Benjamin Lloyd: Miami’s Rising Star in Melodic House

Benjamin Lloyd is Miami’s hottest new triple threat—DJ, producer, and event curator extraordinaire. He’s the mastermind behind LionHeart, a brand that’s been turning heads and packing venues from New York to the Hamptons and, of course, Miami. This past weekend, I found myself dancing under the stars at a festival he threw, funded, and executed flawlessly on Key Biscayne. We’re talking oversold capacity, melodic house, and vibes so immaculate you’d think he’s been doing this for decades. Naturally, I had to learn more about Lloyd. With Art Basel on the horizon, he’s set to open for John Summit’s Experts Only label party, and as if that weren’t enough, he’s dropping his next banger, “Last So Long,” this Friday. Get to know the rising star—our exclusive interview with Benjamin Lloyd.

From the Hamptons to Central Park and back to Miami, you’ve been taking over some iconic stages this year. What has been your most surreal moment so far, and how do you keep outdoing yourself performance by performance?

Benjamin Lloyd: I’d say my most surreal moment was probably Saturday night. We did something similar in the Hamptons, but this event in Miami felt special—it’s where my DJ journey started. It was a massive event, and seeing it all come to life, knowing people were there specifically for me, was incredible. Plus, it wasn’t a regular venue but a pop-up, so pulling it off in just two weeks made it even more surreal.

Moment from Lloyd's LionHeart event at Key Biscayne this past Saturday

You’ve quickly become one of Miami’s most recognized names in nightlife, hosting events that draw hundreds of people. What’s been your secret to building such a loyal, vibrant community?

Benjamin Lloyd: Honestly, it comes down to surrounding myself with amazing friends. Good energy attracts good energy, and that’s been my motto. When you create a space where people feel welcomed and valued, they keep coming back—and they bring their friends, too.

When did you start DJing, and how did your journey begin?

Benjamin Lloyd: I actually started DJing about a year and a half ago. I’ve always been in the music industry—I used to be a pop singer about ten years ago. During COVID, I threw parties and started DJing there. When I moved to Miami three years ago, my friend Danny suggested we throw parties on a hotel rooftop, and it just took off from there.

Speaking of your event company, LionHeart, what’s the vision behind it, and how does it help build your personal brand?

Benjamin Lloyd: LionHeart is all about taking people on a journey through music. I want the audience to experience a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to euphoria. The name reflects that duality—a lion is both fierce and loving. Our goal is to create a welcoming, high-energy environment where everyone feels free to dance and connect. We’ve worked hard to find unique venues that match that vibe.

Your debut track “Pull Me Closer” has already surpassed 100k streams on Spotify. Now you’re releasing “Last So Long,” your first record label signing. What inspired this track?

Benjamin Lloyd: “Last So Long” reflects the darker side of nightlife—the relentless pace and the question of how long you can keep going. It’s a bit edgier, and fun fact: that’s actually my voice on the track, pitched down. It’s exciting to have this release with Termenl Records, as they perfectly match the vibe of this song.

You’ve opened for giants like FISHER and Dom Dolla, and now you’re playing at John Summit’s Experts Only event during Art Basel. How do you prepare to deliver sets that stand out in such high-profile lineups?

Benjamin Lloyd: I don’t usually plan my sets in a strict order. I download new tracks weekly and feel out the crowd on the spot. For big shows, I’ll plan the opening song, but the rest is all about reading the room and creating a journey. I love building energy from an empty room to a packed house—it’s one of my favorite parts of DJing.

What advice would you give to young DJs or producers hoping to break into the Miami scene and create their own legacy?

Benjamin Lloyd: The ability to say no is really important. You don’t want to oversaturate yourself by taking every gig. Focus on venues that align with your vibe and attract the right audience. Quality over quantity is key when building your brand.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next few years? Are there any dream venues or festivals you’re hoping to play?

Benjamin Lloyd: In the next few years, I’d love to play at Red Rocks. Such an iconic venue. Ultra Music Festival would be huge, too, since it was the first festival I ever went to back in 2017. Another dream would be Afterlife. I love their vibe and their artists, and it would be amazing to be part of their lineup.

Are you doing anything special for New Year’s?

Benjamin Lloyd: Yes, I’ll be playing at We Belong Here for New Year’s.

With major milestones like Art Basel, your New Year’s performance at We Belong Here, and the exciting prospects for 2025 on the horizon, what’s next for you?

Benjamin Lloyd: I want to start releasing more songs, hopefully signing them to some big labels. This next phase is definitely going to be a game-changer for me. I’m focused on expanding LionHeart, playing bigger stages, and continuing to evolve my sound.

A big thank you to Benjamin Lloyd for taking the time to chat with us. Benjamin is on an unstoppable rise, and the best part? He’s just getting started. With his LionHeart events making waves across Miami and beyond, his debut track “Pull Me Closer” already surpassing 100k streams, and his highly anticipated new release, “Last So Long,” dropping this Friday, the future is looking incredibly bright for this emerging star. “Last So Long” is sure to be a game-changer, and you won’t want to miss it. As he gears up for his Art Basel performance at John Summit’s Experts Only party, there's no doubt that Benjamin Lloyd is set to become a household name in melodic house and techno.