For Bay Area musician LIVVIA, balancing both a rigorous academic schedule at UC Berkeley and a blooming music career in LA can be a little hectic at times. But according to her, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love both sides of my life so I don’t mind the weekly travel back and forth.” And with a single that currently has 3 million streams as well as being the most added single at radio last week with 20 adds in key markets including Miami and San Francisco, the world really is her oyster.
We connected with LIVVIA to talk about when her interest in music first began, what recording with producer Quavo was like, and how she manages her time between U.C. Berkeley and Los Angeles.
For people not familiar with you, how would you describe your music?
Powerful, confident and happy.
When did you know you wanted to pursue it as a career?
I can’t point to a specific moment because it’s been my ultimate dream for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been interested in what goes into the creation of a pop song, but I really started writing my own songs at 13. From there, it’s been nonstop.
What inspires you in life to make music?
Absolutely everything.
What was it like working with Quavo on “Catch A Body”?
Quavo is amazing! My producers, Rock Mafia, sent the song to Quavo’s team and he heard it and loved it and wanted to be a part of it! The first time I heard his feature through the speakers I thought, ‘this is amazing.’ He totally bodied the song.
Is it true that you’re currently attending Berkeley? How do you manage to balance that with your music career?
Yes, it is true. It definitely gets a little hectic to balance around midterms and finals — especially when they fall near dates I’m supposed to be traveling for meetings, performances, or writing sessions. But, I’ve been able to make it work so far. I love both sides of my life so I don’t mind the weekly travel back and forth. I will be graduating this year!
Since you spend a lot of time commuting back and forth between the Bay Area and LA, what do you think are the main differences between the two when it comes to the music scene?
All the amazing writers and producers I’m exposed to in LA have added such variety to my sound. They’ve really helped me hone in on exactly which elements I want my sound to be comprised of. I love working with new people and learning as much as I can.
What are some of your favorites places to hang in the Bay Area?
Sausalito, my hometown will always be the best. Berkeley as well because that’s where I spend a lot of time for school.
What’s one thing that most people would be surprised to find out about you?
I have the worlds largest Yorkie. At least I think so anyway.
Photo courtesy 42 West
Check out the acoustic version of Catch a Body HERE
