Livingston: Turning Chaos into Music and Connection - °1824 Press Conference

Singer-songwriter Livingston has built a resonating music career and dedicated fan base through introspective lyrics which are packed into a powerful, orchestral pop sound. The rising star spent most of his youth creating music in isolation as an escape from complex emotions. As he evolves past that chapter of his life, he shares his music in hopes of helping others find that same escape and guidance. 

Before the release of his deluxe album, A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues), Livingston took the time to chat with us about the release, his early connection to music, and more at a press conference hosted by °1824. 

Since his early youth, music has been a fundamental part of his life. Livingston recalled a defining experience he had while on the train to Chicago which solidified his desire to pursue music as a lifelong career. He created a beat on his macbook, which turned into “Young” from his debut EP.

“There was something that happened in my heart, just watching the city unfold out the window and creating something on a computer that felt in sync with the emotion of what I was viewing at that very second,” said Livingston. “That's when it kind of really started, and I hold up how I feel now to that, to make sure that I'm still focused on the why of it all.”

His passion and connection to music remain unwavering, and continue to help him process complex emotions. “It is an escape, and it's a way to channel all this noise that on its own can feel so chaotic, but you end up with something simple and beautiful,” said Livingston.

Since sharing his music with the world, Livingston hopes to help listeners who may be looking for the same clarity among any chaos they might be experiencing. “Even if it's just for a moment, just a reminder that there's a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Livingston. “Hopefully they can hear some of the chaotic emotions in the songs that end up helping them simplify what's going on inside of their head and in their heart.

With a 70-show headline tour under his belt, he has now witnessed first-hand why people connect with his music. “Regardless of age, where they're from, what they believe, or what the struggles in their life are, people have really complex inner stories that they are looking for some sort of hope and guidance to help them get through,” said Livingston. 

He believes that music can make you feel empowered and in control of your destiny, and hopes to create a shared place and a soundtrack for those who also seek this from music. “I just want to bring people together. People in the real world, in real rooms, at real shows,” said Livingston.

“When I would make a song, the version of myself that I would hear when I finished the song was a stronger, more powerful version,” said Livingston. “It gave me something to close my eyes to and imagine who I could be.” Music has undoubtedly helped him evolve into who he is today, and continues to guide his growth and aspirations.

He has grown a lot since the release of his debut album, A Hometown Odyssey, which he has been working on since he was 14. Although eager to leave that behind, he has a deep and complex connection to that story and version of himself which he hoped to refine with the Deluxe version.

“I felt like there was one more level that I could take it to really display the emotions that I felt the album had the potential to get across,” said Livingston. “The Deluxe is one final draw at these emotions, this period of my life, and everything that I want to say regarding being a kid growing up alone, painting worlds inside of my head and trying to escape somewhere.” He wanted to challenge himself  to do this before moving on to a fresh chapter in his life and his music. 

With his ability to encapsulate complicated emotions into music that resonates, he is paving the way for an exciting future where he will continue to grow his fanbase and bring people together. Livingston has proven to be a rising force in music, and we’re excited to see what he does next. 

Check out his new album, A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues), which is out now on Apple Music and Spotify.