We were fortunate enough to catch up with Ohio based artist, Lydia Briggs for an interview. This prolific and talented artist has recently released the stunning single ‘Not My Mistake’, in May 2020. Check out our interview below!
Welcome Lydia Briggs, Tell us about yourself
My name is Lydia Briggs, and I am a singer-songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. I have always had a passion for music and writing my own songs. This passion has transformed me and made me who I am today.
What is your songwriting process?
My songwriting is firmly rooted in actual experiences and events. When I need to get something off my chest, I start writing lyrics. The words are important to me because they give me a voice and a way of being heard. After I sketch out what the lyrics might be, I add a hook and then develop a chord progression. I then refine the song from there.
Tell us about your latest release? – Lydia Briggs ‘Not My Mistake’
I wrote the lyrics to ‘Not My Mistake’ in 15 minutes, after a gig, standing in a bar bathroom following an emotional breakup. I got home that night, and the music came pouring out. The song is about working to gain confidence and stand up for myself. It’s a reminder for me to use my voice. It’s what I should have said in the heat of the moment. The bridge at the end came to me the day before I went in to record. When I got into the studio, I really wanted to keep the emotional rawness of the song. I purposely keep it stripped down to the basics and made sure not to overproduce it.
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
My music is about personal experiences. Though many of these experiences are hard in the moment, they give me inspiration and motivation to write. Through my lyrics, I hope people who have gone through similar life experiences will feel heard and know they’re not alone. Music is powerful that way. It can provide so much during difficult times, to help people cope and to lift them up.
Who are your musical influences?
Both Adele and Fiona Apple have inspired me since I was very young. I remember singing all of Adele’s early songs. She has such passion and feel in her music. I think, for Fiona, it’s her strength and that she can be so witty with her lyrics. Artists like Regina Spektor taught me music could be playful, and I shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with words or sounds. Artists like these, and many others, made me want to write my own songs. It is beautiful when an artist can connect and make a positive impact on their audience. Their music is a part of me and helped set the direction for my future.
Who are your non-musical influences?
I feel fortunate to have two wonderful, strong women who helped guide me as I’ve grown up – my mom and my grandma. Both have consistently shown me how they can overcome any obstacle. Through them, I’ve discovered my own strength and voice in the world.
What’s the best gig that you have ever played?
The first time I played a two-hour show was incredible. I remember being nervous because I had so many songs to perform. And it was nerve-wracking to be in front of so many people. The performance turned out beautifully, with so much love and support from the people who came out to see me. I truly enjoyed playing nonstop for that amount of time. It was a wonderful night.
What is your funniest gig moment?
One time I was playing a gig with my old bandmates. When we got to the last song of the night, it was one of those songs that made us let go and dance. During the chorus, I must have swung my arms wildly, and the mic slipped from my hands and bounded across the stage. No one was hurt, but I had a few nervous seconds trying to locate the mic again to finish the song. Close call!
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
One of the biggest obstacles is overcoming the vulnerability artists feel when they put themselves out there. It’s hard to put your work and your image in front of so many people on the internet. To be an artist, you can’t put up walls. Many talented artists get in their own way because they tend to focus on what others might say.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Don’t be afraid. It isn’t easy to be an artist, write music, and perform – especially when you can’t find the confidence. I would also recommend to appreciate and cherish the moments when you are able to be vulnerable. Don’t get caught up in the declines. Instead, stay in the moment and celebrate the positives when hard work pays off.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
In just over a year from now, I am planning to go to college to study music and psychology. I am also going to continue to play gigs, write, and produce consistently. I plan to keep putting my voice out there. I want to reach young women like me and help them to use their voice, get stronger, and believe in themselves. I also have my sights set on moving up to level to reach the AWAL+ stage.
Lydia is a special artist who is going to be a big name in the future. Check out our review of her single ‘Not My Mistake’ here.
FV Music Blog June 2020
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