Today we’d like to introduce you to Lianna.
Hi Lianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m LIANNA, a singer-songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles on the West Side. Music has always been a massive part of my life. At five years old I became obsessed with the violin and played classically for the next ten years of my life. In my teens, I became obsessed with the legends of Laurel Canyon, and iconic artists of the 60s and 70s like Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, and of course Bob Dylan.
When I was 16 my obsession with music and songwriting became the center of my universe; I knew I had found my calling so I took the plunge into the unknown, leaving high school behind to pursue my dreams. During this era I played countless shows along the Sunset Strip, and all throughout Los Angeles, searching for my sound and voice as an Artist.
Currently I am in the final stages of creating my debut album “Westside Forever”, named after my birthplace. I have been recording for the past two years with my collaborator John Wilmer, we meet weekly for out late night recording sessions at his studio in Culver City and together we have produced my most cohesive body of work to date! “Westside Forever” tells my story from the beginning to present day and has a Retro-Modern Dream Pop sound, with some classic 70s West Coast Rock influences. I just released my second single from this album which really showcases the vibe in it’s entirety, and it’s fittingly named “California”. In this song I say “It’s Never Too Late To Be Someone New” which has always been true, in Hollywood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To choose the path of being an Artist is never smooth, but that’s part of the fun, the wild unknown! As an Artist / singer-songwriter I often struggle deeply with the duality of my own nature; there is a part of me that is extroverted, confident, clear, and open, but my shadow side isn’t. It’s hard to be constantly productive and show up every day, while also trying to stay in the headspace of inspiration.
In todays world Artists are expected to do it all, and create content on the daily. I’d be lying if I said it was always easy… but I try to just stay in the flow and follow the muse. Sometimes that means I am not always posting or promoting or sharing. Trying to find a balance has been a challenge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I feel like my purpose and gift to the world is my art. I have never wavered, quit, or given up on my dream. It’s easy to do that when it’s truly something that comes from within you. I am very proud that I have persisted. As a Cancer Sun I am ultra sensitive. Every negative comment, and opinion cuts me deep, but then it heals and I am stronger for it! My latest song “California” is about following my muse and my heart.
When I first started my musical journey it was not a choice but a deep yearning, but my shyness led me to choose an instrument, the Violin. As I became more sure of myself my voice opened up. This was easier to do after leaving High School at 16 because I didn’t have the judgment of my peers in my ear. I had space to develop and become confident in myself.
Since I began I knew deep in my gut that this is what I was put here for, even when others could not see it. I feel a very close connection to Spirit and God, something that is definitely lacking in LA. My muse keeps me company, and we are very great friends. I know that sounds a little woo-woo-spiritual, but to be an Artist you have to cultivate a relationship to your muse, or she/he will not show itself. My temple is my recording studio and the stage, and my religion is following my music wherever it takes me. It’s as much of an internal wandering as it is external.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
To keep going. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith said something like “you have to write a ton of bad songs to get to the great ones”. This is where you learn and develop. Every failure brings you closer to success. Every bad song gets you closer to a great one. Also, to me being an Artist is not just about wanting to “perform” but it is the desire to express myself, having a unique perspective, and something to say. I have written hundreds & hundreds of songs since I began as a teenager.
In my song “White Light White Heat” (which will be released on my debut album Westside Forever) I sing “If you never give up then you’ll never lose” and this is not only a message I tell myself when I’m in the darkness, but one that is for everyone who has a really big dream, because with that comes a lot of introspection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snipfeed.co/queenlianna
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenlianna
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenLianna
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiannaTownsley
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/queenlianna
