Liv Bloore

(she/they) - @livblooremusic

Liv Bloore is an indie folk singer songwriter from Suffolk, UK. She is currently recording and self producing her debut EP in the bedroom of a small cottage. After having done a Music degree at Cambridge, Liv realised that working long hours was not for them. Now they work even longer hours trying to figure out how to use Logic Pro. Liv has performed as part of indie band Just Me and the Geese across the UK for the last four years, and has featured on BBC Introducing. In terms of her solo work, influences include anything that will give you an existential crisis, such as Ethel Cain, Phoebe Bridgers and Bess Atwell. You can catch Liv at gigs across London in the upcoming months. Stay tuned for the release of her debut single 'The Darling Song'. 

Interview:

1. What 5 words would you use to describe your music?

Honest, melancholy, folky, lyrical, evocative 

2. Where is your favourite spot to write/ create? 

I love to write when I am on a walk in the countryside. It works well if I am in the middle of nowhere, so I don’t look crazy humming into a voice memo on my phone. I find that lyrics come to me when I am doing nothing and just relaxing, like going on a walk – or trying to get to sleep. 

3. Must have item when creating? 

I really only need my notes app on my phone – I tend to write the melody by ear and then sit at a piano or with a guitar to figure out what on earth the chords are. 

4. Who did you grow up listening to?

I grew up listening to a lot of folk music, including artists like Laura Marling and Thea Gilmore. I was also played tons of The Beatles, David Bowie and Queen. My mum loves classical music, which is how I originally started playing piano and violin. 

5. Who are your current biggest inspirations?

I am currently obsessed with Bess Atwell – her voice is beautiful, and her lyrics are so vulnerable. I also love Ethel Cain, Searows and Maggie Rogers, and of course boygenius.

6. How did you find your sound/style?

I originally studied classical music and learnt piano and violin. At university I sang as a choral scholar for three years, which really inspired me to experiment with vocal harmonies. I am drawn to folk music because it gives space for producing with classical instruments, which I love. That being said, my music with Just Me and the Geese is much rockier which I find is so much fun to perform.  I am also a huge fan of pop music… I like to think that my sound is constantly evolving.

7. Anyone you would like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Olivia Dean, who just seems like a bundle of joy. I love her music, and her interview on John Kennedy’s podcast ‘Tape Notes’. I also adore Griff, who is Pop royalty and insanely underrated – she does these timed challenges of covering a song with another artist which would be a dream! 

8. What instrument would you like to learn if any?

I would love to learn the cello – my friend and bandmate George plays so well, and it just makes every song sound magical. Also, when I play the violin it sounds like a cat dying…. 

9. If you had to include a kazoo or a triangle in every single song you make, which would you choose?

The triangle would really give every song some sparkle I think. 

9. What is your favourite music venue? (to attend as a fan or play as an artist)

I love venues that are outdoors, which allow people to breathe, and see much better! 

10. Which festival would you love to play at?

I have been going to Latitude Festival since I was 11, where I saw Lily Allen and was quite confused by the political references. I have since gone every year, and it would be a dream come true to play there.

11. Who would you love to tour with and what is your dream venue to play?

The gals from The Last Dinner Party are doing so well and seem like wonderful people - it would be amazing to tour with artists like them who are full of energy on stage. And of course, indie royalty like Boygenius, Big Thief or The Japanese House. My dream venue would probably be a huge music festival like Glastonbury. 

12. Favourite part of a show when performing?

I love seeing people’s reactions to the songs I play – acoustic gigs are really wonderful for that. I love all parts of a show - I feel nervous beforehand but find that I relax on stage. 

14. Funny stories from playing a show?

I don’t get stage fright, but I get stage giggles terribly. If someone forgets the lyrics, I will just lose it. 

15. Future goals?

I would love to play at any festivals around the UK this summer or next. My goal was to get shows in London in the upcoming months, which has happened! 

16. Are you working on anything at the moment?

I am currently recording and self-producing my debut EP, ‘In Heaven, After Hours’. My debut single, ‘The Darling Song’ will be out in the next few months, so stay tuned! I have also just finished recording an album with indie band Just Me and the Geese. 

17. Can you recommend one of your songs and a song by another artist for our readers to listen to?

I only have songs on SoundCloud for now… but I am proud of my song ‘Sing For Me’ which is quite simple but slightly creepy. The live performance is on YouTube and Soundcloud. I also recommend ‘The Weeping’ by Bess Atwell, which is truly beautiful.