We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liam Lars a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Liam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I think for some people, there is no choice in the matter. I am one of those people. I stick out like a sore thumb in a lot of “regular jobs” and it is difficult for me to find fulfillment in much else other than my art and music. I’ve worked all the stereotypical “day jobs” and it was enough to finally push me to the point that I decided I needed to do this more full-time. I came to the conclusion that taking that risk was worth it, despite all the risk of being a freelancer. Sometimes I envy the people who can work a regular job and be happy because their path is already pretty laid out for them. I have to make all my plans and make my own goals and keep myself accountable to reach them. It’s not easy, but I don’t think I have any other option honestly.

Liam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Liam Lars, and I’m an independent musician/artist. Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first started writing my own songs and performing in high school and continued to study that in college. I released my first album, Mythology, in August of last year. I draw from a wide variety of artist for my inspiration, but Amy Winehouse, Sammy Rae and the Friends, and Remi Wolf are my most recent obsessions. I like to call my sound “dream-funkpop;” there is a lot of jazz and soul influence, but a lot of flexibility. Storytelling and wordplay are a huge part of my style.

I stand out from other musicians and artists in a lot of ways, but I think one that I am particularly proud of is that I’m serious about art, but I don’t take my art too seriously. What I mean by that is, I make music and I take that seriously. I practice a lot and I try to be as professional as I can be. When it comes to making art, however, play and freedom are key components to my process. I’m a quirky person and I make quirky art. I try to be as authentic as I can with my art and in all honesty, I am not a very serious person. It’s like trying to hold in a laugh; the harder you try, the funnier it gets. Besides, I don’t want to be the kind of person who doesn’t know how to laugh at themselves every once in a while.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the biggest thing I’ve had to learn and UNlearn is that you should only listen to people to a certain extent. Letting other people’s opinions and thoughts dictate your thoughts and actions sounds like a very obvious bad idea, but it is so difficult to find that line between who you are and what you want and what other people want you to be. Being a musician or an artist in general is looked down upon by society. Not only is being an artist challenging, but people will always be asking “So what do you really do?” More than just being rude, that kind of question can make you question if what you want out of life is even valid. Finding happiness is always valid. I had to unlearn other people’s expectations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the whole process is enjoyable. I love writing, because I can really process my emotions and it is a really great tool for self-reflection. I love recording and creating something; hearing it all come together. I love performing and having the opportunity to play and express myself onstage. I do think that the most rewarding part of it all is the people. I get to record with awesome musicians, I meet a ton of new friends at shows, and I love hearing that one of my songs impacted someone in the audience. I feel the most connected and fulfilled and… well human with the people around me through my music.

Contact Info:

• Website: liamlars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liam.lars/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086504102531
• Twitter: @liam_lars
• Other: Tik Tok: @liam.lars

Image Credits
Kaytlin Numbers Easton Parkhurst