If you’re like us here at WOHM, when you listen to a fresh, new, up-and-coming singer tear a song to pieces on the radio or via streaming service, your first thought is: “I wonder if they sound like this when they perform live?”
More often than not, you are left disappointed.
Then, *Ron Burgundy voice* from the depths of the mighty waters of the Minnetonka, along comes a vocalist with a scorchingly powerful voice that can make a grown man break down and cry (thug tears, of course) because she’s just that good.
Anyway, Portland’s Liv Warfield is awesome and her album dropped today! We had a chance to catch up with her and ask a few random questions about her career and working with “The Kid“. Check it out plus the iTunes link for her new album The Unexpected after the jump. #OutHere
You often say that you got your start singing karaoke. What made you decide to pursue singing as a profession?
I decided to pursue singing because others thought that I could sing very well. A good friend of mine would dress me up in these amazing outfits and go to the karaoke clubs and start singing. I just knew I would get discovered singing there. My life changed as soon as I saw a live band perform… Because it was so up close and personal. Soon after I knew that I wanted to play in a band. It took me a long time get past the stage fright.
How easy (or difficult) was the transition from amateur to professional singer?
The transition was natural… I don’t think it was easy because it took me a while to sing in front of an audience. I was so nervous to move around, so I just always looked at my bandmates… When I joined a hip-hop band, that’s when I started to let loosen up a little bit. I always sang the hooks and so I had to interact with the crowd and eventually start to like it. There was a lot of trial and error when I started.
As of now, are you officially signed, or working independently?
I am working independently as of right now with support from Prince and NPG [New Power Generation]. There is a lot of hard work with being an independent artist but you do have a lot of freedom.
Prince wrote the title track for your new album. What’s yours and Prince’s songwriting process like? How much input does he have as an executive producer of your project?
Our writing process is sacred. That’s one thing that I choose to keep between him and I. He honestly is amazing and understands me as an artist and I love that. As far as input, Prince has as much input as he would like… He honestly gave me 100% control over what I wanted my sound to be like and feel like. He was hands on when he needed to be and offered suggestions but for the most part, Prince was a huge inspiration for the album. I have learned so much from him during my time as a member of New Power Generation.
What is the best advice he’s given you so far?
He advised me to stay true to who I am and don’t change for the flavor of the day. Just be YOU.
Your performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon was incredible. What was it like performing on national TV for the first time? Anything you’d do differently?
That experience was AMAZING! I was on cloud nine. Of course I was nervous but I was great company with my band family. The energy from them is what I needed and they gave me that ten fold. There is nothing I would do differently. It was a moment and a beautiful one.
Any chance we’ll see you on the new Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon?
I definitely hope so… He hinted at me to come back… So, you never know! I really appreciated Jimmy Fallon for giving me my debut. There were a lot of doors that were shut because my sound isn’t what you would expect. I am also a big fan.
What influence did singers like LaRhonda Steele and Linda Hornbuckle have on your development as an artist?
Oh wow, they encouraged me ALL the time. They gave me my first steps of hitting the microphone on stage and allowed me to get on stage and just sing. I am forever grateful to them and Portland for showing me so much love.
You also ran track while living in the Portland area. How fast is your 100-meter these days?
I haven’t really had a chance to throw on those track shoes lately… But I think I still got it. Just not like I did in high school or college… But best believe I can still hang… LOL
Any advice for Northwest artists trying to take their career to the next level?
Stay encouraged and keep pushing through all the barriers. Never, Never give up. If you want it, go and get it and surround yourself with like minds. Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and that want the best for you. I have really worked hard this past year and didn’t wait for someone to give it to me. I went out there and got it.
Lastly, between you and The Purple One – who makes the best pancakes?
Well we need to have a cake-off!… LOL… Remains to be seen… LOL
You can purchase Liv’s new album The Unexpected on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-unexpected/id803023700