Zechariah Lloyd Tillotson likes to call his sound “space country.” Somewhere in the genre of psychedelic soul, mixed with Delta blues, a little country undertone and a hint of humility, Tillotson’s raw sound evokes pain and soulfulness, evident on songs like “Cheatin’ Hands,” “When It’s Gone” and “Empty Regret.”
Tillotson, 26, grew up with a drummer father and a pianist mother, so music has been an important part of his life since childhood. At the tender age of 5 or 6, Tillotson began playing the drums as a hobby and began playing professionally at age 17. He has played with a myriad of artists such as Cary Hudson, Jimbo Mathis and Kenny Brown.
In 2007, Tillotson started his solo career, dropping his last name for the stage. Although he began as a drummer, he plays guitar in his solo performances. His 3-year-old son is the inspiration for much of his music; he mainly performs original work. “If I do a cover, I try to make it my own,” he says. He has an untitled album in the making, set for release this fall, and is working on a tour of Colorado for next summer.
Zechariah Lloyd performs at the Cork Wine & Martini Bar (6414 U.S. 98, Suite 70, Hattiesburg) June 30 at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $5. For more information, call 601-450-8749.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.