Livvia is not holding back in 2020
When it comes to pop stars, it can be tough to figure out who’s the real deal and who’s just coasting along on hype.
But Livvia has been performing since she was a teenager, and has managed to graduate from UC Berkeley while still heavily pursuing her music career. With her new single “Say It” Livvia continues to tell stories through her songs and touch lives with her undeniable sound. Her songs are actual bops that will get stuck in your head for hours. Not to mention, she just finished opening for The Jonas Brothers on their recent tour.
We recently caught up with Livvia and talked all about her love of music, her biggest crush, and working With the Jonas Bros. Check out our exclusive shoot and interview below!
When did you first fall in love with music?
I’ve been mesmerized with the songwriting process for as long as I can remember. When I was little I used to spend so much time on my mini keyboard in my room listening to my favorite songs and learning how to play them by ear. I love how a song can capture a moment in time and instantly bring you back when you listen to it again, wherever and whenever you are.
Tell us about the new single “Say it ” and what the meaning behind this song comes from.
“Say It” is about not being afraid to tell someone how you feel about them — and about speaking your mind in general. It captures the anticipation and excitement of knowing what will happen when you’re finally honest with each other. In my own life, I’m getting better and better about being completely honest and saying what’s on my mind, no filter. Once you start living that way, it’s addicting. And anything less just feels limiting and boring.
Are you currently in Love?
I’m madly, head over heels in love with my life and our precious planet. I listen to “Oh, What A World” by Kacey Musgraves every day and it makes me emotional!
What makes the perfect gentleman for you?
I need to be with someone who shares my sense of whimsical fun. I’m not the kind of person who wants to get dressed up and go to club or who wants to stay home in my pjs. But I would go to a club in my pjs! I’m always coming up with silly, spontaneous adventures for my friends, and the perfect guy would not only go along with my ideas but would have some of his own. Surfing, skiing, and adventures of all kind are a big part of my life. Of course, honesty and loyalty are nonnegotiable. And I love it when someone can understand and challenge me on both an intellectual and artistic level, since I’m very much split between both worlds.
What is your writing process for music?
I‘m a very flexible writer. When I’m writing with other people, I like to do it their way because I love discovering new processes. When I write by myself, I either start with a concept and then find either a piano or guitar and start creating from there, or I may have a full lyric and melody idea that comes to me when I’m going about my day. I’ve written so many songs in my dreams but I’ve never been able to remember them clearly enough to record them in the morning — until last week! I woke myself up in the middle of the night to record the idea! That was super exciting, and I actually really liked it when I listened back.
What is your girl power motto?
I have so much to say regarding girl power. I really feel for all us girls out there — but men and boys too. Patriarchy negatively impacts all of us, and we have a long way to go to unlearn what we’ve been taught. The double standards we face as women and girls are beyond maddening. As much as I can, I try to remind myself that the limitations I subconsciously place on myself are untrue, unfair social constructs. In terms of a motto, I would say, the Ban Bossy slogan “I’m not bossy I’m the boss” really speaks to me. I may be young but I’ve been in this business for 10 years. “Bossy,” “diva,” “difficult,” and the like are common misnomers for strong women who take charge of their own lives and careers. I really appreciate mentors and people in my life who compliment my competence and leadership skills and I have so much respect for the brilliant leaders I’ve been so fortunate to work with.
Glasses: Rad + Refined Hair accessory: Asos
You have done some insane musical collaborations from Nick Jonas to Quavo. Is there any artist dead or alive you would love to collab with?
The collaborations I’ve had the honor of being a part of so far have been quite literally dreams come true. I would love to one day have the chance to collaborate with Chris Martin of Coldplay.
What was it like touring and opening for our man crushes The Jonas Bros?
They’re my favorite. I’ve been a huge fan of theirs for years, and as you mentioned, I was lucky enough to collaborate with them in the past. We’ve become close family friends — their parents are like my parents. Having the chance to be a part of the incomparable Happiness Begins Tour with my favorite band who also happen to be some of my favorite people was a fangirl fantasy and beyond an honor. Speaking of fangirls, their fans are the absolute best — but I may be biased because I’m truly one of them!
Who are your idols?
We’ve already discussed the Jonases and Chris Martin, but I also recently read Elton John’s autobiography “Me” and I admire him so much. I’ve always loved his music — he and Bernie Taupin have written a handful of my all time favorite songs — and learning his life story has made me admire him even more. My mom is also one of my biggest idols. She has accomplished so much in her life and is one of the most talented, generous, adventurous, and fun people. I really don’t know how she does it al
What is one piece of advice your mom has given you that you live by?
She is full of wisdom! One of my favorites would have to be always choosing kindness.
How was college life at UC Berkeley, and if you weren’t a musician what career path do you think you would have taken?
I absolutely loved Cal! I didn’t have a traditional college experience because I was always traveling back and between Berkeley and LA or wherever my music career took me. I was an economics major, and I’m always asked what that has to do with music, but the music industry is a business like any other. I would love to go to business school one day. If I weren’t a musician, I would be an entrepreneur of some kind. Pursuing a career as an artist is a lot like running your own business. I’m very interested in sustainable development and investment in all industries, but as an animal lover, I’m particularly passionate about meat replacements and cruelty free fashion. I’m encouraged that people are starting to understand and talk about the impact meat production has on our environment and health, which may finally end the suffering of countless living, thinking, feeling beings.
What show are you binge watching at the moment?
I just finished the latest season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan — they share the same creator — and Mrs. Maisel is so reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. I’m obsessed.
Who is your biggest crush?
Taron Egerton all the way! I’m so happy he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was the perfect Elton John. But I would have given him an Oscar for Eddie the Eagle. That’s one of the most heartwarming movies! I’m such a sucker for an underdog story.
What beauty product are you obsessed with?
I’m horrible about this kind of thing. If I don’t have to dress up, I‘m a no makeup, let my hair air dry kind of person. My absolute favorite thing would have to be my George Michael conditioning treatment. I have really long hair, but it’s really fragile, and the treatment keeps my hair healthy even when I have to use damaging heat for shoots, performances, events, etc. Makeup wise, I prefer to use Jane Iredale mineral makeup, because it’s cruelty free and made with natural, healthy ingredients.
What can we expect on the debut album?
This album is a long time coming! I can tell you that the next few songs I‘m releasing will continue to hone in on and highlight different aspects of my own personal style, which will continue to evolve and change as I do.
Tell us a secret.
This isn’t a huge secret because I’m one of the biggest and most vocal Harry Potter fans in the world, but I still listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks when I have trouble sleeping.
What can we expect next in 2020?
Expect the unexpected! I know I do!
Photography and Creative Direction: Prince + Jacob
Stylist: Manny Jay
Make up: Brooke Hill
Hair: Johnny Stuntz
Location:Ragdoll Pink Palace
