We recently connected with Lava Dreams and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lava, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I’ve ever made has been getting into therapy and choosing to look more deeply into myself. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I’ve spent most of my life in survival mode. It wasn’t until months after my first memory of the abuse surfaced at age 25 that I was able to reach out and admit I needed help making sense of it all. Before that moment, I wasn’t self-aware at in any sense- I couldn’t even look at my own eyes in the mirror. Avoidance, disassociation, repression… those were my paths to survival. I didn’t know who I was, and I didn’t know the full extent of my trauma or how it continued to affect me everyday as an adult. Once I started seeing a professional who specializes in CSA, I was able to begin putting the pieces back together. My entire life’s experience started making sense in new ways as I figured out that my lack of memory and connection to my body was actually my body’s way of protecting me and keeping me alive. I was able to begin the process of healing.
Four years later, I’m still working everyday to continue to heal. My quality of life has improved dramatically as I’ve become more self-aware, more integrated, more knowledgable, and more present. I’m learning to connect more to my body, and playing music is just one thing that’s helping me achieve that embodiment. I’ve had a huge learning curve in figuring out how to take care of myself. How to love myself. How to affirm and validate the pieces of me that still feel like that hurt little kid. It’s an ongoing process, and probably will be for the rest of my life. But I’ve never made a better investment. If I hadn’t made the choice to confront myself and look my fear in the eyes for that first time, I’m not sure I’d even be alive today. Now, I get to create music and art that helps me heal. And I’m hoping that telling my story will help other survivors know they’re not alone.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’ve been writing lyrics and melodies for as long as I can remember. Music has always moved me and been a part of me, even before I really knew who I was. At first, it was just putting a tune to the poems I loved to write. When I picked up a guitar around the age of 12, my passion became completely solidified from then on out. Sometimes I think writing songs might have even saved my life. My songs became more than a hobby. They were my sanctuary. When I was still a repressed, fearful version of myself, writing music was the only way I felt safe to express my emotions and desires. It’s been a constant for me- maybe the only constant thing in my life.
I formed and played in bands throughout high school and college, always singing and writing most of what we created. In 2017, I became a solo artist out of necessity and that was when I named myself: Lava Dreams. Now, I don’t go by any other name. My name is a steady reminder that I’m an artist, and I possess the power to create everyday. Even if what I’m creating isn’t always technically art, I’m still creating my own life and who I choose to be. My music has evolved through different genres and sounds throughout the years, but where I’ve landed now feels really good.
My friend Duncan Burnett started producing with me in 2020 and he helped me get to this place of confidence with my sound. My music is usually driven by my electric guitar, and moves with these funky, dance-y beats and bass lines that make it really fun to play. I’m definitely proud of choosing to own my perspective and distinguish myself as a stand-alone creative force. Right now I’m focused on having fun and finding joy in working on new music on my own timeline and performing live when the right opportunities come up. I’ve started performing with a full band behind me, and it feels so so good to be back in that energy with my voice at the forefront.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The driving forces behind my creative journey right now are joy and authenticity. If I’m not enjoying the process of creating, there really is no point in doing it for me. Past that point, it becomes a job. And even though choosing to be vulnerable can be really uncomfortable for me at times, the reward of exhilaration that comes from being in that place is fun and exciting. And, I get to just be myself. That takes a lot of the pressure off of what I’m doing- because as long as I’m being authentic, I can always stand by what I create.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is really two things for me:
One, I get to see the evolution of an idea fully form and grow over time until it is a complete, fully-cooked thing. Even past that, once a song is finished and released, it can continue to evolve when it’s adapted to being played in a live setting.
Two, I get to connect with people. I can collaborate in the creation of the music and then I can continue to collaborate when I’m playing with my band and getting to experience the energy of a whole group of people participating in my music. Then, there’s the audience who are also adding so much to the exchange of energy at a live show. It feels really magical for me to experience all of these unique moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: lavadreamsmusic.com
- Instagram: @lavadreams
- Facebook: facebook.com/lavadreamsmusic
- Twitter: @lavadreamsmusic
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/lavadreams
Image Credits
Feature Photo: Cassie Taylor / Fountain City and Co 1st additional photo: Stellar Image Studios 2nd additional photo: Morgan Jones 3rd additional photo: Brian Turner 4th additional photo: Morgan Jones