Daron Letts
Northern News Services
Published Friday, July 04, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but today Lloyd Thrasher is getting noticed for his art.

The 20-year-old guitarist and prolific songwriter won this week's Music in the Park competition, earning him 10 hours of recording time at Spiritwalker Productions.

"It feels exciting," he said shortly after stepping off stage to thank organizers and congratulate fellow competitors on Tuesday. "This is a really good experience."

The Canada Day performance marks the third time Thrasher performed in the annual competition. He didn't linger long to revel in his victory, however. He rushed uptown to headline an outdoor concert at Sam's Monkey Tree later in the evening.

Thrasher played two original songs during the competition. I'll Make It Back To You is a story about the end of a long-distance relationship with a woman who worked in Northern mining camps.

The song opens with throat singing by Thrasher and Mary Caroline on backup vocals.

In his second song, So I Sell, Thrasher plays with the idea of hustling CDs instead of pushing drugs. He overlays a subtle rap with guitar.

"I really enjoy the positive message in his music," said bassist Mel Sabourin, who backed Thrasher during Tuesday's evening gig at the Monkey Tree.

Thrasher picked up the guitar at age 12 and started performing publicly when he turned 19. He started showing up to jams to meet other musicians and hone his performance.

"I went to any jam session, no matter where it was," he said.

He regularly appeared on stage at The Gold Range, Mackenzie Lounge and After Eight. About a year and a half ago he met musicians Russell Bird, Kyle Bird and Daniel T'seleie at a jam. They formed The Helm, a hard rock band inspired by classic heavy metal.

Caroline said the young musician has long demonstrated the creative potential he's getting noticed for this week.

"He's always been very comfortable on stage," she said.

"He's a natural-born performer. He can play leads to anything at any time. He still loves playing his metal but he is more acoustic now."

Thrasher began writing original music about four years ago, inspired by AC/DC and his favourite composer, Ozzy Ozborne's guitarist Zakk Wylde.

"Back then I was just writing simple songs with repetitive chords," he said, adding that he's matured from major chords to seventh chords, enriching his acoustic sound with more sophistication and depth.

Originally from Aklavik, Thrasher lived most of his life in Inuvik. He moved to Yellowknife three years ago and struggled with homelessness.

His mom, Mary Louise Thrasher, used to play guitar for him when he was still a baby. As a small child, she would let him pluck the strings. He credits her for his love of music.

Thrasher will compete again during the Battle of the Bands for an opportunity to perform on stage at Warm The Rocks.