1.Hi Liam, could you give us a quick introduction and tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Liam, I am professional musician and singer songwriter based in Leeds. I am 28 years old and I have been writing songs since I was 15 and gigging in different bands since I was 17.
2.You’ve just finished recording a new EP, what can you tell us about it?
This is my second solo EP. On my first EP Restless, I played most of the instruments myself and worked one on one with a producer to create the songs. This second EP is the culmination of playing new songs with a band and writing them in the practice room with the help of other musicians, so while the songs are similar the overall sound has evolved.
3.Lyrically and musically, who and what inspires you when you’re writing?
I tend to write about whatever is occupying my mind at that point in time. Themes on this new EP seem to be getting older, health and death. Not the cheeriest of subjects! Musically I take inspiration from bands with quite a big, yet understated sound, such as Arcade Fire and Fink. I also like the folk sentiments and lyricism of artists such as Neil Young and Loudon Wainwright III.
4.The new material is described as “taking on a darker/heavier sound”, what prompted that?
I think working with a live band has changed my sound a lot. It has made me write songs that tend to have a lot more energy than the ones I previously wrote. I was in a lot of heavy metal bands when I was younger and I still like the heavier sounds in some songs, but when contrasted with some more delicate songs with more emotion this can be a powerful combination.
5.Your live show is described as “combining raw energy with gut wrenching emotion”; what do you get out of performing live personally?
I love performing in all aspects. I played drums for many years in bands and I still love to do that from time to time. But fronting a band is my favourite thing to do; I love to be able to look right into the eyes of the audience and deliver my message through my songs.
6.Speaking of live shows, you’ve got a gig at the #360RAW7 night in a few weeks, what can we expect from your set?
We will be playing all of the tracks from the upcoming EP as well as a couple of brand new tracks that have never been heard before. You can also expect a lot of sweating and generally a lot of me hurling my body around the stage!
7.Aside from that show and the new EP, what are other your plans for 2019?
My plans are to keep on writing with the band and playing as much as possible. I also have a couple of other projects in the pipeline, including a band I am drumming in, and also a few acoustic tunes I have been working on.
8.If you could collaborate with any musician alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
I think it would have to be my song-writing hero Loudon Wainwright. I would love to be able to see how he crafts his songs and how he continues to keep writing even after such a long career.
9.Tell us an interesting fact about Liam Sullivan?
I am a Third Dan Black Belt Kickboxer.
10.Finally, tell our readers why they should check out your set and the other acts at #360RAW7?
360 Club always has a high quality of acts. It is an amazing venue and the line-up for this gig looks awesome. I will also be playing some new tracks and ones from my upcoming EP. I would love to see you there!
You can see Liam Sullivan and the rest of the bacts at the 360 Club in Leeds on 29/03/19. For more information on how the get tickets click the link here.
