Artist Advent Day 1: liv
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Welcome to the "24 Days of New Artists" interview series. In this exciting journey through the world of emerging talent, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the extraordinary and incredibly talented artist, liv.
With a voice that echoes the likes of Fiona Apple and Shania Twain, liv. has carved a unique path in the music industry by embracing raw emotion and honesty in her craft. Her musical journey began as a child, singing for the sheer joy of it, and she continued to grow as an artist throughout her high school years, eventually making her stage debut.
liv. is a songwriter who wears her heart on her sleeve, translating life's experiences and emotions into beautifully crafted songs. Her debut EP, "Life Vest EP," recorded in a family barn and produced by Bryan Elijah Smith, showcases her exceptional talent and artistry. In 2021, she embarked on exciting collaborations with the Montreal-based band, Squeeze Mason, releasing singles like "Rachelle (Your Hair’s on Fire)" and "Fishing for the Blues."
Now, in 2022, liv. is about to make a significant impact on the music scene with her debut album, "Young, Dumb, and in Love." This album is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, heartbreak, growth, and grief. Each song is a facet of the human heart, reflecting the raw and real emotions that we all experience at one point or another.
Join us as we delve deep into the world of liv., uncovering the inspiration behind her music, her creative process, and the powerful stories she weaves into her songs. Get ready to be captivated by this remarkable artist as we kick off our "24 Days of New Artists" series with the incredible liv.
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Next Wave: What inspired you to pursue music?
Liv: I actually got into music by accident. I was approached by a producer back in 2020 that just didn't feel like a good fit. My mom wound up asking one of our musician friends if he knew of anyone who produced, and he recommended a friend of his. My mom scheduled a recording session in secret for me. This same setup happened the second time I went to record my debut album Young, Dumb, and in Love. Since then, I've considered music my "tennis game." It's a super exciting exercise that pushes my boundaries and challenges me in many ways. I have a great, deep love for my relationship with it.
Next Wave: Who are your musical influences or role models?
Liv: I would say Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Amos Lee, Grace Potter, Jeffrey Martin, and Van Plating.
Next Wave: What's the most challenging aspect of breaking into the music industry?
Liv: Honestly, I think the most challenging aspect of the music industry itself is the existence of the human ego. It can be a competitive and inauthentic environment. I think it's also a culture that promotes self-doubt in some circumstances. The best way, I've found, to combat these things, is just to lean into the human experience; be authentic, be honest, be open, listen.
Next Wave: How do you go about promoting your music and building your fanbase?
Liv: I have found Twitter (or X-- are we calling it that now?) to be my biggest asset. It's such a great platform to have an open dialogue with friends, fellow musicians, industry aficionados, and listeners. I have also found blogging to be a great way to give listeners a "behind the scenes" look at my music.
Next Wave: How has technology and the internet impacted your music career?
Liv: I have only released music in the age of the internet, and I can say with complete certainty that it has been such a gift and a tool. I have connected with an incredible base of people who are here for the whole journey, and that's the coolest thing ever. We're all here for the music, but also just to be ourselves. That's special.
Next Wave: Do you have any advice for other up-and-coming musicians trying to make it in the industry?
Liv: I'm going to give you the two cheesiest pieces of advice. Be you. Have fun. What's the point if you don't get to express yourself in your truest form? People love honesty. It makes them feel like they can converse with you and your music.
Next Wave: What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
Liv: I'm just excited for everything that comes my way from this point forward. I would love to put out another full-length record (I'm working on some material for it) and just push myself to write better and sing better. Since my first EP, I feel as though my vocal abilities have grown, and so has my writing. It's exciting to be able to physically and emotionally see and feel that shift.
Next Wave: Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
Liv: The first thing that comes to mind is my album release party for Young, Dumb, and in Love. I threw the party 6 months after the records' release. It was held in my family's barn, and it was this intimate, attentive setting. I was surrounded by friends and family, singing songs that meant the world to me, with three of my favorite musicians in the whole world. It was an incredibly special and delicate space, and it felt so nice to be able to share stories about each song with everyone there.
Next Wave: Can you share a little about your creative process and how you come up with new ideas for songs?
Liv: Right now, I've been writing through a process I like to call "vision boarding." I'll have a broad question that I am seeking answers to (ie "What are things that make you happy?") that I write answers to on Post-its. If a lyric comes to mind, I'll write the lyric on a different colored Post-it. If there's a specific note that I'd like to flush out, I put it above my mirror and take a shower with it in mind. Normally by the time I am out of the shower, the work has built itself.
Next Wave: What song, EP, or album of yours would you recommend to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?
Liv: Hmmm. I think every work I have been a part of is something someone could listen to to get an idea of me and my music. I will say Young, Dumb, and in Love is a very diversified character sketch of me and my creative presence. It came from a very emotionally charged and honest time in my life. I would recommend starting there.