Interview: How Love Island put Livvy Lauren on the music map
You will have heard Livvy Lauren's 'Felt Love' on 'Love Island' now learn about her musical journey, her passion for dance music and why she wants to be the soundtrack to the summer in Ibiza...
In 2024, Canterbury-born singer Livvy Lauren made waves in the music world.
Her debut single 'Felt Love' earned plenty of fans after being featured on 'Love Island', and more fans got to experience her music when she performed alongside Will Young during his UK stadium tour.
'Felt Love' is a dance floor ready anthem that masterfully blends pulsating synths with Livvy’s smoky, captivating vocals. Influenced by the electrifying energy of new connections, the track is a powerful introduction to Livvy’s melodic talent and her determination to uplift listeners with a sun-soaked, feel-good vibe. Singing straight from the heart, she captures the rush of desire, matched perfectly with a beat that compels you to move.
Contact Music caught up with Livvy who reflected on her whirlwind 2024, the milestones that shaped her journey, her deep-rooted love for music and her exciting plans for 2025.
Contact Music: In 2024, you released your debut single, 'Felt Love', collaborated with Maddox Jones on the poignant duet 'Another Sad Song', and even performed alongside him as part of Will Young’s tour. Reflecting on such an eventful year, what moments stand out as personal highlights?
Livvy Lauren: Yes, last year was honestly incredible and it felt like such a big step forward in my career. Having my single ‘Felt Love’ played on Love Island was probably a moment that really stood out for me. I think it was the first time I felt like people other than my friends and family were actually enjoying my music! Of course, performing on the Will Young Tour was also amazing, I have really missed performing Live, and every time I perform on stage I get a real buzz like no other.
You’ve spoken about your deep-rooted fascination with music from an early age, inspired by iconic soul artists like Aretha Franklin and influenced by your background in jazz, classical, and musical theatre. How have these elements shaped your evolution as a songwriter?
I personally believe that training in jazz & classical music is fundamental to be able to use the best technique vocally and for the best inspiration when writing. It’s like training in ballet as a dancer - the core technique and training it provides is essential. Although I am prodominately a pop and dance artist, I definitely use a lot of soul inspirations in my vocals, as I believe that no matter what style of music… performing and showing emotion through your vocals elevates a song immediately.
You attended Kent College, which boasts alumni like Mimi Webb and Guy Berryman of Coldplay. Did you experience a strong musical community growing up in Kent, and how did it influence your development?
I was very fortunate to go to Kent College & I think growing up I have always known I wanted to be in the music industry in some way or another - which my school picked up on immediately! I was actually a music and drama scholar, and got myself involved in absolutely everything that I could… from band nights, choir, singing in the cathedral, singing in operas, performing in musicals.. anything and everything I could!! Having my teachers really believe in me gave me that push and helped me to believe in myself and really push myself.
With 'Felt Love', you showcased your flair for uplifting dance-pop, while 'Another Sad Song' revealed a more vulnerable, piano-driven side. What can listeners look forward to from your music in 2025?
I love love love writing ballads, as I feel like you can truly express yourself and show a real vulnerable side… however I think the art in writing pop/ upbeat dance music is to be able to still show emotion and tell a story which people can connect/relate to whilst also being uplifting. In the future I will definitely be releasing a lot more upbeat music as I feel like it’s the style that reflects my personality the most - fun, hyperactive and high energy!
What’s currently on your playlist?
I think everyone hates January - it’s cold and miserable, and I literally count down the days until it’s over ahah! So the music I listen to in January is always uplifting party music, just to lighten the mood! - a lot of Zara Larson and Becky hill!
You’ve mentioned using songwriting as an outlet to cope with ADHD and anxiety. How do you hope your music resonates with listeners who face similar challenges?
I think writing in any form is the best version of therapy. Just addressing your feelings and writing your thoughts down on paper almost feels like it is cleared from your mind. I hope that when people listen to my music, they see a very honest and truthful version of myself as an artist, and someone that you can connect with/ relate to! I’d hope that my listeners almost feel like they could pop over and have a cup of coffee with me, just for a good honest and open (and fun of course) chatter!
Do you have any pre-show rituals to get into the right headspace for performing?
My pre-show rituals usually consist of a vocal warm up, and physical stretch! Of course I get nerves, but I actually really enjoy this energy - it shows how much I care and love what I do, and I remind myself every time I am about to go on stage- how lucky I am to be able to call this my career!
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, what are your aspirations and goals for the year?
This year I really want to be consistent with my releases! I’d love for my songs to be played throughout the Ibiza season, and to be able to get a load of more live performances done! Some TV performances would also be really cool this year! In general though I am trying to stay on top of my nutrition and fitness, and I am actually getting married this summer which is also very exciting!
