By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Most known for breakout singles like “Gasoline,” “In My Dreams” and “Make Me Cry,” Native New Yorker Liam Davis has often been compared to the likes of George Harrison and it’s easy to see why once you press “play.”
Growing up, Davis’ father played classic rock acts like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin around the house, which prompted him to learn piano by age 8 and the guitar by age 15.
In turn, Davis possesses the ability to evoke emotions with both his guitar and voice and spin tunes that can entrance old and young listeners alike, a modern nod to the classic era.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with Davis – who has been tearing it up on the road across the Tri-State area with his backing band this year – about if social media helps or hurt musicians, the next obstacle to overcome and much more, which you can check out below.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Liam Davis – I like to go hiking at this park in upstate New York. There’s usually no one up there and it’s a total social reset for me.
Music Bugle – It’s safe to say “Make Me Cry” is one of your biggest songs out there right now. Given that it has such an emotional backstory, did the music video come out the way you hoped?
Liam Davis – Better than I hoped. I have vague ideas of how I want my videos to turn out, but it can be very hard to verbalize those ideas to my director since I don’t have a background in videography. He’s great at interpreting my ideas and bringing them to life.
Music Bugle – How would you describe New York to someone who has never been there before?
Liam Davis – New York City is a light that never turns off. Doesn’t matter what time it is or what day of the week it is. There’s always something to do or discover.
Music Bugle – Which of your musical influences do you feel shine through the most within your own material?
Liam Davis – I love that question. It’s hard to choose because my playing and writing is such an accumulation of different influences. I’d probably have to go with The Beatles, because their music has been engraved in me for so long. It’s such a subconscious thing at this point. I’ve gotten a ton of George Harrison comparisons since “Make Me Cry” came out and he didn’t come into my head once when writing the song. He’s just floating around my subconscious, I suppose! (Laughs)
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Liam Davis – Maybe a little of both? I’m really trying to get on board with the way things are and use it to my advantage. The positive is that musicians can promote their music to millions of people without a record label. The negative is that millions of musicians are able to do that, which makes it harder than ever to stand out. That being said, I think if you really stay true to yourself and find your thing, you can do it. You have to really, really want it, though.
Music Bugle – What do you see as your next obstacle to overcome?
Liam Davis – Spotify. Not necessarily to “overcome,” but to “get working in my favor.” You can record something so high quality and it’ll get swept under the rug if all the pieces are not in play. Having only released a few songs, the algorithm isn’t pushing my stuff nearly as much as it would for someone that has a bunch of material out. The plan is to get more music out in the next few years and really make myself known.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Liam Davis – “You’ll never be the best,” by Judith Hirshman. She was my childhood drum teacher.
Music Bugle – What’s one song that you can listen to over and over and never get tired of?
Liam Davis – “Everlong” by Foo Fighters. They absolutely killed it with that song. All the parts fit perfectly together and it feels so good. With the passing of Taylor Hawkins, you can believe that I’ll be listening to that song a lot more.
Music Bugle – What’s something that you wish happened more in your music community?
Liam Davis – Musicians supporting other musicians. I play in a cover band for a living aside from my solo career and there is a ton of drama in that community. So much competition over which band is getting which gigs and that kind of stuff. There’s almost more focus on the business than the music for a lot of guys. I’m well aware of the importance of making a good living and being persistent and competitive, but when it interferes with the music, it all becomes meaningless. I’m constantly trying to stay in touch and remind myself of why I chose music as a career.
