Livvy Lauren arrived to shake up the pop scene in 2024, and she’s showing no signs of stopping. We caught up with the rising star about her creative inspirations, touring with British legend Will Young, and her hopes and aspirations for the year that lies ahead…
Hi Livvy! How are you, and what was your 2024 like?
Hello, I am really good thank you! 2024 has been a real step up for me…I have done some truly amazing things and worked with some really incredible people so I am massively grateful for this.
When did you first get into music, and what inspired you to pursue it?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I started vocal lessons at the age of 4, and loved it!! Music has always been my outlet. Throughout my time at secondary school, I was studying music, music technology and drama, and at that age I found it really hard to pick what exact career route I wanted to take, so I decided to combine my passion for the arts and train in Musical Theatre at University. Throughout Uni, I continued to write music… mainly as a form of therapy and stress release. I realised after University that writing music and performing is what made me the happiest… so I took my chance and began sending out my songs to industry professionals!
How would you describe your unique sound?
My voice is actually pretty low for a woman, however because of my training, I am super fortunate enough to have a pretty large vocal range. I really enjoy using my lower tones throughout my music, creating a raspy & sexy sort of sound. I like to use the tone in my voice which will make people stop, listen and think “oo who’s that!”. I don’t want to sound like the rest of the charting female singers out there, I want to sound different and unique and interesting.
Your recent release, Another Sad Song, is a duet with the acclaimed singer-songwriter Maddox Jones. What inspired this collaboration and the track itself?
Another Sad Song was originally written by myself, just over a year ago now. When Maddox and I were introduced, it was originally to work on a different song specific to him that himself and another writer had writers-block on. As soon as I started working on the song, I just didn’t connect with it, and for me, I didn’t feel like it was something that was going to work. I am always open and honest as a person, and so I told Maddox this straight away… but a few days later, after going through a list of my personal songs, I came across ‘Another Sad Song’ again, and instantly thought Maddox would sound great on the track. I believe that duets should always tell a story from both artists, so I asked Maddox to jump on a zoom call with myself and to re-write the verses so that they related to both him and I as individuals. We realised that we both connected on our personal struggles with the music industry – it’s extreme highs, and real lows!! So this is what inspired the writing of the song. It also relates to a wider audience, connecting with anyone who has felt a love for something or someone… realising that love often causes pain but ultimately picks you back up.
Do you have a favorite duet of all time that has influenced you or holds special meaning?
I don’t have one specific favourite duet, but a massive inspiration for this track was Rag N Boneman + Pink’s duet “ Anywhere away from here”.
You’ve been performing alongside Maddox Jones on his UK tour, supporting the legendary Will Young. What has it been like to play for such large and enthusiastic crowds?
The Will Young Tour was incredible. Just getting to be on a stage, connecting with people whilst singing music that I wrote, is such a crazy and amazing feeling. Every time I come off stage, I always try to reflect and just take a moment to be grateful, that I get to do what I love, every single day. Singing ‘Another Sad Song’ was also perfect for the specific fan’s that come to see Will Young, so it was perfect, everyone loved it.
You’ve mentioned that stage presence is a key part of your style, drawing inspiration from artists like Tate McRae and Doja Cat. How important is performance as an outlet for expressing yourself?
Stage presence is so so so important to me. I think it makes an artist go from being just a great singer, to an all round fabulous entertainer. Body language is one of the biggest forms of communication, often more trusted than words itself… so the same applies when you’re singing live. I always try to convey the meaning behind the song through my body language and facial expressions when I am performing. It definitely connects you to your audience, and engages them. With a lot of the dance music I write and perform, dancing around on stage allows me to fully express myself and just have the best time!!
In addition to performing, what other ways do you enjoy connecting with your audience?
I find social media a fun way to connect with different audiences, fans and potential fans! I try not to overthink my socials, and just be creative and have fun with it. Using these platforms in the right way can be so powerful.
What does your creative process look like? Where do you usually find inspiration for your lyrics?
I always try to be totally true to how I am feeling on the day of writing. Sometimes I think overthought lyrics don’t sound so meaningful, or honest and raw. For example, if I feel happy and energised when I am writing, I will reflect that in the music.. the same with if I am feeling down about something or anxious! Being real, honest, and a true version of yourself in the studio is the best way to get the best songs.
Your single Felt Love was featured on the hit TV show Love Island. How did you feel when you found out about this exciting placement?
Having ‘Felt Love’ on Love Island was such a pinch me moment this year. I honestly think it was the first time I felt like the world was starting to notice me, and that I should actually be proud of myself. I was incredible.
Can you share three things you’re currently loving, whether it’s a new artist, an album, or a TV show?
I am currently loving Vampire Diaries… I never understood the craze but I get it now!!! I also love TYLA.. her vibe, her music, everything about her just makes me feel good!! + I love the gym – it gives me a chance to burn off some of my ADHD energy!
Finally, as 2025 approaches, what are your hopes and aspirations for the coming year?
I really am hoping that 2025 is my year! I am so excited for the future, I can’t wait to perform more, hopefully get some more TV syncs, and just widen my fanbase. I also get married next year which is crazy exciting!!