For someone that is yet to discover LiVES how would you describe your music?
Hello!!
You’d think that I’d have this response rehearsed by heart wouldn’t you? But I don’t…hahaha
So, I’ll be a total cop out and take a clip from our Spotify Biog…it says here: From frenetic, screeching guitars, pulsating drums and bass and brash choruses, to stripped bare, lo-fi introspectives (galvanised with socio-political lyrics) LiVES delivers a raw, unapologetic, guitar driven sound that makes them one of the most exciting British rock acts around today!
Hmmmm, actually that sounds pretty cool, yeah let’s go with that…hahaha….Basically its loud rock/post-punk!!
What inspires you as an artist?
My constant frustration and feeling of disenfranchisement with society, particularly online society, greedy politicians, general hate for the bullshit on the comment sections of social media platforms…just how f**king lame everyone is, how hypocritical and self riotous everyone is…I just feel like I don’t fit in all of this…I hate it but I’m just as addicted to my phone as everyone else…THIS generally motivates my lyrics!
But as far as melody and instruments are concerned – keep it loud, heavy and sweet!
What is your process for preparing to perform live? Do you have any Diva demands?
No preparation process really, just try to hang out with the crowd beforehand, enjoy the moment…then walk onto the stage like Rocky Balboa! Diva moments? Hmmm I don’t think so, perhaps you should as Alex and Dan (drummer and Bassist) they might tell you different!
Where do you feel you fit into the music landscape?
Post Punk / Rock / Alternative I guess
What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
Well it’s got to have a melody but generally; Rock, Pop, Grunge, Punk, Classical, some Electro and Hiphop – most guitar lead stuff I love…not a huge fan of Metal and it’s many variants though and I HATE Reggaeton!!
Where did the name come from?
Well, I met someone at a party once and had the usual 3am conversation about life…and she said “you’ve lived so many lives already” and it stuck with me…To be honest I think it sounds really cool but it’s a bugger for SEO hahaha…
What would you say is your greatest strength as an Artist?
I think other people would say my voice! But I would say my melodies. Also…I’m obsessive in the studio, it’s rare that I say “fuck it, that’ll do”
What would you say is your greatest weakness as an Artist?
In the past I was too cryptic with my lyrics, I think the only person that really ‘got it’ was me…So I’ve tried to be more explicit (and it seems to be working)
What can fans expect from your new Album ‘Let Them Eat Cake’’’.
Lyrically it’s a very angry record, I don’t hold back any punches and I’m very proud of that…The record is loud, raw, english rock…
What music artist would you say have influenced your work?
Well The Beatles are my number one (perhaps not always that obvious when listening to our stuff but they’re there trust me!) Nirvana have been a massive influence, the vitriol in their delivery and overall sound I adore, Oasis for their swagger and early Libertines for the melody – if I could roll those up into 1 group I’d be very happy…
Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?
Musically the only people I want to collaborate with are Alex and Dan…and producer John Cornfield…
But from a song writing perspective I’m a terrible collaborator!! I’ve collaborated with some pretty big artists in the past and never really enjoyed it! I just keep thinking “ah they’re doing it wrong, they’re doing it wrong”
Some might say there’s probably some deep seated issue in my childhood that doesn’t enable me to work with other people but actually it’s just because I think my ideas are the best hahahahahaha
What was your worst performance?
Any time I’ve drunk too much alcohol before playing…a couple of beers is cool beforehand but really I think drugs and alcohol BEFORE playing is just shit…you might think that you’re living out your rockstar fantasy but it looks, (and more importantly) sounds, terrible.
What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Just being true to myself, not having any worries about exposing my true feelings through my music… when I was younger I would always try to emulate other artists too much and of course it was terrible. When I realised it was OK to be myself things became a LOT better and quickly.
I guess I overcame this but realising that my ideas and opinions are just as valid as any other artist…I think however this is becoming increasingly difficult for people with all the pressures of social media – the homogenisation of people/Images etc is the death of original artistic expression (in my opinion)
What is your creative process when making music. Do you work with others or is there just you?
Concept comes first, usually from a reaction to something exterior, then I just find myself picking up the guitar or going to the piano and the melody and lyrics just come…I write the track, sometimes in minutes, sometimes in days and demo it, then send it over to Alex and Dan.
Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?
Absolutely no idea! Hopefully still making music and still enjoying it.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lives.music
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lives.official
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lives_official
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1X2QW4h31G6RWgQikFkllc?si=qZOdKu7aRV2YyP2AmwayvQ
