Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lid Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lid, 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?

Hi. I’m Lid Dixon. I’m a performing songwriter. I grew up at 9,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a real log cabin. It was a winter wonderland but I was eager to see more. So, I left Colorado for many years until I settled in NoCo in 2020.

People often say something is “in your blood” — I believe that is true with me and songs. My Grandfather wrote cowboy songs and sang them around the campfire — in English and German. My father is in his late 70s and still has a band that performs his original tunes along with songs by others. I didn’t grow up knowing either of these men, but I still I started writing songs without any training or involvement in a music program. My dream was to be a traveling songwriter who went back and forth between playing live and writing/recording new music. That didn’t go as planned so I switched from the artistic side of the music business to the business side. Tried to give songwriting and performing up. That worked for many years and then I relapsed.

I think I’m a poet that prefers to have background music for the words. And, people who connect with my songs usually connect through the lyrics. And, as a writer that is where the songs start. I’m not a great singer or guitar player, and that has never been my focus. My goal is to record a collection of songs in the studio that I’m 100% in love with. I don’t know that it will ever happen, but I’m chasing that dream.

My latest record, Rodeo Clown, is probably my strongest work to date. It was produced by Aaron Youngberg of Swingfingers Studios in Fort Collins, Colorado. He really had a strong vision and it led to some really interesting arrangements. I loved the collaborative nature on the musicians on the project.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

It’s easier than ever to support artists. Simple things like engaging with them on social media, attending live events, sharing their works with other people you know, and small tips make a difference. Having an audience — virtual or in person really helps the artistic community and growth of artists.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a musician you run across a lot of rejection. Everyone has an opinion and it’s not always what you expect. And sometimes you interpret a reaction to your art the wrong way. I was in a conversation with another songwriter and found that he had received the exact same feedback I had received from an important gate keeper. I had assumed the feedback was for me personally but learned it wasn’t. The lesson is that you have to ask for what you want or the answer is always no. And, if the answer is no it might not be a reflection on your art. Even if it is — better to just keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liddixon.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/liddixon
• Facebook: facebook.com/liddixon
• Youtube: youtube.com/@liddixon

Image Credits
All photos by Emily Foss at Sweet Justice Photography (used with permission).