By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Independent and ever on the rise, Los Angeles-based female-fronted alternative rock group Livingmore recently dropped their 11-track sophomore LP ‘Take Me’ via Nomad Eel Records.
The quartet, comprised of vocalist/guitarist Alex Moore, guitarist/vocalist Spencer Livingston, drummer/keyboardist Mike Schadel and bassist Rodrigo Moreno, produced and recorded the LP at their own studio, while Josiah Mazzaschi (Built To Spill, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Light FM) handled the mastering.
‘Take Me’ as a whole, celebrates self-expression and carving one’s own path in life, as evidenced by the popular singles “Sharp” and “Got Me Feelin’ Like.”
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with Moore/Livingston about ‘Take Me’ and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Alex Moore – Spencer’s last name is Livingston and mine is Moore. We just put the two together and we liked the meaning as well. We feel we have lived more since starting this project.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your new album ‘Take Me’?
Alex Moore – We felt many emotions while recording this album and what was going on in the world had some to do with that, but it was part therapeutic, joyous and emotional. There are fun songs mixed with some very personal ones that I don’t even think anyone will realize at first, because we’re not the types to overshare. We love the listener to take the songs as a soundtrack to their lives.
Music Bugle – Which of your new songs were the hardest to write?
Alex Moore – “Memory Hill,” just because it was a sentimental one and it has some sadness attached to it, so it was hard for me to sing it a lot during the recording process, but the band added their energy to it and now, it sounds like more of a cathartic happy rock song and I don’t just feel alone in it anymore. That’s what’s fun about being in a band, you combine energies to make something new.
How would you describe Los Angeles to someone who has never been there before?
Alex Moore – I think the obvious thing to say is that the weather is glorious here, but Los Angeles is a very creative city and it is a great place to be yourself in. There are so many worlds to explore, from the beach to the hustle and bustle of downtown and Hollywood. I will be honest though and state the traffic is crazy, but if you just keep a mellow mindset, it’s all good.
Music Bugle – What’s something that you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Alex Moore – There’s a remarkable diverse group of rock bands out right now that should have easier access to the mainstream. I think fans are being deprived of that at the moment. I hate when I hear bigger artists say there are no rock bands…that just shows how far removed they are from the actual world.
Music Bugle – What do you attribute your success to?
Spencer Livingston – Our band and the wonderful people who listen to our music.
Music Bugle – What are three of your favorite all-time albums?
Spencer Livingston – Between Alex and I, Wilco’s ‘A Ghost Is Born,’ Garbage’s ‘Garbage 2.0’ and Modest Mouse’s ‘The Moon & Antarctica.’
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Alex Moore – We’ve all been listening to Big Thief a lot. They’re amazing.
Music Bugle – What has been your most memorable moment while at a show?
Spencer Livingston – The one that is sticking out to me right now was our last show before the pandemic hit. It was at The Satellite, which unfortunately isn’t a music venue anymore. Didn’t know it would be our last time playing for a while, but it was an awesome show with a great energetic crowd. We loved playing there. It was a classic place for many up-and-coming musicians.
*Photo Credit – Joseph Cultice*
