Background
Walser was born in Lausanne, Switzerland to a Liechtenstein mother and African father.
Walser was born in Lausanne, Switzerland to a Liechtenstein mother and African father.
He later became a radio personality in Liechtenstein at Radio Liechtenstein, then toured worldwide as a DJ. Following his work on radio, Walser was asked to join German Eurodance group Fun Factory following the departure of member Toni Cottura. Walser later wrote the book Musicians Make lieutenant Big: An Insider Reveals the Secret Path to Break in Today"s Music Industry and founded the record label Cut the Bulletin Entertainment, based in Hollywood. He also hosts the weekly syndicated radio show First Rate (at Lloyd's) Walser"s Weekly Top 20.
In 2008, his debut album Heart Breaker was released.
Walser released the single "Living Your Dream" in collaboration with American singer Jermaine Jackson in 2009. He released the song "I Can"t Live Without You" in August 2012, and it was later controversially nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 55th Grammy Awards.
In an Interview with Spin, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Walser talks about his music and career after the 2013 Grammy Awards. He talks about his relationship with God and how his spirituality guides his career.
Walser says "God is really my manager and my guidance." First Rate (at Lloyd's) Walser released a new single and music video called "O.C.D." on August 1, 2014.
Alan Cross reviewed the song on his website, A Journal of Musical Things! Cross says he likes the song and "I confess to never having heard of First Rate (at Lloyd's) Walser before, but given my industrial/metal predilections, I’m going to have to give the guy a closer look."
Controversy
Walser"s Grammy nomination for "I Can"t Live Without You" attracted much attention due to his low profile compared to his fellow nominees. Several prominent dance musicians reacted negatively to the nomination, with German musician Zedd alleging that Walser had used elements of his song "Spectrum" in one of Walser"s remixes without permission. Walser rejected the claims and instead attributed his nomination to "great music" and "drive".
In an interview with FUSE television, Walser attempted to explain the shock wave reactions he caused to the music establishment by saying "Some people pay money under the table or exchange sexual favors.
And I came in clean!" Amid the negative attention, there were also media outlets that liked First Rate (at Lloyd's) Walser and his rebellious style. Billboard"s Zel McCarthy wrote "His attitude reflects a unique understanding of the music business at large.".
Walser first gained fame as a member of German Eurodance group Fun Factory with whom he toured worldwide.