Happy Monday, readers!
Our “Music Monday” pick this week is budding artist Liam Lis.
Liam Lis is a 13-year-old pop prodigy based in New York City. At such a young age, Liam already has a great amount of support from the biggest music producers in the industry. Jason Flom, the CEO of Lava Records, personally signed Liam to his roster of hit-makers moments after hearing Liam perform at an acoustic showcase. Aside from singing, Liam is also a full time student at a local middle school in New York — impressive!
Currently, Liam is keeping good grades in school while working super hard at mastering his sick dance skills in rehearsals. Liam is also busy in the studio working on his debut EP.
CS4U caught up with Liam recently to give you the scoop on the budding artist. In our interview, Liam talks about becoming involved in music and dancing, being singed to Lava Records, balancing school and music, his debut EP, and his favorite dance moves. Liam also tells us why you should check out his music and a secret about himself that you may not have known about him! Make sure to read the Q&A below.
For more information on Liam Lis, make sure to follow him on Twitter at @LiamLis.
CS4U: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with music and dancing?
Liam Lis: “I’m a singer songwriter, but my first passion is songwriting. I’ve always had an instrument in my hand for as long as I can remember. I started on the drums and then piano. I took lessons, but I convinced my teacher to let me just play by ear.”
CS4U: You are signed to Lava Records — what was your reaction when you first heard that you landed a recording contract?
Liam Lis: “I showcased for Jason Flom/Lava Records. I met with Lava for a meeting and then I was asked to come and showcase for the label the following week. I couldn’t believe it and still can’t believe it. I’m so blessed to be part of such an incredible and good-hearted team of people at Lava.”
CS4U: Can you tell us about your music — the sound, your inspirations, etc?
Liam Lis: “I really can’t define my music as it keeps changing with new ideas that I come up with when writing. I try to be as open minded as possible about music. I like so many genres from R&B to pop to country to Opera to Hip Hop. I like to combine different genres into one song sometimes.”
CS4U: You’re also a dancer — what is your favorite dance move?
Liam Lis: “My favorite move is the knee drop. Not sure I’ve mastered it yet.”
CS4U: Do you have any plans to release an EP or album soon? How’s the recording process been for you?
Liam Lis: “The recording process has been an incredible journey so far. I plan to release an EP sometime in 2015, but I am just taking some time to make sure my first EP represents who I am as an artist. I’ve been very lucky to have the opportunity to record a song written by Ester Dean. I’ve been meeting with very talented writers and producers, so hopefully sooner rather than later my EP will be released.”
CS4U: You’re also a full time student — how is it juggling school and recording/rehearsing?
Liam Lis: “I get a lot of homework and have tests and quizzes very often. I try my best to get all my homework completed before I record or rehearse, but I still have those late night study sessions, which can be exhausting at times. But I love what I do so it is all worth it!”
CS4U: Why do you think our readers should check you out?
Liam Lis: “I wrote a new song called ‘My Story’ – some of the lyrics are ‘My story is easy, just an ordinary kid, from New York City who had a dream way too big.’ I am just an ordinary kid who has big dreams. I practice and always have hope. A lot of my songs are about life, which I think people can relate to. It is not impossible to reach your dreams. I have some Webisodes coming out soon. They show behind the scenes (studio sessions, rehearsals, playing basketball, etc), as well as a glimpse into my world to see how the things that I present to the world come together. I think people could learn a lot about how the recording process and touring process goes behind the scenes by watching the Webisodes when they come out. I’m just a teenager who has big dreams like everyone else.”
CS4U: Since our website is called CelebSecrets4U, can you share any secrets or hidden talents with us?
Liam Lis: “I love to play ping pong. I play all the time. I watch the professionals play it on YouTube to learn new tactics.”