5 Minutes with Lloyd

The US R&B star Lloyd speaks about his latest smash hit and his forthcoming return to Abu Dhabi's Etoiles on Friday night.

You are a return visitor to UAE and Etoiles now. You were in the club last year for  Formula One.

Ah yes! I have been blessed to be invited here more than once. Unfortunately that last time I couldn't stay long. I had a lot of fun, though.

Do you ever get a chance to holiday in the UAE in your previous visits?

I had memorable experiences. I made some good friends. I always take time to go out and see the cities, shopping at the local markets and support the people and their business. I also had a chance to eat some interesting food out there, visit Emirates Palace and see the sights. It was nice.

And how is 2012 treating you so far?

It has been a very busy period generally. I released a new album, toured with Lil' Wayne last summer and also Trey Songz.  I had the opportunity to visit my friends over in Europe, England and Australia recently and

Dedication to My Ex

is really popular. So yes, a great time.

Dedication to My Ex is a huge hit in the US and Australia. Were you surprised by the reaction?

Well you know if it feels good but you never know whats going to happen. So yeah, that song definitely surprised me.

Why do you think people and the radio immediately latched on to it?

I think it's dangerous, risky and people like to take a chance.

Your career has seen up and downs. You changed record labels after you felt like you were sidelined. Did you ever think to give up and try something else?

I don't really know what giving up means. I never heard those two words spoken together till just now. I can't comprehend the phrase. I think challenges are what makes experiences memorable and the way you deal with them builds character. I embrace the challenge...this is life.

You are in your mid twenties and have already released four solo albums. Do you already feel like a veteran?

Hmmm, when do you feel like a veteran? I guess I've been in the game for a while now but I do feel like I have a lot to learn. To me, it still feels like the first time.

But has the industry changed since that first time?

The game is always changing, then again so is the world. The game is just a reflection of the times. Music is now more integrated than it has ever been. There are kids in Abu Dhabi hearing Lloyd music, so I think it's a beautiful thing.

You were involved in a lot of hits as a feature guest for other artists. Do you feel the success of your last album King of Hearts now have people viewing you as a solo artist in your own right?

We worked really hard on the album. I don't know what people think or what they drew from it. I really don't really think that deep into it, I just do my thing and hope it can be accepted. As far as people acknowledging me or how they see me now, I really can't understand. I guess you would just have to talk to the people.

What should the crowd at Etoiles expect from Friday night's show?

You will have to come see and it for yourself in action. We added more live music, I have drums all the time now, so it is more.

Bringing Down The House featuring Lloyd at Etoiles, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. on Friday. 11.30pm. For more details go www.etoilesuae.com.