Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: Sure. I’m an Italian American singer songwriter, I come from Rome and my musical career comes from afar: today I am 37, when I was 17 (20 years ago) during high school I started my adventure in the world of music with my historical band: MANTRAM. From there for 17 years I dedicated my body and soul to music. After 1 year of stop for leaving the band, I started this solo project.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I like to listen to everything from pop to metal to folk. Lately I’m really enjoying a swedish duo called First Aid Kits. I recommend everyone to listen to them.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘LIPFORD’?
A: My first musical influence came from “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was 1999 and “Scar Tissue” was in heavy rotation everywhere. LIPFORD is simply my surname. I like it as it is a surname of Gaelic origin which means fjord-shaped lip.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Back to you’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Absolutely. It’s the story of 2 children living one of their first love stories in a rural setting. A love interrupted by time and then resumed years later always in those places so dear to them.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: It’s something I hope for. I’m actually looking for a sponsor for a bigger publication like a full-length.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I am constantly searching for melodies that can move emotional chords. Every song of mine was written in a very particular period. They all came out at the peak of an important event/context/emotion/feeling. It’s no coincidence that I call my songs “children”.
How would I describe my music?
Perfume. It’s a moment of escape, of distraction from a world too fast, frenetic.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Economically speaking, absolutely not. I have only invested. I’m hoping for better times. From the point of view of artistic satisfaction and production, absolutely yes. I love my songs and am happy to perform them live. If I expect more from this project?
It’s okay to expect more and more. Never stop, always set new goals.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Each track has its own process. I usually start with a random chord loop. Once I develop this definitive chord turn, playing it I try to understand what feeling it evokes. From there, the lyrics are born.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: The lack of people willing to invest, to bet on my “next step”. I keep trying, keep producing and proposing new stuff. Never give up!
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: My constancy, with no doubt. Persistence. I see time as an ally. Little by little, I’m sure I’ll get to any goal.
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