Right off the bat, Modern Liv keeps it real, as she begins the interview by saying, “Being totally independent isn’t for the faint of heart.” Siting by the radiator and editing videos ready to be submitted to various festivals, Modern Liv admits it is challenging to have the time and abilities to cover the whole spectrum of what it takes to be an artist, “but I love learning the ropes and pushing myself to make good content,” she adds.
Modern Liv is a rising London star introducing her mix of an indie-rock sad girl with a splash of jazz and soul. Her newest release ”The Revenge Of An Ugly Teenager’ is a tremendous testament to adolescent relatability. She spills the authentic expectation of growing up and radical changes in confidence while warning about the downward spiral of validation seeking.
Peeling off the layers of Modern Liv and her inspirations, David Bowie’s hit ‘Modern Love’ ultimately lays down the foundation of her stage name. She also recalls her performance at La Maroquinerie in Paris as ‘the one giving her confidence to challenge herself.’
‘The Revenge Of An Ugly Teenager’ is a splendid teaser of what’s to come from Modern Liv this year. Ready to charm audiences, Modern Liv is set to perform at London’s Strongroom Bar on February 19th.
Could you elaborate on how David Bowie’s ‘Modern Love’ has inspired your stage name?
My real name is so common, and if you have the opportunity to have a stage name and persona I think you should go for it! I wanted a name that referenced another artist, in the same way Lady Gaga references Queen’s song Radio Gaga in her name (I’m not sure if that’s a fact). I love David Bowie’s own type of queerness, his artistry, and the way he didn’t take himself too seriously. Modern Love is one of my favourite songs – my interpretation of it is that it encourages us to break free from societal expectations of love and be bold and authentic. Since my nickname is Liv it just made sense to put them together. Plus, modernity is a bit of a retro concept now, in the post-modern digital era, so I like the nod to something more old-school.
Congratulations on your new release ‘The Revenge Of An Ugly Teenager’, could you share what this single means to you? What experience/memory inspired it?
Thanks! The song is inspired by my own and my friends’ experiences of growing up and navigating nightlife. The idea is that I haven’t changed so much since I was a teenager, as I say in the song, I still wear double denim like I used to in high school, but my confidence has radically changed. On top of that even though it’s a fun song it also warns against using external validation to feel good, because that inevitably leads to regret and not being yourself anymore.
What songwriter inspires you the most?
I absolutely love Madison Cunningham. I’ve seen her a couple of times and I imagine it’s similar to how people felt watching Joni Mitchell at the start of her career. She’s an amazing lyricist and musician, with a unique way of structuring songs and melodies. I’m really inspired by how unconventional and deeply layered her songs are.
Last year, you released your debut EP ‘Boy Band,’ what have you revealed about yourself via this project?
I think I revealed my cheesy and endless love for my friends, but also my naïve trust in too many people who don’t have my back. But I also think I revealed a lot of vulnerability in ‘Shake the Feeling’, when I perform it, I always say it’s a song about asking for help when you need it, which can be really challenging. The first three songs are much more about insecurities and challenges than the title track, which is an anthem to best friends.
How was your experience attending university in England? What surprised you positively and negatively?
I loved being able to join a community of talented musicians alongside my studies. I found it was a really creative environment which facilitated trying new things. There were a lot of opportunities for me, and I met a lot of the people who have helped me in my music journey. A positive surprise was wanting to stay in the UK after I finished studying, and a negative surprise was COVID hitting right in my last term.
Including singing with a jazz orchestra, what has been your favourite performing experience to date?
I really enjoyed opening for Yoa at La Maroquinerie in Paris. It was a big opportunity for me, but all my friends came to support, and even though I couldn’t see them in the audience I could recognize their cheers. It was scary playing alone at a venue like that, but it gave me the confidence to challenge myself more. It ended up being quite an intimate vibe, and I felt really seen by the audience, the response was so positive and heart-warming.
How often do you stop and reflect at your career and how your younger self would feel about it?
Pretty much never! I feel like I’ve only just started.
How are you feeling ahead of your London show at the Strongroom Bar?
I’m always a bit nervous to play by myself, but it’s a cool venue and a great opportunity for me. Sam Bowcher is one of the few reliable promoters in London, and it’s a great connection to have so I’m excited to work together again. It’s also a free show which means I feel much more comfortable forcing all my friends to come.
If you could have a one-on-one master class with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Ella Fitzgerald comes to mind right away, her approach to the voice and to jazz amaze me every time I listen. Like a lot of jazz singers, I’ve spent hours learning every little detail of her scats and trying to emulate the nuances of her voice.
‘The Revenge Of An Ugly Teenager’ is the first teaser of your new music. What can you tease about this upcoming chapter and the music you are currently working on?
If this is the song that would play in a movie while the main character is going to the club, my next song would be played during the walk home the next day… ‘Teenager’ is more pop than I would usually go, and it was so much fun writing a cute bop like that. My next single is much more rock inspired.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova