Artist Review: Liv Lapaz

Sometimes, eccentricity is all that is needed to make good music. A desire to do something different, a willingness to exploit all the available resources and talent can take you places. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Liv Lapaz. Berlin-based independent artist Liv made his album Drown, Yeah with just a $50 guitar bought from a trashy Chinese music store in Beijing, and an iPhone. Apparently, he didn’t even own a laptop when he started recording the songs in 2011-12. But that hardly has any effect on the melodies he was able to coax out of “Li-Li” the guitar.

I was a little sceptical about the attempt at first. I mean, many have failed to create good music even with expensive studio equipment. So it was natural on my part to feel as I did about Liv’s ambitious yet down-to-earth venture. But then I listened to the whole album, song-by-beautiful-song, and it left me appropriately chastised for having pre-conceived notions about the artist’s recording methods.

Though I must admit, Liv is by no means a brilliant singer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t expect great songs from him. I mean, one doesn’t really have to be a Celine Dion or a Whitney Houston to sing a good tune. If it is simple enough, and if you put enough emotion into it, you might just end up with an awesome track that can redefine what good music stands for.

All the layering, all the arpeggios, add to the surreal experience that is Drown, Yeah. The songs have a signature, authentic sound that can only come from a single inspiration on the artist’s part. The lyrics are, more often than not, a little weird. But they are the good kind of weird that can totally pass off as being a tad eccentric. The guitar “Li-Li” is as much an artist on this album as is Liv. She has a presence, constantly emphasized by the haunting sounds and rhythms that he charms out of her.

Amongst the hauntingly honest tunes on offer, my personal favourite would be Lady Lamonade, The Deep and Das Kind und der See. Although, Melancholia is worth a listen too. Actually, you should listen to them all and decide for yourselves. But in my honest opinion, this is one experiment that merits attention.

I was very curious as to the fate of “Li-Li” after listening to the songs. So I went over to Liv’s official website and hunted down this piece of info:

Every Box(of limited edition CDs of Drown, Yeah) also contains a piece of "Li-Li", the acoustic guitar and only instrument that was used on the album. Li-Li was smashed after recording was finished. It was then cut into exactly 100 pieces, one piece for each Limited Edition Box.

I found that quite sad. It kinda reminds you of the typical heroine from Chinese folklore – a peasant girl fakes being a princess to save the Emperor’s life. All goes well, but the heroine dies of a stray arrow from an archers’ tribute. But if you are big on owning unique memorabilia, I’m sure you would like the concept of owning a piece of an instrument which was instrumental (pun totally intended) in the success of the album.

Verdict: An experiment in eccentricity that proves to be quite successful!

Rating: 4.5/5

Listen and Rate | 3 1/2: First Recordings

3 1/2 is a LA based indie-pop act led by vocalist Leila Jarman. Their debut EP, First Recordings is a collection of musical confectionery and candy-floss tunes. The songs have a '90s indie feel to them, and the cute cover definitely adds to that feel. Plus, that cat-head-on-band-members cover is just too cute to be ignored. The kitten at their feet is an added bonus. :D


They recently won the Deli LA magazine's best emerging artist competition. KXLU 88.9 FM Los Angeles and The Smell sent the band to SXSW, where they played some really great shows.


The EP is available as FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD on Bandcamp. You can also order a CASSETTE TAPE version via their Bandcamp profile.


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Artist Review: Harry

It has been so long since I last wrote anything on here, it has been giving me pangs of guilt every time I checked my email and found a beautiful comment or a new artist update. But I'm back now and the first thing I'm gonna do is tell you about a great new artist!

Harry is a singer-songwriter from London (UK), with a sweet voice and a much mature outlook towards life than could be expected from kids his age. At just sixteen, Harry has succeeded in creating a medley of beautiful  tunes that touch your heart, whatever your age may be. His music portrays the innocence of youth with an uncanny peek at the mature soul inside. He has an easygoing, earnest manner of singing that is soothing to the ears. 

'This Is War' is a song that has an Enya-esque quality to it. Harry sings of war with such a calm demeanor that completely contradicts the nature of the idea that the lyrics convey. Most teen artists talk of being who you are, of being free and wild. Harry talks of being cautious, keeping your head down and being inside a shell. Of a life where enemies hide behind every corner and lurk in every shadow.
This Is War has the music that can lull you into believing he isn't warning you of a vicious war at all! Instead, it feels as if he is telling you of a faraway time when some faceless strangers fought their wars and left memories of the bloodshed; to be recounted by loving mothers to their little ones while they are being tucked into warm beds. Nowhere is the music harsh or exactly “war-like”. It kinda reminds one of The Call by Regina Spektor. The ribbons of string instruments in the background build up to an excellent, classical-inspired climax. This could be a perfect song to be considered for the next Hunger Games movie soundtrack. 

Harry's second song, ‘Bicycle that can fly’ shows the vulnerability of a lost child as analyzed by an adult mind. The song was apparently written when he was just ten years old. I wouldn't venture as far as to say that he had a really deep meaning in his mind when he wrote it originally. But maybe now, for people who listen to it at a much older age, it definitely has some philosophical connotations. The music is simple and elegant and accentuates his voice instead of drowning it out in a melee of instruments. The ribbons of cello in the background give the song a poignant quality. The minimal use of acoustic guitar evokes the feeling of a sunny day and fluffy clouds. The video is a dash of eccentric genius! Definitely something to make a note of.

I like how the strongest element in both songs is Harry’s voice, which is untouched by any kind of fancy filters or effects. His ability to emote the lyrics that he is singing is what makes the songs have the impact that they do. I guess some people are just born with oodles of talent, eh? Anywho, here is a sample of some of Harry's other songs. And you'll have to admit, these are just as great as the two I just reviewed. Enjoy these until I return next time with another interesting post. :)

Verdict: Harry is definitely an artist to watch out for. He just might be the next big thing!