Meet LVLD | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LVLD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LVLD, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think of risk, I think of the extreme on both sides. I also go off of my intuition. I realize sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I risk things knowing I can lose, but if I lose it – that’s my problem, I did it to myself. Who else can I blame, no one but myself.

The risk that I’m taking right now is pursuing music. I gave up my job for it and weighed out all the options. I think I built up an ok plan B, but I believe if I didn’t pursue music I was going to lose myself. I don’t know what that would have looked like, but it was riskier for me to stay in my former path.

People should take risks if they’re willing to deal with the consequences – whether they’re good or bad – and continue to push forward. I question, if the risk doesn’t go your way and it just completely defeats you, why do it in the first place? That means you really didn’t want it. if you really want it, you’re going to keep doing it, pushing your limits without detriment to you or others.

I would say I’m a high risk taker according to my standards. but as far as how society views a high risk taker, then I would say I’m moderate. I think society’s view of what a risk is can be dangerous sometimes, sometimes it can be violent- life breaking. But for me, the risks I have taken in my life– getting married early, having kids early, moving away with someone and sticking with somebody – these are risks. These are what I consider risks, real risks. trusting someone, going for a passion, those are what I consider risks. doing something with self improvement when people tell you “oh, it’s not going to work, why are you doing that?” That’s a risk – to me. I think how we look at risks is extreme.

Taking risks has propelled me forward. it’s risky sharing your music, stuff that you’ve really written and really thought about. It’s risky trying to find these open mics in different hoods, no protection, and wife and kids are at home. all risky! but on the same token, i could go perform every night if i chose, i could go to these other types of clubs, get into a deal very quickly – it’s possible. But I’m not willing to risk certain things. my lady and i agreed, if anything gets in the way of family then all of these goes away. very simple.

So even though I take risks, there is a hierarchy of what goes on in my brain. if it affects or harms the family then it doesn’t happen. But I am so grateful for the risks I have taken because I wouldn’t have been able to meet some of the good people that I’ve met along the way, like my current producers and other artists. and by me risking going on stage at all these open mic events has led me to my first paid show coming up.

Currently I’m taking risks in self improvement. I’m becoming a better version of myself – or the version of myself that I think I’m supposed to become.
my happiness, my self development, my kids and wife have been part of my compass of taking risks and i’m not willing to sacrifice anything for that. and if others are able to identify parts of their compass, more people will experience happier outcomes from taking their own risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music comes directly from real places and real accounts. Times of seclusion and times where piece are to die for. At times I can be vulnerable and at times aggressive. There is no specific formula and that spontaneity comes out in the music. I will say I don’t like making the same thing twice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in the Marietta area so most of the places I go to are in Marietta. I don’t know about a whole itinerary but there are three spots that I would definitely take anyone who visits the city. Barber Bistro in Marietta is the ultimate vibe. I actually like to call this my homebase because it is a place I can always go to, to not only have a good time, but also a place I can perform. They host an open mic contest every Monday, where I’ve not only performed many times but have also won. Their food is also really good with their own spin on drinks which I enjoy. Another place I enjoy going to is Monticello’s also in Marietta. The crowd here tends to be slightly older than Barber Bistro, so if I ever want a chill place to go to with good drinks and good music Monticello’s is the place to go to. My wife and I enjoy sitting on the outside patio when the weather is nice. They host old school concerts, live DJ’s, comedy shows, have a cigar room, multiple tv’s and hookah. Most recently I discovered BlaqHaus ATL in Marietta Square. This is another great place for food, drinks, live music and hookah.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife. Seeing her chase her dream through life has been inspiring to watch. But the day I came home and told my wife I quit my job to chase too, changed us. I didn’t see a shred of doubt in her eye and that when I knew. I always knew that I have someone that will support me as much or if not harder than I would for them. Its that simple.

Website: https://www.lvldmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlvld/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamlvld

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnOa-KUjaMnyv33vun5Zmw

Image Credits
Photos credit. Christopher Jones