Runaway (featuring Michael Starr)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin "Runaway (featuring Michael Starr)" by Sophie Lloyd from her debut album Imposter Syndrome here at THE ZOO! This high-energy track, dripping with '80s rock vibes, is a love letter to the era of big hair and blazing guitar solos. Sophie herself has called it one of her favorite songs from the album, inspired by the super-fun, high-octane rock she grew up loving, with a special nod to the legendary Eddie Van Halen for shaping the song’s shred-tastic guitar work. The collaboration with Steel Panther frontman Michael Starr was a dream come true for Sophie, who’s been a massive fan of the band since her teenage years. She’s shared that working with Starr, a true rock legend in her eyes, was a “pinch me” moment, and she had a blast weaving guitar lines to match the song’s story of a young girl born to rock, chasing her destiny as a shred superstar.

The story behind "Runaway" gets even juicier with its music video, which draws inspiration from the cult classic film Coyote Ugly. Shot at Slim Jims in Angel Islington, the video shows Michael Starr as a bumbling bar applicant who fails at every task—until he grabs the mic and blows everyone away with his vocals. Sophie praised Loki Films for capturing the electric energy of the shoot, bringing together a wild crew of rockers for what she called an unforgettable day. Michael Starr himself was stoked about the collab, calling Sophie a killer guitarist and fellow metalhead, and said the song came out “awesome” thanks to their shared love for the genre. The track’s lyrics, penned by Starr, paint a vivid picture of a “millennial child of the metal age,” born to shred like guitar gods Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Ace Frehley—a narrative Sophie says she deeply relates to, having grown up steeped in rock and metal culture.

Now, let’s dive into how Sophie Lloyd became the guitar sensation she is today. Hailing from the UK, Sophie’s musical journey kicked off early, sparked by a life-changing moment at age 10 when she saw Prince perform at London’s O2 Arena. His purple Cloud guitar left her starry-eyed, and she decided right then she’d one day rock arenas with her own axe. She started playing guitar as a kid, honing her skills with a fierce passion for rock and metal, influenced by bands like Steel Panther and guitar heroes like Van Halen. Sophie’s big break came through her YouTube channel, where she posted jaw-dropping covers of rock and metal classics, showcasing her technical prowess and infectious energy. Her videos racked up millions of views, earning her a following of over three million across platforms and cementing her as a trailblazing “bedroom guitarist” redefining the game.

Sophie’s rise didn’t stop at social media. She landed a high-profile gig as the guitarist for Machine Gun Kelly’s live band, shredding on stages like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena during his Mainstream Sellout World Tour. Despite her success, Sophie’s debut album Imposter Syndrome, released in 2023 via Autumn Records, reflects her personal struggles with feeling like she hadn’t “paid her dues” the traditional way. The album, packed with collabs from rock heavyweights like Lzzy Hale and Matthew K. Heafy, proves she’s the real deal, blending her dazzling guitar skills with melodic, hook-heavy rock. Her signature Kiesel SL6 guitar, customizable with features like a walnut neck and sustainiac pickup, is a testament to her unique style and commitment to inspiring players of all levels.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Sophie Lloyd’s electrifying journey through her official channels: her website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans are buzzing in communities like the Sophie Lloyd Fan Group on Facebook, where shred enthusiasts share their love for her music and discuss her latest releases. For more fan-driven content, check out sites like Rockposer Dot Com, which has championed Sophie’s work with reviews and updates. So, crank up "Runaway," let those riffs rip, and join the Zoo Crew in celebrating Sophie Lloyd’s unstoppable rise in the rock world!