After playing a ‘Nashville Sunday Night’ and coming into the Lighting 100 studio in February 18 to play live, there is no doubt LP is a gripping performer. LP is a curly-headed force of nature who looks like a cross between a young Bob Dylan and Marc Bolan, albeit often wielding a ukulele. A rockin’ ukulele, in front of a dynamic, versatile band, that is. And her voice is instantly ear-catching, a natural instrument of power and grace.
But there’s much more to it. There’s just something about the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter-artist that grabs hold — a spirit, an exuberance, and a belief in her gifts as a musician and in the power of music to reach people. It comes through in her songs, whether written for Rihanna (the 2011 hit “Cheers”) and Christina Aguilera (“Beautiful People” from the movie Burlesque), or for herself, such as “Into the Wild” (the song that has tantalized ears through its use in a Citibank Card TV commercial) and the hauntingly epic “Tokyo Sunrise,” also from the “Live At EastWest Studios” EP (6-song CD + DVD) released April 24th, 2012.
While writing songs for others was rewarding,her most natural habitat is on stage. It was playing the L.A. club gigs that reenergized LP’s drive to write songs for herself as a solo artist. Fueled by a contagious, pure love of performing, LP’s stage presence is inherently powerful with a free-flowing, infectious confidence honed through her years of touring.
LP — born and raised in New York and now a Los Angeles — came to music early, despite hailing from a “family of doctors and lawyers.” Her mom loved to sing, though, and the youngster was not to be deterred. She was drawn heavily to transformational artists, those who blended mystique with the rare ability to make an instant connection with listeners, both as performers and writers.
When LP talks about the music and artists who have provided inspiration, she says: “I’m a huge Jeff Buckley fan. Kurt Cobain is another one — he was able to make the most unique music that stands on its own. I also love Chris Cornell’s voice and Chrissie Hynde’s swagger. I love Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, and Robert Plant; and I really appreciate rappers like Jay-Z. The wordplay is really important to me. I’m into so much music and I draw from everywhere.”
LP’s highly anticipated full length album will be released on June 3rd, 2014 via Warner Bros. Records. The album is titled Forever For Now and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Rob Cavallo. The album’s first single, “Night Like This,” is out today.
