A Dirty Dozen with ALEX MOORE and SPENCER LIVINGSTON from LIVINGMORE – June 2021

According to a recent press release: “Rising Los Angeles-based female-fronted alternative rock band Livingmore has released their new single “Got Me Feelin’ Like,” the latest off their sophomore full-length studio album Take Me, via Nomad Eel Records. “Got Me Feelin’ Like” tells the story of a larger-than-life “rhinestone cowboy” character envisioned by lead vocalist Alex Moore as showcased in the song’s official music video. Anchored by glossy guitar and under the glow of neon keys, Livingmore convert kinetic motion into instantly irresistible rock anthems that shimmer, shine, and soar all at once. The quartet — Alex Moore [vocals/guitar], Spencer Livingston [guitar/vocals], Mike Schadel [drums/keys], and Rodrigo Moreno [bass] — is ready to move listeners more than ever with Take Me. Produced by Schadel and mixed and mastered by Josiah Mazzaschi (Built To Spill, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Light FM), the 11-track album, recorded at Livingmore’s own studio, marks the band’s most collaborative body of work as well as their most personal, with an overall message of following your unique path.” We get singer / guitarist Alex and guitarist Spencer to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Alex: We made this new album Take Me right in the middle of the pandemic and it really helped us get through it. I can’t really tell the listener what they should or shouldn’t try to grab onto. There is a lot to be interpreted and you can honestly take or leave whatever you want from it. There definitely are hidden nuggets in there but if I told you where they were, then they wouldn’t be hidden anymore.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Spencer: When I was about twelve years old, my Dad took me to see The Who at The Hollywood Bowl. That was the first concert I ever went to and it was overwhelming. I don’t really know what I was expecting but as soon as they hit the stage, it was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It hit me like a bolt of lightning and I instantly knew that I had to try to do something like that with my life.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Spencer: Ray Davies is my favorite songwriter of all time. I was about 13 years old when I got a CD of The Well Respected Kinks from Second Spin record store on Ventura Boulevard. I spent endless hours there as a kid and teenager. I think The Kinks’ songs just have really clean lines that have always made sense to me. There is also a sense of humor in Ray Davies’ lyrics that I have always connected with. Their music has always been an inspiration and a guiding light.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Alex: Jeff Tweedy from Wilco. He is an amazing producer and I think the chances of making something cool with him would be high.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Spencer: To be honest, we don’t exactly have the most balanced lives. A lot of our adult lives have been spent chasing this music thing and working really hard to get better at our craft. If you aren’t an artist or musician, sometimes it’s hard to understand this. Unfortunately, a lot of times we unintentionally neglect certain things in our lives because we are madly in love with doing what we do. Maybe someday we’ll have some time and energy for some hobbies. Right now, hobbies just seem like they’re for old retired people…

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Spencer: I wouldn’t describe it, I’d just tell them to listen to it and describe it to themselves. I think comparisons are kind of dumb in general. When someone doesn’t have an original thought or the words to describe something, they either steal someone else’s words or make a comparison of some sort. It’s the easiest way to describe something without using much brain power.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Spencer: We all cook, none of us are very heavy drinkers and I don’t think we’ve ever had a singalong in the history of our band. When we’re writing or rehearsing, we sing together but never really in like a campfire type situation. I guess I’d probably be the most likely to crack out an acoustic guitar though.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Spencer: Alex and I were in New York a few years ago and we saw Ray Davies walking down the street. It might be the only time I’ve ever truly been starstruck.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Alex: It is an outlet to express yourself. Having a way to release my anxieties and stresses is truly a gift that I never take for granted and is by far the best part of being a musician.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Alex: I’ve never really fantasized about the perfect interview question. Honestly, I have no idea. I’m definitely tired of being asked how the band started though.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Spencer: I don’t think it’s very healthy to think like that so no I don’t regret a single decision I’ve ever made. Even the stupid ones.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Spencer: Maybe The Beatles Sgt. Pepper recording sessions. I wouldn’t want to be part of it though. It would be cool to be a fly on the wall though.

LIVINGMORE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews