Liv Cartier is a young singer from Liverpool via Manchester who is quickly making a name for herself with her unique brand of dark pop – with her beautiful and powerful voice, and her ability to create a closeness with her audience through her delicate soundscapes. Liv Cartier is gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting new talents in the UK. Her music is deeply vulnerable, reflecting her struggles with anxiety and the impact it has had on her life. She recognizes that everyone struggles mentally regardless of the facade that is created on social media. Through her songs and live shows, she aims to create a safe space for her audience to feel seen and heard, to let them know that they are not alone with her unapologetic realism and commitment to brutal honesty in her writing. Liv Cartier operates in the duality of existence, it makes her who she is, which results in a world where glamour and insecurities co-exist. Following the success of Liv Cartier’s debut single, “Golden,” Liv Cartier returns with “Right Before the Fall.” Liv Cartier is a rising star to watch for this year.
With “Right Before the Fall” out now, we took some time to hear from Liv Cartier. Read below to learn more about Liv Cartier, the story behind “Right Before the Fall,” and what’s to come.
Hi Liv Cartier! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Well, my first name is Olivia, so that part is legit…
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Liverpool, and after moving around a fair bit, I’m now based in Manchester.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I’ve always been interested in music, ever since I was a kid. Growing up, I was always in some band or another. Then a few years ago, I decided to start working on my solo stuff and left the band that I was in.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I would describe it as ‘Pop on a comedown.’ It’s big, dark, cinematic pop. Think if Adele, Billie and Lana had a love child.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I wish that I did! I work full-time also so between that and working on my career, I barely have any free time. I’m just consistently writing little poems, etc. in my notes pages.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I would say a huge inspiration to me is an artist called Keaton Henson, his writing, his lyrics, everything is just incredible. I admire his work so much. I also would say Stevie Nicks, Mac Miller, Mkgee, Lana Del Rey, SYML, just to name a few.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
I would really love to work with Keaton Henson, I just admire everything that he does. He’s incredible.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Selling out my first headline has to be up there for sure. After working so hard, it’s so good to be able to share that with a room full of people.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I think that realising that this industry is a long game and just about working relentlessly for what you want is key then whatever is meant for you will find you. I used to really want that crazy rapid success, but it’s true that it takes ten years to become an overnight success.
Now onto your release, ‘Right Before the Fall.’ What inspired this song? What is ‘Right Before the Fall’ about?
This track was written about friends who are/have struggled with BPD, Bipolar, Anxiety and depression. I have had people that I care about be in some horrendous spaces, when there’s nothing that can be done to help – it’s the worst feeling in the world. There’s been times that I feared that I would get that call saying they couldn’t take it anymore and that would be it. Sometimes, it’s hardest when you’ve done everything that you can to try and help but what they’re facing is bigger than the both of you. I will always try to be there every way that I can and really believe the importance of reaching out and talking about where your head is at. There’s such a stigma around being open and vulnerable about your mental health that really needs to be rewritten and emphasised that it’s strong and healthy to talk. I want to be that person that highlights these mental spaces and opens up the difficult conversations that need to be had around mental health. You are not alone and you are heard.
What was the creative process like when making ‘Right Before the Fall?’ How long did it take to complete ‘Right Before the Fall?’
I wrote ‘Right Before the Fall’ with a good friend and incredible musician – Luis Sullivan. It was, I think, one of the easiest songs that I’ve ever written. We got the entire track down in a day. We then sent it off to Alex ‘Cores’ Hayes who is this insanely talented producer who really brought out the best in this track and made it what it is. It’s a privilege for me to be able to work with such talented people.
What is your favorite lyric in ‘Right Before the Fall?’
‘All I really want is to be buried in flowers, just to feel calm for a couple of hours.’
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from ‘Right Before the Fall?’
I really hope that people can resonate with the track and know that if it feels like it’s getting worse, it can only get better. It’s so important to have these open conversations and talk about our feelings, and I hope that this track does that.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I definitely have a few things in the works, but they’re still on the downlow. More releases throughout the year, I’m heading out to LA to create some things with some super talented people. It’s all happening.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/livcartier
https://www.tiktok.com/@livcartier
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
