Interview: Larisa

Your new song, “Goodbye”, is your second single. What is the story behind the song and how did you create/write it? Also, what inspired the song title?
Goodbye” means a lot to me both because of its message and the fact that it brought me and my producer Gary Dillon together. It was our first session and I remember going to the studio right after listening to FKA Twigs’ last album. I told Gary I wanted to write this sad song and I had the perfect reference for the mood and sounds I had in mind. In the end it turned out to be both dark and somehow optimistic which I’m really glad about. We wrote it and produced most of it in a couple of hours or so. I wanted to create this image of me in conversation with the ghosts of my past, it was very visual from the moment I started writing it. It looked like going deep inside my mind, this foggy room with just two chairs, and sitting down with this person, telling him I’m ready to move on and I’m done with the toxic wishful thinking.
I believe most of us had someone in our lives that we thought was going to be “the one”, like even though you go on separate ways you’ll end up together eventually. But that kind of thought can interfere with how dedicated you are to the people in your present life and that’s not healthy. With this song I’m actually saying “Goodbye” to a lot of things from my past, from people to fears, guilt, everything that has made me doubt myself, and creating space for new experiences. The fact that I moved to another country also helps, I really am starting over in every possible way. And I hope those who listen to this song will get inspired to say goodbye to their own ghosts.

If you had to describe your sound, how would you do so? Furthermore, what artists (or other sources) do you cite as influences?
I think “Goodbye” is a dark alt-pop song. Every song I write has got a slightly different vibe, but I’m always somewhere within the alternative pop area so far. I’m always exploring to find new sounds and ways to spice up my music. Everything I listen to and like ends up inspiring me. And not just music but also books I read, movies I watch or people I hang out with. I find it difficult to cite influences because of how often they change but I can tell you that Madonna has been one of the first artists I found inspiring, because of her bold, innovative choices in music. And sound wise, for this song specifically, FKA Twigs’ music has been an inspiration as well. I’ve been wanting to create those heavy, painful sounds and didn’t know how to describe them, because I wasn’t a producer, so it was really cool to hear a track and be like “oh look, this is the feeling I wanna get with this song”. I also have to thank Gary for that, he is amazing at picking up my references and making them sound even better than I imagined.

What have your artist career highlights been so far? And what is on your bucket list that you’d want to achieve?
I didn’t get to perform a lot so far, but I’m super excited for things to get back on track so I can experience more of that. The people who listen to my music and make me feel supported mean a lot to me and I would love for us to connect more when we’re allowed to.
As an independent artist, I’ve learned to be patient and celebrate every little “victory”, but honestly I already can’t wait to release the next song and then an EP or album. I don’t like keeping songs in the drawer for too long, I feel like I’m constantly evolving and changing so my wish is to release them before they don’t feel like me anymore.

If you could be the main support for any living artist, who would that be for and why? Alternatively, what would be your dream live booking?
Probably FKA Twigs, since I’m a fan of her music. Or maybe Miley Cyrus, she’s super badass and a great performer. Or Christine and the Queens, I think her live performances are goals. A dream live booking would probably be a Glastonbury, Reading or Leeds festival. I mean I feel like it’s very bold of me to say that after just my second single, but at some point in the future I would be absolutely blown away if I booked any of these.

What artists have you been listening to? Additionally, who should others be listening to?
Lately I’ve been listening to Sad Night Dynamite’s new album, Arlo Parks, who I think is a great lyricist, Lana del Rey just dropped her new album as well and it’s been on repeat and I’m kind of late to the party with this one but I just discovered Sampha’s record from 2017 and love it. Then I’ve also recently discovered Purity Ring and The Vamps, I love Doja Cat’s “Hot Pink” and I could go on for hours. I’d say check out all of them, there’s something for every mood and genre taste in there.

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Photo Credit: Vasso Vu ( Photographer & Creative Director)

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