by jordan o’halloran
photo by jimmy fontaine
At only 18, Livingston is already a self-taught producer, songwriter, and singer. On his new EP, An Unlikely Origin Story, we will all be seeing a lot more of him soon.
Livingston started his music career by doing video production and says that film is his first love. With that being said, music came into his life when he wanted to start to convey how he felt despite not having people around to talk with. During the pandemic, he has been holding up and enjoying being with family, but definitely is ready for life to go back to normal.
His single “Hercules” features a collaboration with Jorgen Odegard. Odegard has worked with artists like Justin Bieber and Imagine Dragons and says that working with him was very enjoyable. His lyrics are full of heart, empathy, and he hopes that people learn that they aren’t alone in the world. You can find Livingston doing livestreams, TikTok, and fan building on social media. He will also be doing four live shows with Fitz and the Tantrums in June and July.
What first got you into making music?
Livingston: “I felt that I had a lot to say but not a ton of people around to talk to, so I started finding avenues to express how I felt. At first, it was video production, but when I discovered how accessible music production was, I fell in love with Logic X and started writing songs.”
With the pandemic happening unexpectedly, how are you?
L: “I’m actually really good. Sure, like with anyone, it’s been rough at times with the isolation, but I’m grateful that I’ve been able to spend so much time with my family. I’m going to LA to work on the next record for a month and I’m unbelievably excited.”
On your single “Hercules” you collaborated with Jorgen Odegard. Jorgen has worked with artists like Justin Bieber and Imagine Dragons. Did that feel intimidating?
L: “Really great experience. Not intimidating, he’s a few years older than me so it’s cool to see how he has bridged to his amount of industry connection and skill at his age. Chloe George also co-wrote the song, and it was crazy to see her have that huge moment with the Ghost Town cover TikTok sound.”
What artists and songs are on your radar right now?
L: “J. Cole, we’re dropping the same day and he’s my favorite artist so I’m excited for The Fall Off. Some Mobb Deep. This cool EDM project called Fred Again... is really interesting.”
You just released your new EP An Unlikely Origin Story. Can you tell us a bit about this project and how it came to be?
L: “This project was the story of my life at the end of high school experiencing extreme change. Even though the stuff I was experiencing was different than my peers, I realize the anxieties and uncertainties that EVERYONE feels during big life changes — going to college, losing and gaining relationships, etc... so I wanted to make a project about those phases of life to provide closure to me and hopefully someone on earth can relate to it.”
Your videos are beautiful. How do you think of your video ideas? Do you explore other creative forms when not working on music?
L: “Thank you so much. Videos are such an important avenue of storytelling, co-writing the ‘Carnival’ video and having a great team being that video to life was such a fun experience, and set the stage for getting to solo write and direct the ‘Superkid’ video. Film has always been my first love, so it’s amazing to bring it into this career. And there’s also times I fail! Went to my team in Austin, shot a big old ambitious video for ‘Hercules,’ and it didn’t pan out like I expected! It’s all a learning process. There are wins and losses, but the trajectory is upwards and I always want to stay involved with that side of things.”
How does your creative process go? Do you write the lyrics first?
L: “A lot of times it’s a concept, word or lyric — other times it’s a chord progression or sample that really moves me. It varies.”
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
L: “The rehearsal I did last night for the four shows I’m playing with Fitz and the Tantrums in June and July. Get your tickets.”
What do you hope people take from your music?
L: “A feeling that they are never alone in the world and that their value comes from within.”
With concerts not being a thing for a while, do you do any livestreams? Connect with fans on social media?
L: “I’ve been livestreaming a lot, doing a ton of TikToks and fan building. It’s been fun. Time for real life though.”
What would you like to say to fans old and new?
L: “Thank you for believing in me, I believe in you, let’s change earth.”