 Courtesy: A Badge of Friendship “Sometimes you can feel trapped by genres, and you just go 'This is a brilliant song, it doesn't matter what you call it,'” she concludes. “I just want to be Liv Austen.” Norwegian born singer-songwriter Liv Austen moved to London in 2010 to study drama, but stayed for the music after exploding on the British country music scene. In 2014, she unveiled her Workin' Man's Dream EP and the buzz only grew louder with each subsequent release. Recently, Austen debuted the video for her spunky, and catchy as all get out, single "Don't Regret A Single One" and here she answers her Essential 8 where she talks songwriting, her dream venue, what she does on her days off (might surprise ya), and much more! When/where do you do your best writing? It’s a combination of in my home studio, when I am on my own – and also when I have my favourite cowriters over to write with me, and in some of my cowriters’ studios. Writing at two of my favourites, Jess Sharman and Kaity Rae’s studios, is always great. I find I write quite different songs when I’m writing on my own and when I write with others. I love doing both! What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Play live. As much as you can. That’s your job, that’s where you learn and that’s what you are doing this for! I see so many musicians spending all their time worrying about getting publishing, record deals, managers, agents… And I’ve done the same myself. It took a while for me to realise that the only thing you really need to focus on is doing gigs. Because as you get better, the right people will find you. And then you’ll be ready, because you are so experienced as a performer. That is not saying it’s a bad thing to meet people and connect with them, or to learn about the music industry (that would be my second bit of advice – knowledge is power!), but don’t let that take up all your time. Remember that you are doing this because you love music. What’s your dream venue and why? The Round House in Camden. It’s the most beautiful venue and the sound and lighting there are out of this world. I have seen two very contrasting gigs there, Carrie Underwood and The Staves, and both blew me away. I’d love to put on a show there. Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative?
In moderation I think it’s ok! It’s lovely to go to a gig and have a pint or a glass of wine, and enjoy yourself. I think it can quickly tip over and people get rowdy. There are different cultures in different places of course, but it’s a shame for music lovers and performers when some people get drunk and don’t realise they are talking loudly over the music etc. It kind of stops everyone from having the best night they could have. Favorite thing to do on a day off? I love finding new places to go for walks with my boyfriend (we’re such geeks) and I really like baking. Wow, I am really rock’n’roll, aren’t I?! Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? I met Bethany Joy Lenz, who is best known for her role on One Tree Hill (which I was obsessed with), and she is also a singer/songwriter. That was amazing. I fangirled big time, but we ended up going for drinks and chatting all night. She was amazing and gave me some great advice. I also met LeAnn Rimes and saw her do an intimate gig. I didn’t get to talk to her for that long, but she was incredibly sweet, and she is so insanely talented. I was very inspired. Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? All of Danielle Bradbery’s new album, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met. It’s amazing. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? World tour! I’d love to tour the world both as a headline act and supporting someone else. Just being able to travel with my music is the ultimate dream. Website/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube
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