LVRA - 'no bounds to where you can find happiness'
By Tania Chakraborti
After garnering attention from BBC’s Huw Stephens and a host of other music outlets for her track ‘Girl Like Me’, LVRA’s latest song ‘Wall’ proves yet again her ability to offer something unique; a true slice of something innovative and exciting. Using sonic elements that evoke the traditional Chinese guzheng instrument mixed with a seductive vocal tone, we knew we had to chat to this rising talent. LVRA’s EP ‘LVCID’ seeks “to paint a positive image of Chinese culture in the wake of COVID-19. With racist attacks on Chinese students based in Britain on the rise, the EP’s stories offer a timely reminder that young people live through similar emotions and experiences, regardless of their nationality.”
We sat down with LVRA to chat about her music so far.
How would you describe your sound and influences?
“I'd say a mix of electronic, pop and R&B - since I was a kid i've been into all kinds of alternative music, synth-pop, bass/trap and experimental electronic music, which is heavily instrumental and kind of drives my production. Lyrically, i've been inspired by some amazing female artists like Jhene Aiko, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, as well neo-soul artists like Frank Ocean, Col3trane etc...”
We love your latest track 'Wall'. How would you describe its sound, what's it about and what are the influences for the track?
“Thanks! Wall is really what inspired the EP name and the sound of the other tracks; whilst producing it I always had in mind the wonder and magic of my solo travels around China, and I've always been completely in love with the sound of traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng.
Having grown up with a pretty confined and sheltered idea of what my life could, or should, be, my memories of travelling are that of realising there are no bounds to where you can find happiness. When I look back on those memories they feel like a fantasy, an alternate life that I sometimes dip into, and I wanted Wall to capture that dreamy feeling of stepping into an entirely new place and experiencing pure awe for the first time in a long time.
Sonically, there is a range of influences; it definitely started off with Mura Masa in mind, who is the master of choppy sampling. But the song took over a year to finish, and by the end I was really inspired by the daydreamy vocals and powerful production from Beach House's last few albums - particularly 'Levitation' off Depression Cherry. That song just takes me to another world.”
Best piece of advice you have received so far in your career?
“When I first started out all I wanted to do was just write and release stuff, because then I would have felt like I had accomplished something. The best advice I got was to just be patient, and kind to yourself when things get pushed back or delayed.”
What's next for you in 2020 musically?
“I'll be graduating from university pretty soon, and hoping to shut myself away to write new stuff. I think my new stuff will be harder and more experimental, but then again my mood's always changing ha. Maybe I'll get to play some live stuff too, who knows, 2020 is weird.”
Favourite pastime when you're not making music?
“Been doing a lot of cooking lately, I love food.”
Has anyone been negative about your desire to pursue music?
“I wouldn't say negative, but my parents have never ever thought it was a viable career path and thats kind of been drilled into my head since I was a kid. But they love the music and are really supportive of what I'm doing now.”
You grew up in Edinburgh, how do you think that has influenced your music?
“To be honest I never really engaged in the local music scene in Edinburgh, it was only until I went to Oxford that I started meeting other artists and bands. When I was a teen I spent a lot of time listening to international electronic artists/bands, like Flume, Purity Ring, Grimes etc, but I love the British electronic music scene, theres so many talented producers and DJs.”