Share

cover art for Special Guest - Maximo Park.

Off The Beat & Track

Special Guest - Maximo Park.

Season 1, Ep. 545

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome a very special guest: Duncan Lloyd from Maxïmo Park.


Duncan has been a driving force behind Maxïmo Park’s distinctive sound, known for their energetic blend of indie rock and post-punk revival. It was a real pleasure to sit down and chat with him about his life and career.


During our conversation, we explored Duncan’s journey—from his early days growing up, to his experiences in school, and his time in the local music and clubbing scene. We also discussed his musical influences and some of the records that have profoundly shaped him as an artist. From personal anecdotes to his creative process with Maxïmo Park, this episode offers a deep dive into Duncan's world, both as a solo artist and a member of one of the UK's most enduring indie bands.


I hope you enjoy listening to our chat as much as I enjoyed recording it. If you’d like to support the podcast and help ensure more great conversations like this one, please consider contributing through the links below:


Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode:

Off The Beat & Track Podcast

Website: www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com

Twitter: @beatandtrackpod

Facebook: Off The Beat & Track Podcast



Maxïmo Park: A Glimpse Into Their Legacy

Maxïmo Park emerged from Newcastle in the early 2000s, riding the wave of the post-punk revival that saw bands like Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand rise to fame. With their debut album, A Certain Trigger (2005), they quickly distinguished themselves with sharp, infectious songs, thoughtful lyrics, and lead singer Paul Smith’s charismatic stage presence. Tracks like "Apply Some Pressure" and "Graffiti" became instant indie anthems, praised for their raw energy and heartfelt storytelling.

Duncan Lloyd, as the band's lead guitarist and one of its primary songwriters, played a crucial role in shaping Maxïmo Park's sound. His guitar work brings an intricate, sometimes angular, quality that complements the band's emotional depth. Over the years, they've released several critically acclaimed albums, including Quicken the Heart (2009) and Too Much Information (2014), all while evolving their sound but maintaining the same passion that drew fans in from the beginning.

Beyond Maxïmo Park, Duncan has explored other creative outlets, including his solo work, which showcases a more introspective side. His experiences with both the band and his solo ventures reflect the depth of his musical background and influences, spanning everything from classic rock to more experimental genres.

Maxïmo Park continues to remain a vital force in the indie scene

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 616. Live Show - Artists Starting With The Letter P

    01:06:53||Season 1, Ep. 616
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the patreons for a live show to discus their favourite artists beginning with P👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with the most fascinating voices in music!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #IndiePop #CultBands #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #80sIndie #SubscribeNow
  • 614. Live Show - Artists Starting With The Letter O

    44:14||Season 1, Ep. 614
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the patreons for a live show to discus their favourite artists beginning with O👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with the most fascinating voices in music!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #IndiePop #CultBands #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #80sIndie #SubscribeNow
  • 613. Live Show - Artists Starting With The Letter N

    47:25||Season 1, Ep. 613
    Welcome to Off The Beat & Track Podcast with me Stu Whiffen.This episode is the 24th of a series of online live shows with our Patreons. On this episode i chat to them about artists beginning with the letter N, this is an unstructured and fun chat.Hope you enjoy this chat and if you do please feel free to support the podcast herehttps://supporter.acast.com/offthebeatandtrack orwww.patreon.com/offthebeatandtrackorwww.buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffenPlease also subscribe and follow the podcast on the social media links belowOff The Beat & Trackhttps://twitter.com/beatandtrackpodhttps://www.facebook.com/offthebeatandtrackpodcast/
  • 700. Special Guest - Nizlopi

    58:06||Season 1, Ep. 700
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with Luke Concannon, one half of the beloved UK duo Nizlopi—the band behind the unforgettable, chart-topping hit “JCB Song.”Known for their heartfelt lyrics, acoustic warmth, and genre-blending sound, Nizlopi captured hearts around the world with songs rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and storytelling. Luke talks openly about his creative journey, the band’s rise to fame, life beyond the spotlight, and his continued passion for writing music that connects deeply with listeners.🎶 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Luke’s songwriting process and musical influences ✅ The journey of Nizlopi and life after chart success ✅ What Luke is working on now—creatively, spiritually, and musically👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with extraordinary artists!💥 Support the Podcast: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen 🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected: 🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com 🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod 📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast
  • 612. Special Guest - Girlband

    31:19||Season 1, Ep. 612
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the incredibly talented Georgie from Girlband. Georgie is a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter who has captivated audiences with her raw energy and powerful stage presence. Known for their unique blend of punk, pop, and rock, Girlband has made a significant mark on the music scene, with Georgie's dynamic vocals at the forefront of their success.In this episode, we cover:The evolution of Girlband and their creative journeyThe songwriting process and the emotional depth behind the musicWhat's next for Girlband and the future of independent music👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more amazing conversations with incredible musicians!💥 Support the Podcast:Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffenPatreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.comTwitter – @beatandtrackpodFacebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #Georgie #Girlband #IndependentMusic #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #WomenInMusic #SubscribeNow
  • 610. Special Guest - Paul Kelly

    49:24||Season 1, Ep. 610
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the legendary Paul Kelly—one of Australia’s most beloved and influential singer-songwriters.With a career spanning more than four decades, Paul has created a body of work that’s deeply woven into the fabric of Australian music and storytelling. Known for timeless songs like To Her Door, Before Too Long, and How to Make Gravy, his music captures everyday life with honesty, humour, and heart.🎶 In this episode, we cover:✅ Paul’s songwriting process and the stories behind his most iconic tracks✅ His influences and evolution as an artist✅ Reflections on his remarkable career and collaborations✅ What’s next for Paul Kelly and his ongoing creative journey👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more insightful conversations with the world’s most inspiring musicians!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #PaulKelly #AustralianMusic #SingerSongwriter #FolkRock #Storytelling #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #IconicArtists #SubscribeNow
  • 609. Special Guest - Idlewild

    01:04:39||Season 1, Ep. 609
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with Rod Jones, guitarist and songwriter from the legendary Scottish indie rock band Idlewild.Since the late ’90s, Idlewild have been one of the UK’s most respected alternative bands, blending fiery punk spirit with poetic lyricism and expansive melodies across albums like 100 Broken Windows, The Remote Part, and Everything Ever Written. Rod reflects on the band’s journey, his songwriting craft, and the lasting impact of their music.🎸 In this episode, we cover:✅ The story of Idlewild and their evolution over the decades✅ Rod’s influences and approach to songwriting and guitar work✅ Stories from the studio and life on tour✅ What’s next for Rod and Idlewild👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with incredible musicians!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #RodJones #Idlewild #ScottishMusic #IndieRock #AlternativeRock #PostPunk #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #SubscribeNow
  • 608. Special Guest - Nathan Sykes

    01:13:45||Season 1, Ep. 608
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the incredible Nathan Sykes—singer, songwriter, and former member of the global pop phenomenon The Wanted.From topping charts around the world with massive hits like Glad You Came to launching a successful solo career with soulful tracks like Over and Over Again, Nathan has proven himself to be one of the most versatile voices in modern pop. He opens up about life in the spotlight, his creative journey, and his passion for making music that connects with fans everywhere.🎶 In this episode, we cover:✅ Nathan’s time with The Wanted and their meteoric rise✅ His transition to a solo career and artistic growth✅ Songwriting, collaborations, and influences✅ What’s next for Nathan Sykes and his upcoming projects👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with your favourite artists!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #NathanSykes #TheWanted #SoloArtist #PopMusic #SingerSongwriter #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #UKPop #SubscribeNow
  • 607. Special Guest - Ocean Alley

    31:58||Season 1, Ep. 607
    🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with Lach Galbraith, keyboardist and vocalist for the Australian psychedelic surf-rock band Ocean Alley.Known for their sun-soaked grooves, lush melodies, and genre-blending sound, Ocean Alley have built a global following with standout albums like Lonely Diamond and Chiaroscuro, along with hits such as Confidence and Knees. Lach shares stories from the band’s journey—from their beginnings on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to becoming one of Australia’s most exciting exports.🌊 In this episode, we cover:✅ The evolution of Ocean Alley and their creative process✅ Lach’s influences and role in shaping the band’s sound✅ Life on the road and connecting with fans worldwide✅ What’s next for Ocean Alley and their upcoming projects👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoy the episode and SUBSCRIBE for more amazing conversations with incredible musicians!💥 Support the Podcast:☕ Buy Me a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/stuwhiffen🎧 Patreon – Patreon.com/offthebeatandtrack🔔 Stay Connected:🌍 Website – www.offthebeatandtrackpodcast.com🐦 Twitter – @beatandtrackpod📘 Facebook – Off The Beat & Track Podcast#OffTheBeatAndTrack #OceanAlley #LachGalbraith #PsychedelicRock #SurfRock #AussieBands #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #SubscribeNow