Angels Mend (2001), and Distant Light (2003). Lloyd's ARIA journey began in 1999 with a win for Breakthrough Artist – Single for "Lucky Star" from Black the Sun, marking his entry as a notable new voice. He was also nominated that year for Best Male Artist. Building on this momentum, he secured his first Best Male Artist award in 2000 for Black the Sun, recognizing his breakthrough performance as a solo artist.[74][75] The 2002 ceremony represented a career high, with Lloyd receiving seven nominations tied primarily to Watching Angels Mend, including Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Highest Selling Album, Producer of the Year, Single of the Year for "Amazing", and Highest Selling Single for "Amazing". He won Best Male Artist for the album, affirming his status as one of Australia's leading male performers at the time. In 2003, he repeated as Best Male Artist winner, this time for the single "Coming Home" from Distant Light. The album's production earned further recognition in 2004 with nominations for Best Male Artist and Engineer of the Year (credited to engineer Brent Clark).[76][57][77] Lloyd's later work continued to garner attention, including a 2011 nomination for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album for Mad Bastards – Music from the Motion Picture, co-composed with Stephen Pigram and Alan Pigram. In total, he has been nominated for Best Male Artist five times (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004), winning three of those.[25][78][79][80][57] The following table summarizes Lloyd's ARIA Music Awards wins and nominations by year:| Year | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Breakthrough Artist – Single | "Lucky Star" (Black the Sun) | Won[74] |
| 1999 | Best Male Artist | "Lucky Star" (Black the Sun) | Nominated[74] |
| 2000 | Best Male Artist | Black the Sun | Won[75] |
| 2002 | Best Male Artist | Watching Angels Mend | Won[77] |
| 2002 | Album of the Year | Watching Angels Mend | Nominated[57] |
| 2002 | Best Rock Album | Watching Angels Mend | Nominated[57] |
| 2002 | Highest Selling Album | Watching Angels Mend | Nominated[57] |
| 2002 | Producer of the Year | Watching Angels Mend | Nominated[57] |
| 2002 | Single of the Year | "Amazing" (Watching Angels Mend) | Nominated[76] |
| 2002 | Highest Selling Single | "Amazing" (Watching Angels Mend) | Nominated[77] |
| 2003 | Best Male Artist | "Coming Home" (Distant Light) | Won[78] |
| 2004 | Best Male Artist | Distant Light | Nominated[79] |
| 2004 | Engineer of the Year | Distant Light (engineer: Brent Clark) | Nominated[79] |
| 2011 | Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album | Mad Bastards – Music from the Motion Picture (with Stephen Pigram, Alan Pigram) | Nominated[25] |