Liv Strange
Interview conducted on December15, 2020
By Dan Locke
Alternative Pop artist, Liv Strange, released her cover of “People Are Strange,” originally released by American rock band The Doors in the 60’s. Liv’s version of the song was produced by Svend “The Dane” Lerche and Executive Producer LeeAnna James. Liv Strange chose the date of December 8th to release the cover in honor of Jim Morrison’s birthday today.
You are from Chicago. What is your upbringing?
I grew up in a hyper, comical, creative family of five. We’re very close-knit so much of our time spent together involved goofing around, dancing, making art, and listening to music. I grew up in kind of a jungle house where we rehabilitated and cared for many animals ranging from lizards to parrots, turtles, and fish. In much of my earlier recordings, I could rarely get a quiet moment with all the birds squawking in the background. Growing up, my house had a warm, cozy vibe, heavily lit with candles and incense.
How did you discover music?
I discovered music through my mom and dad’s favorite CD’s and radio stations that they would blast throughout the house all year long. We would also watch a lot of rock musicals like Tommy, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hair, and Jesus Christ Superstar. This had a huge impact on my taste in music.
How did you start to write music?
I started writing music at the age of 6 or 7. I would hum little melodies and write lyrics to them in my diary.
Describe your music
My music is inspired by a lot of theatrical rock and fantastical, classical styles. It has dark, raw, and majestic qualities that can be heard through the lyrics and instrumentation. Much of my writing is inspired by movie soundtracks and rock bands like Queens of The Stone Age, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Muse, and Nirvana.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My first guitar was given to me by my grandma on Christmas when I was a teen. She gave one to all three kids because she knew how much we wanted to play. I still have the guitar and love to play it when I’m home with family. It’s a very special gift that I’ll keep forever.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
I really love my Cort guitar my grandma gave me. Not sure what make and model it is but because it’s been used a lot, it’s grown some quirky, interesting qualities to its sound. It makes writing more interesting.
How did you pick your name?
After playing around with a couple different artist names for myself and them not working out, I got stuck and couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be called. Everything I came up with was cheesy or unfitting and I was getting angry about it. Eventually, I sat down and thought about the qualities that make me, me. As soon as I did this, “Strange” came to mind. I’ve been called a weird kid my whole life, especially after people get to know me. The idea of being strange has always been enticing to me because everyone has strange qualities to them, I’m just open about it. So why shy away from it when I could wear it proudly?
What was your first performance like?
My first performance was in my elementary school choir where I sang a solo in the song “42nd Street”. This was a special moment for me because I was a very shy kid and didn’t flaunt my talent around. One girl who was also very talented grabbed most of the solos which made me feel like I might never have a chance. But one day I sang louder than everybody else in class while we sang in unison, and that’s when my teacher discovered what I’d been hiding. She then insisted I have the solo. It changed my life forever.
What makes a good songwriter?
I’m so far removed from the real world that it leaves me space to follow my own imagination. Of course, seeing others’ creative work is inspiring, but my true authenticity lies within my own head where nobody can touch my ideas. The mind of an individual cannot be replicated, every artist has something unique to share. It’s in our DNA. The delivery of a unique sound and point of view is what makes a good songwriter in my opinion.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I belong to ASCAP.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I remember one of my first favorites called “Telephone”. It was such a stupid song lyrically, but me, my sister, and my friend Becca would sing it all the time on my piano that looped samples because the melody was so damn catchy. We laugh about it now. If we ever record it, I might pee myself.
How was it to perform at the Heartland Café on March 16, 2017?
Performing at Heartland Cafe was bittersweet because I have performance anxiety at times so I was really freakin nervous, but the cafe was also a frequent go-to spot for my grandma so I felt her presence there with me as I performed which made me feel more relaxed. My brother accompanied me on the guitar so that was nice as well.
How was it to learn your craft in Romania with Hahaha production?
Working in Romania with Hahaha was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The whole team of individuals there encouraged me to follow my heart musically. They helped me formulate unique songs, taught me parts of the biz I didn’t know, and they made me feel so loved. I really felt at home. They’re family to me. Not to mention, I was pretty stoked to be in the land of Dracula.
How was it to work with Paul Damixie?
Working with Paul presented me a closer look into the electronic dance world. He’s so talented and can make anything sound like a million bucks. I shot my first music video to our song “Lost In Space” with him which was a really cool experience. The set design was trippy.
Why did you pick “People are Strange in honor of Jim Morrison’s Birthday?
I picked People Are Strange because it’s been one of my favorite songs ever since I was little. I felt connected to the melodies and lyrics as I, myself, have been called strange many times throughout my life. Jim made me feel safe in a world where I didn’t feel I was accepted. That song is an outlet for my curiosity’s others might call odd.
How was it to work with LeeAnna James and PJ Bianco?
Working with those two nut heads is quite the rollercoaster ride. I’ve always been amazed by how easily LeeAnna can translate her thoughts into music. No doubt one of the best songwriters I’ve ever had the chance of knowing. Her and I have gotten extremely close this past year. PJ is also an insanely talented producer and songwriter who puts so much rawness and feeling into whatever, he makes. Him and I are very alike in many ways which allows me to feel free with myself around him. With both of these amazing people on my team, it’s opened up a vibrant world of music and friendship.
What is your favorite track on the album?
My favorite track on the album is “Mama”. It’s got the perfect mix of haunting vocals and lyrics with a swaggy beat that makes you wanna dance.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
I haven’t had the experience of touring yet but lord please keep me away from Doritos and Pizza when I do.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I love the idea of streaming music because it’s exposed me to many musicians and genres that I may never have known. It’s a great way for artists to share their music and for the listeners to share their unique playlists.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score?
Musical scores give me anxiety so my mind has programmed to look away from it, BUT it’s good to know where it comes from. Many artists nowadays don’t even use scores anymore to compose. The digital age has made creating music more simplified and accessible.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital is my go-to, but Vinyl is good for vibing out and sitting by a fire with a smoke and some wine.
Is there 2 United States?
I definitely feel there’s a huge divide between many people in the US, but we’re still a country as a whole and I see us that way. It’s important we continue to fight for justice, love our neighbors, and lead with peace and understanding. At the end of the day, we’re all a lot more alike than we think. So, keep spreading the love.
What is the mental health situation of the United States? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
I think many people are suffering right now because the state of the pandemic is so severe. Isolation for a long period of time really starts to take a toll on your state of mind. I can speak from experience. I think the best way we can help the doctors and nurses on the front line is to follow the stay-at-home orders as well as taking all precautions when leaving home. The less people we put at risk, the higher the chance things will get better. We all want it to be over, but we need to make safety the number one priority.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Knights of Cydonia is always on my mind. It makes me feel like a warrior and restores my confidence when I’m feeling down. It’s one of my favorite songs ever made.
You were in LA at the start of the Lockdown. What was it like?
I just moved into my new apartment with my sister when lockdown first started. It was really scary for both of us. Hearing about the herds of people storming through grocery stores like they were prepping for the end of the world really put us in an anxious state. The virus scared us less than the people did at that point in time.
Both Pfizer and BioNTech have concluded Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the vaccine, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
I think many people are skeptical about the vaccine right now, including myself. But if the scientists are telling me to take it, I’ll definitely consider. I believe wholeheartedly in science. I think a good portion of people across the country will take it, but I also think others might skip out. I can’t put a number on it right now. I don’t think people will forget to take the second shot, I think they either will, or they’ll decide they don’t want to continue with it.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Unfortunately, I do. I imagine concerts will be socially distanced for a while before things go back to normal. Since the pandemic, people have been finding creative ways to utilize the internet while they’re quarantined. I think this reinforces the power of the web and will continue to stay prominent in music culture even after Covid fades. I also think there will be a volcanic outburst of emerging artists when touring and performances start to happen again. There’s going to be a lot of great music, but a lot of great competition as well.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve been hanging with my sister a lot…. drinking, writing songs, painting, playing video games, taking creative photos, reading, and watching LOTS of The Office. Michael Scott really got me through it all if I’m being honest.
Are you still into Wildlife issues?
I’m absolutely into wildlife issues. It needs to be one of our biggest priorities right now across the globe. Climate change is real, species we grew up with are on the verge of extinction, bodies of water are contaminated beyond recognition. Our planet deserves better.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve really enjoyed coloring and painting lately. I bought an abstract coloring book from Michael’s and can spend hours getting lost in it.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and use their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Netflix is usually my go-to but lately I’ve been straying away from the TV. I’m finding other creative ways of using my time. I’ve been using the Voisey app a lot to write little songs to pre-made beats. It’s a really fun app to use.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
It’s going to piss off a lot of people…but luckily, we have other platforms to show off performers. There are many other ways of performing live on the internet. If people have to obtain licenses, it’ll make them reluctant to go through the work of doing something that should be really simple. Hence, I feel like a selective crowd will be posting their performances to Facebook.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
Social media engagement is huge for artists to keep their fans up to date and involved. I’ve been able to make many new friends and fans just on Instagram alone because of how often I’m posting and responding to their messages. I used to loathe the idea of social media, but I’ve realized it’s necessary.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlists on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I’ve never experienced a pay to play. I don’t like the scheme of it. For playlists, I learned from a Tik Tok user that it’s good to contact the playlist creators on Spotify according to the style of music you’re releasing, contact them on Instagram by finding their username, and see if they’d be willing to playlist it where many of their loyal listeners reside.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I’m totally for it. All the late greats would be there.
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
If I couldn’t do music, I’d be working with animals, assisting in the preservation of wildlife and areas where animals need protection from the outside world. I love them all.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is at home with my family and dogs (Layla & Watson). They like to sit at the end of my bed while I create. My happy place is surrounded with love.
Are you planning to release another xmas single this year?
Haven’t planned to make one but maybe I’ll conjure up a little Christmas surprise.
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