Q&A: Exploring Timeless Emotions Through Princess Liv's "All Along"
GET READY TO ADD ANOTHER TRACK TO YOUR ON REPEAT PLAYLIST THANKS TO PRINCESS LIV. Princess Liv, the enigmatic artist with a voice that seamlessly traverses the emotional spectrum, is a testament to the power of music in capturing the depth of human feelings. Her latest single, "All Along," offers a glimpse into the beautifully complex world she creates through her melodies and lyrics.
Behind the enchanting music lies a fascinating journey that takes her from the bustling streets of New York, steeped in a rich musical heritage, to the sun-soaked landscapes of Los Angeles, where her career as a musician and background vocalist has flourished.
Read below as we delve into Princess Liv's unique blend of influences, her creative process, and her mission to create songs that resonate with the soul.
LUNA: "All Along" is such a captivating and moody track. Can you share what inspired you to write this song, and what emotions you wanted to convey through it?
PRINCESS LIV: The song was initially an exercise in writing a more classical sounding melody for strings, which I wrote in a Logic session on the mellotron and then forgot about for a few months. When I came back to the idea and made a full demo, that melody became the intro and then came back for every chorus. I wanted the song to feel very melancholy but also to give the sense of a graceful resolve; the lyrics are an attempt to process the realization that a situation got the best of me but also taught me something about myself.
LUNA: The song's lyrics seem to delve into a complex story about a world tour affair. Could you elaborate on the narrative behind the song?
PRINCESS LIV: The song was inspired by a situation I experienced a few years ago while I was on tour, but is also representative of the difficulties that come with constantly traveling. I romanticized a situation that was logistically impossible with someone who lived across the world. I realized the sacrifice and challenges that come with a constantly moving lifestyle.
LUNA: "All Along" blends elements of R&B with classical mellotron strings and evokes the vibe of 90s R&B divas. How did you go about mixing these different musical influences to create a unique sound for this track?
PRINCESS LIV: My producer, Nick Belvis, played a significant role in shaping the track's essence. We collaborated on the arrangement, adding live elements like bass and guitar. I also incorporated vocal production elements reminiscent of older R&B songs, which influenced the overall sound.
LUNA: You've toured internationally and worked with various major artists. How has your journey as a background vocalist and musician influenced your approach to creating your own music?
PRINCESS LIV: Being on tour has its pros and cons for my solo work. While it offers inspiration and insights from working with talented artists and musicians, it also makes consistency challenging. I've been focusing on releasing music consistently during my time off and even when I'm on tour to maintain a balance between touring and my solo project.
LUNA: Growing up in New York, you were exposed to a rich musical heritage. Can you tell us how your early exposure to jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole has shaped your current sound?
PRINCESS LIV: Listening to jazz singers during my upbringing taught me how to phrase lyrics naturally and conversationally, which influences my ability to create vocal melodies. The spirit of collaboration and creativity in jazz has also impacted my approach to producing my music. I borrow elements from black American music in my writing and have deep respect for jazz and R&B's legacy.
LUNA: Moving from New York to Los Angeles is a significant transition. How have these two cities influenced your music and your career as a musician?
PRINCESS LIV: I didn't have much of a career when I left New York, and I mainly learned about the jazz scene there. LA is where I delved into the industry, began touring more, and developed my career. While New York's mentality and lifestyle resonate with me, LA's weather and opportunities have played a significant role in my journey.
LUNA: What intuitions do you have for the rest of the year?
PRINCESS LIV: I believe the next two months will be about planning my next steps, writing, and spending time with my family. It's also an important time for society to reflect on the events in Palestine and rising antisemitism, promoting kindness and resource utilization for positive change.
