Livy Jeanne is a rising young star in country music. She recently played a show at the Harry Rosen Pre-Stampede party and we were able to ask her a few questions about life as a performer. For being so young, Livy has already accomplished a great deal. She has collaborated with country stars like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, spent countless hours visiting schools in Alberta and Saskatchewan as part of her anti-bullying campaign, and in 2012 she released her EP ‘Under the Radar’.
Elevator Pitch: describe your job in a nutshell
A lot of rehearsing. This is fun because you’re hanging out with awesome people. There’s a lot of energy, events, songwriting and performing obviously.
There’s also a lot of preparing for shows. For example, I’ve been preparing for this Harry Rosen show performance for a month now. I’ve been busy emailing back and forth with the Harry Rosen team trying to figure out what I was wearing, how many songs to play and all these other little details. Even photo shoots take a lot of preparing.
What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve been doing music since I was about 13. I started singing karaoke and really enjoyed music so I took singing lessons, picked up the guitar, started writing songs and it just went from there.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Working with the people I do. I have an awesome booking agent, I have an amazing management team, and everyone I work with is my family. It’s a cool experience to be so close to the people you work with and having that relationship, you know that everyone you work with has your best interests at heart. I also love working with different artists, seeing what they’re doing and being able to be a part of other people’s journeys.
The negativity from people can be challenging. Sometimes people don’t take what you do for a living seriously. Certain issues like negativity will always be hard, which is why it’s important to always surround yourself with positive people. I’m lucky that I have positive people around.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to see myself doing headliner tours and having my music spread as far as possible. I would love to be as big as Taylor Swift and I’d love to try and do something outside of the box, like work with a rap artist. I’d love to be able to write with Taylor Swift, Liz Rose or Gordie Sampson and open for some of those acts. I think opening shows and being on the road with other artists lets you learn so much, kind of the dos and don’ts of the industry. I just want to work with as many people as I can.
What does success look like to you?
For me, there are steps to success. If I hear my song on the radio, that’s success for me. Making it on the Top 100 country list on iTunes Canada or winning a Juno award would be success. I think the ultimate would be to be nominated for a Grammy. I don’t think there’s a breaking point where I’ll say “I’ve made it, I’m done.” I just try to set milestones for myself each year.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I’m opening up for Alan Jackson in August. I’m excited and scared at that same time. My booking agent just told me the show is sold out. Everyone is really excited.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Ignore negativity. I was bullied in elementary so I’ve been part of anti-bullying campaign through Alberta and Saskatchewan and my whole main message is just be yourself and find something that makes you happy and try to ignore the people who are trying to bring you down. There will always be haters and you just have to find the people who love you, support you, and like you for who you are.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I work for Kids Help Phone side by side with my anti-bullying campaign. We sell bracelets that say ‘you don’t have to be invisible’, which is also the name of my first single from my debut EP. These bracelets have the Kids Help Phone number and all the money we raise from the bracelets goes right back to the charity. It’s important to me to let kids know they have this option for advice or help. I wish I would have known about it when I was getting bullied.
What is Notable to you?
Notable to me is getting out there and meeting other young people who are doing great things.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android or Other?
iPhone.