Set to tour with Ed Sheeran, Lauv has created a super buzz both nationally and globally. The super-talented singer-songwriter has recently released his sensational single “Chasing Fire,” an ambient pop song with an electronic flavor.
Born Ari Staprans, Lauv wrote and produced songs for other artists until he was inspired by an interview with Paul Simon. In 2017 he released his popular song, “I Like Me Better,” inspired by a relationship. Shortly after he joined Sheeran as support on his “Divide Tour” in Asia.
I shared some questions and answers with Lauv regarding his experience on tour with Sheeran, his music and his future endeavors.
You were introduced to music at an early age. Do you feel like music might not have been a choice, but instead a destiny?
I’m not sure if I’d describe it as destiny per se, but music was definitely a natural progression for me, especially from the moment I started writing songs around 13.
Was there a point in time that you could say the trajectory of your life was changed in a moment?
For sure, many. One major one was when I decided to move to New York City. I had no idea what was coming and how much it would affect me as a person and my music.
If you could have your ultimate stage fantasy, what would have to happen?
Perhaps…to play an entire set front to back where the energy of the crowd is so loud that my voice becomes irrelevant. That and dancing lobsters.
Do you believe that music can change the world, and if so, which one of your songs would you use to do it?
I think music can change the mindset of people, which, in turn, can cause varying degrees of change in the world for sure. I don’t think of using any one of my songs in particular I guess, but I hope that kind of thing naturally happens throughout my career.
You’re about to tour with Ed Sheeran. You have toured with him in the past. What was that like?
Yes, I went on tour with him in Asia last year. That was absolutely insane. It was my first time playing in arenas and my first time in Asia ever. Not only is he one of the most down-to-earth people I know, but his fans are incredible, and I was surprised by how many fans I had showing up as well. This fall I get to open for him in stadiums in the U.S. It’s going to be a whole other level. I can’t wait.
Do you have a musical idol?
I’m not sure I particularly idolize any musicians, but I’m a longtime fan of artists like John Mayer, Coldplay, Paul Simon.
Do you have a favorite song, one that you really like to do live or are really proud of?
I can’t pick favorites, but one of my favorites to play live is “Breathe,” just because I get to strip it all the way down to keys, and it’s usually the most intimate part of the show.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
Oh man, too many: John Mayer, Coldplay, Taking Back Sunday, Hellogoodbye, Adam Young, Joe Pass.
Where are you hoping to be musically in five years?
In a place I couldn’t possibly imagine right now.
Anything new on the horizon for you?
I just put out the last few songs off my debut playlist project, “I Met You When I Was 18.” I’m playing all sorts of festivals all summer long. I just announced my fall tour dates along with the Ed Sheeran dates, and writing new music of course.
