We catch up with Liv Austen, a true rising star in the music world… 

Since arriving in the UK in 2010 to study acting, Liv Austen has made waves in the music industry for her harmonic and beautiful voice and country style singing. Since she unveiled her EP ‘Workin’ Man’s Dream’ in 2014 the buzz around her has got louder and each of her gigs are met with rave reviews. Liv Austen was born in a small town outside Oslo and since then lived in Belgium before heading to the UK. Here she tells us all about her lifelong ambition to be a singer,  her proudest moment and her favourite haunts when she is in London…

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Have you always had an interest in country music?

I only really got in to it when I got older. I grew up listening to Shania Twain and LeAnn Rimes, and both of them remain two of my favourite artists still today. But I got introduced to the whole country genre much later, when I’d already been writing songs for a while.

Did you always want to be a singer?

Yes, but I was too shy! I spent a lot of years mostly just singing to myself in my room and recording it, but nobody else would hear it other than me. But the desire was there from a very, very young age.

What are three things you would tell your younger self?

One: Don’t waste your time judging yourself so much, you’ll regret it. Two: You deserve a fantastic life. Three: Your voice and opinions matter just as much as others’.

What is your proudest moment?

Signing my first record and publishing deal. It was something that I knew I had made happen for myself by working hard, and it was one of those few moments in life where I really just managed to step back and celebrate it, even though I knew it would be hard work going forward.

Who would be your dream person to collaborate with?

I’d love to work with Jack Savoretti, my dream is to do a duet with him.

If you could play any music festival, which would it be and why?

I really would love to play SXSW!

Where is your favourite city to go to in the world and why?

I loved going to New York, and hope to go back there and have more time to get to know it properly. My favourite city will always be London though. I also love Brussels and Paris.

Where do you like to go when you are in London?

I love East; Angel and Shoreditch, and I also love certain places out west like Notting Hill and White City. My favourite thing is when I find little cafes and cool hangouts in the midst of loads of noisy surroundings – like you wouldn’t expect finding it there, and suddenly you forget that you’re in a big city. My favourite place for that is a cafe called All You Read is Love in Leytonstone.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself touring loads, having released at least two albums and working as a songwriter for other artists.

One piece of advice for budding musicians?

Just play music. Write music – go out and do tons of small and big gigs. Don’t worry about all the other stuff; record deals, agents, managers… Just do your thing, get really good at it and find what makes you unique.

Check out Liv Austen’s website here for more information and to hear her music!