Photo Credit: Sarah Krick
What’s been a dream for as long as she can remember has led LIVVIA to a slew of success in her music career, including a Top 40 hit for her 2018 single “Damn.” Managed by Kevin Jonas, Sr. of Jonas Group Entertainment, LIVVIA made a big step into the scene back in 2014 and 2015 with her back-to-back number ones on the Billboard Dance Club Songs with “OXO” and “Parachute.”
Her passion for music started much earlier than that, though. “I’ve been writing songs as long as I can remember, before I could even play an instrument. I eventually taught myself piano at around 13 years old to accompany the songs I wrote a cappella.”
Much of her inspiration to create music stemmed from the artists and songs she grew up listening to and it pointed her in the right direction. “A variety of artists in a variety of genres have inspired me along the way. Not just standard pop genres either – everything from film scores and symphonies to Broadway musicals.” Because of the diversity in her listening experiences, she can’t help but describe her taste as eclectic.
While LIVVIA says she isn’t influenced by any artists, in particular, she did share her favorite artists at the moment with us. “There’s so many, but some of my favorites are Sofi Tukker for happy dance parties, and Sabrina Claudio for a softer, more melancholy vibe.” LIVVIA’s songs offer a nice blend between the two styles with the fun, pop beats and her gentle, pretty voice. She describes her personal style of music as “pop with a story.”
LIVVIA talks about what touring with the Jonas Brothers meant to her.
Her pop flare not only got her signed to Jonas Group Entertainment but also got her a spot on the Jonas Brothers’ Happiness Begins Tour in the US and Europe as an opening act. Speaking about the one concert she would go to for the rest of her life if she had to choose, LIVVIA said that she had the most fun at these shows. “Opening for them as part of the Happiness Begins Tour was the most incredible experience. I could (and did) watch that show every day and still miss seeing it.”
See some show moments below.
She went even further and shared that their shows and music affect and inspire her own work. “I’ve always been a huge fan, and I actually had the chance to work with Nick [Jonas] and release a song [“Parachute”] that we co-wrote and he produced. They’ve always been an influence and now, since knowing them personally, they’ve been very supportive of my endeavors. I’m so grateful!”
LIVVIA shares the story of how her latest single came to be.
Since touring, LIVVIA released her newest single “Monster” back in October. A song about truth and knowing yourself, the spooky electro-beat along with her striking vocals question “who’s the monster now?” She shared with BTS what personal experience inspired and brought the song to fruition. “I was at a writing camp in Nashville and while honing in on a concept, I started talking about a situation in my past in which a friend tried to completely change the narrative and turn other friends against me. But rather than fight fire with fire, I let the truth come out on its own. And “Monster” was born!”
Her favorite song of hers at the moment, “Monster” is more than just a song; it’s a story. “I love how familiar but unique it feels. And the story is exactly the kind of concept I love writing about — empowerment and standing up for yourself.”
In an interview with People, LIVVIA said, “I want this song to encourage people to let the truth speak for itself and not allow someone else’s stories to make them question their own character. Trust your instincts and if others are determined to fall for the facade, trust that all will be revealed in the end.”
Sharing the excitement she felt while making “Monster,” LIVVIA told BTS “It was very exciting to finally release it because we wrote it last year, and I’ve loved and advocated for it ever since. It was a last-minute call to put it together for release. So, the rush to finish it up was fun, and involved my best friends in the production process.”
The official music video “Monster (The Movie)” also premiered with People on October 23. Written, directed, and produced by the artist herself, it takes place in the ’60s in a spooky mansion covered in stained glass windows. The star-studded video, including actors like Chris Pang, Skyler Samuels, and Lukas Gage, brings a murder mystery game to life among a group of friends.
Being the first video she directed, “Monster” points directly to why she enjoys working as an artist so much. “Being an artist, I’m able to have my hand in all aspects of the industry, which I love – from business to visuals.” This enjoyment also stems from her fans. “And of course, the direct connection to the audience whether it be through social media or on tour is my favorite part.”
Watch the music video below.
LIVVIA came up with the music video plot for “Monster.”
Speaking on the plot, she shared how she originally thought of it and made it happen how it was imagined. Everything from location to her jewel-toned Versace set that matched the stained glass windows was planned out before to make her vision a reality. “It’s fun to look at the mood board I made for the video because we achieved everything I wanted and more. The “who’s the monster now” line inspired me to create a murder mystery story, and the first visual that came to mind was throwing the suspect cards down on the table to the beat of that line of the chorus.”
See some behind the scenes footage and photos below.
In talking about what it was like working with such amazing and accomplished actors, she said, “All of the actors in the video were incredible: Chris, Skyler, Lucas, Michele Selene Ang, Emily Tosta and Deric Augustine. It was my first time officially directing, and they couldn’t have been more fun to collaborate with. My approach was to involve them as much as they wanted in the script ahead of time, so if they had any ideas or wanted to change the wording to make more sense for them, we could put it in writing. They were all enthusiastic participants, had great ideas and went above and beyond. I’m so grateful for their involvement and now, their friendship.”
See the full cast video below.
What’s next for her?
Regarding LIVVIA’s future, she shared that she always has new music in the works, including a collaboration she’s currently working on. She’s also excited to hop back into touring when it is safe to do so. “I miss touring so much. The sooner the better. But safety first, of course.”
Her passion for being an artist goes beyond herself. She has hopes that are focused on the effects her music can have on others. She shared with BTS that her goal is “To reach as many people as possible with my music and be a force for good in the world through my platform – on a personal level and through the causes and initiatives I support.” While her impact is already recognizable through her empowering lyrics, there’s no stopping her on her way to music domination!
Read more about “Monster” here.
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