Welcoming music in hearts can be simple, getting inspired can be even simpler, and the simplicities are going to introduce a sophisticated musician to the world of rock.

guitarist

Larissa Liveir 🇧🇷

What does it take to be a successful musician? And what’s considered success in music?

It takes a lot of practice and passion for music, it’s all about dedication. Also I think it’s important to have some knowledge about marketing and social media, which is very important nowadays. I think success is when you’re satisfied with the results of what you’re producing and you have a fan base that enjoys your music and supports you, no matter if it’s a huge fanbase or not.

What are your dreams in your musical career?

I want to show my music to as many people as possible, not only on social media but I also want to start doing live concerts. Music is my passion and I want to be the best I can at playing guitar so I can inspire people with it.

Do you have a daily regimen in music learning?

I don’t have a teacher, but this year I decided I’ll practice at least 3 hours a day which I’ll break into 4 important areas: guitar techniques (includes exercises I find on YouTube to improve my speed), theory and scales, improvisation, and practicing actual songs and solos.

What’s your typical professional day like?

I’m currently only working with social media. I spend mostly 3 days working on a video. On the filming day I set up my studio and camera, I get dressed and do my make up and I film it until it looks perfect to me (I think I’m kind of a perfectionist) and then I clean up the mess in the room. On the non filming days I’m always looking for video ideas, editing and getting in touch with my audience.

How has your music taste changed over the years?

I used to be more into electronic and pop music when I was a kid, but as a teenager I fell in love with rock and alternative music. Now I’m starting to listen to metal and some blues. I’d say I’m a very eclectic person, it depends on my mood.

“Success is when you’re satisfied with the results and you have a fan base that enjoys your music, no matter if it’s a huge or not.„

What are the impacts of Covid-19 outbreak on your music life?

I think I can say it was a life changing period. If it wasn’t for the Covid-19 outbreak, I’d never have started posting videos and I’d probably be at engineering school doing some math stuff.

How long have you been involved with music? 

I have played the acoustic guitar since I was eight. I started practicing more electric guitar when I was 17, I’m currently 18. It was more like a hobby to me, but now I’m taking it seriously.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

Not yet. But I’m looking for it.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

Not an actual full song, only some riffs and poems that could be lyrics. But I definitely plan to make original songs and get better at composing.

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands.

I’m into a lot of bands of different genres. I’m a big fan of Guns n’ Roses, I love their “rock n’ roll vibe”. I get inspired by guitarists like John Mayer, Santana, Van Halen, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Hendrix. I’m also very into some alternative bands like the Killers, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the Smiths.

“[Sometimes] people tend to be more critical with female guitarists because they’re still in the mindset that “girls can’t play guitar”.„

How do you get inspired to make music?

I get very inspired by seeing some great musicians playing and it makes me want to play even more. But mostly It happens naturally to me, I wake up inspired to make some music.

What are the responsibilities that are subjected to you as a result of having a huge fan base?

I made a promise to myself and my audience that I’d post one video per week and since I’m very perfectionist I always try my best to deliver the best videos and content I can.

How do you see your audience? What do you want to tell them and what do you expect from them?

I love my audience, they’re so supportive and kind to me. I like to read every comment, every tagged post and as many messages as I can. I can only say thank you to each one of you that follows me and likes my content and if you’re reading this interview that means you’re a big fan so send me a private message saying if you enjoyed this interview.

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going?

Rock n’ roll is still alive. We keep it alive, but unfortunately we don’t see rock being as popular as it was before. It’s not on charts or most popular songs but there’s still a big fan base and a lot of great rock bands.

“I don’t think I could live without music, it would be like living in a black and white world.„

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?

There’s still some sexism in the music industry, unfortunately. Sometimes I get comments saying I only get views because of my appearance, or clothes, or because I’m a girl. I also think people tend to be more critical with female guitarists because they’re still in the mindset that “girls can’t play guitar”. But happily these comments are a minority.

When and where were you born and raised?

I was born in 2002 in a small city in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Then I moved to Minas Gerais (a Brazilian state) and I was raised here.

Aside from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had in the past?

Last year I got into engineering school and then changed to architecture. I haven’t really started it because of the pandemic but my true passion is definitely music, that’s why I’m planning to change to music school so I can dedicate to what I love the most.

What are some of your hobbies (obviously apart from music)?

I love to learn new things. Sometimes I spend hours on YouTube learning things such as marketing stuff, social media, finance and I also like to read self-development books. I have played video games since I was a child, I don’t really have time nowadays but it’s still one of my hobbies. I’m good at drawing too.

How did you discover your musical talent and passion?

It might sound funny but I think the first time was when I was 7 while I was playing “the Sims”. I thought it was so cool that my character could play the guitar, it sounded so beautiful to me. Then there was a presentation at my school and a guy was playing guitar and he probably thought I was kind of weird because I kept staring at him playing because I wanted to play it too. So I asked my parents if they could give me a guitar for Christmas and I went to the store to choose an acoustic guitar for me. The moment I hit the strings for the first time I completely fell in love with it and since then I’ve never stopped playing.

How can music change the world?

It changes the world and people’s lives every day. I don’t think I could live without music, it would be like living in a black and white world. I listen to music while I’m doing everything! During the shower, while washing the dishes and especially when I want to have fun, it definitely sets up my mood, cheers me up, and it also comforts me when I’m sad. I’m sure it changes other people’s lives too.

Does it sound scary to choose music as a career?

It does, but in the social media era I think it’s very possible to live as a musician. It’s not easy but with dedication, consistency and patience I’m sure we can do it.

Is there a favorite music documentary that you would like to  recommend?

It’s not about rock but it’s a Netflix series about Anitta (a Brazilian singer). I like it because it shows how she evolved from singing in Favelas in brazil to singing in New York times square. I like it because she reminds me of myself, because she never had a lot of money but with dedication and persistence she made it so far and it makes me inspired to keep making my music.

What bands or solo musicians have you been listening to this year? (Our readers would appreciate it to update their playlists.)

I’m getting into the metal world. But mostly I’ve been listening to classic rock and alternative rock. I’d recommend Arctic Monkeys acoustic versions and Nirvana MTV unplugged.

Do you think your childhood exposure to music has influenced your style today?

Not really. I’ve never really had a family influence to listen to rock music or play an instrument, I don’t know where this came from but now I’m a guitarist.