With A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues) out today, Livingston is entering a bold new chapter. The deluxe edition of his breakout debut album expands on the emotional storytelling that first captured listeners, featuring nine new songs—including the anthemic single Brainstorm. Earlier this year, we caught up with Livingston at his London show at Electric Ballroom to talk about the future of his music, the rapid growth of his live performances, and how he continues to build a world for his fans.
So welcome to the UK. This is what, like, your fifth show of the tour? How has it been?
It would be the fifth, but Ireland and Glasgow got canceled because of the storm, which was wild. Yeah, but, we're going to be doing this stuff later. But it's been amazing. I mean, Manchester started off amazing. Birmingham last night was a dream. I think it was my biggest show I've played and then tonight is the same size, so it's kind of new heights. And it's, It feels really amazing.
It's cool that you're in the UK, especially coming from far away all the way from Texas. How has your hometown inspired you and influenced you as an artist?
I think a lot of what it's done, it's made me really sensitive and aware that every city has a ton of character, even small cities, like a lot of small cities that people don't tend to tour a whole lot. You know, we just toured in a lot of those cities in the U.S recently, not big markets like New York or L.A., but kind of smaller, middle of nowhere towns but kind of being a kid from a small town, I think it gives me a perspective to kind of realize that there's just as much heart and soul for music in places where a lot of people, wouldn't expect. And then that same heart and soul is obviously in the big cities too, which is why I love tours in places like London.
You just had your song ‘Brainstorm’ come out. This being your first single of 2025, what has inspired that track?
This is a song where I felt like I wanted to unleash a lot of this, kind of pent up, frustration with the way that I can get stuck in thought loops and kind of get stuck in the same anxieties, the same fears that I already know aren't real, or that I've already, conquered before or feel like in my past, is where I left that. But it kind of rears in the head again, as an adult or as I'm growing up, and I know other people deal with that too. So, I just kind of try to put that into that song and just hope it reaches who it's meant to reach.
I really like the song, especially the quote “it’s like I’m stuck inside my brainstorm”. Because I feel like it's quite nice how you visualize something that can only be felt. And for me, I really struggle, you know, putting my emotions into words sometimes. So I'm wondering, you know, how do you do that? How do you come up with these metaphors to explain these feelings? Because I feel like your songs can be very poetic.
I like the word you used “visualizing”. I feel like visualizing is something that, for better or worse, it's the way that I think about art, in general. I'm actually not very lyric driven, which is ironic. I'm very like image driven or I kind of see everything through more of a cinematic lens and then just try to find the words to capture images. So it's not like synesthesia in the sense of where I see, like, colors associated with certain emotions or sound. But I do definitely… like when I think about a song, typically I'll see like an environment, like I see, a space in a color palette and, and like visual elements that represent those emotions. And then it's just a race to try to figure out kind of how to put that into words in a way that's not just super abstract and trying to make it simple.
I'm assuming that that translates to your music videos as well?
No, it does. You know, I've still yet to do what I would consider a proper music video. But in playing with, you know, content and like vertical short form stuff, I still try to find little ways to represent what's in my head in whatever low budget way I can.
And how does this specific song fit into the deluxe version that's coming out in March?
The theme of the deluxe is just that same idea of taking small emotions and blowing them up into these big stories, but just kind of on steroids, just even more kind of bold, bright electric song. Brainstorm is very anthemic, and there's another couple songs on the deluxe that I think are also just very bold and colorful, even more so than the ones in the original album. And that was kind of the challenge for me.
So would you say these are quite different from the main album?
Yeah, yeah, they're packaged together, but they're much more grown up because they're much more recent.
I want to talk a little bit about touring as well. So you're touring in the UK and Europe, then you're going to the US, which will be one of the biggest venues you've ever done so far. How does it feel to see your live shows grow so much in just the last few months?
It's kind of unbelievable because it's like… I don't know, this is a bit of a strange term I think, but it's called, boiling frog syndrome. It's like the frog who's in the boiling water doesn't realize it's boiling because it's slowly heats up. I mean, this like, slow and steady heat up for the last year and a half. And if, you know, if I were to look at where I was a year and a half ago, look at where I am right now, it would just look like a cliff, like wow. Because it's been this slow grind of playing really small venues and then little bit bigger and a little bit bigger. It just, you know, I kind of have to pinch myself a little bit and realize, like, hey, this is happening. And the energy is getting more intense. And, I'm not scared about it either, because I know that I was like, you know, musically and otherwise, like, work for this and, and, you know, pray for this and trained for this. And, I'm just excited to continue taking it to the next level.
I saw that you've partnered with, Plus one for your North American tour, support the LA wildfires, what has motivated you to tie this cause to your tour?
It was just heartbreaking to see what happened just a few weeks ago in LA. Honestly, it felt even a little strange just to leave so quickly because I had so many friends that were affected by that. And it was one of those things where everybody knew someone that was, like, deeply affected by that. You know, a lot of people weren't insured and didn't have any long term plan to address a situation like this. And so I think it's important to give back to the community that gave so much to me, I'm a kid from Texas and LA took me with open arms a few years ago. And, I'm very inspired by that city.
You've toured internationally, and you've connected with various diverse audiences. How do you think performing overseas compares to performing in the States?
There’s something different out here, it's cool. I feel like US is so entertainment, inundated all the time. And it's not like they take it for granted, but, you know, there's just a different atmosphere. I feel, especially with maybe some American acts touring out in Europe, the energy just feels just really electric.
How do you maintain balance and authenticity while navigating the pressures of being young, being in the music industry and touring?
Yeah, I… I'm a bit of a broken record on this stuff. And it's so cliche, but the simple, basic stuff they tell you to do, like, I take my sleep and my diet and my training seriously and I kind reframed my career a couple of years ago to not just think of it like, oh, I'm an artist who makes music. Because when I saw the kind of artists that do the shows that I want to do, you know, be like Chris Martin or Dan Reynolds or Tyler Joseph, I see that more like… they're basically elite athletes who also happen to write some good songs and be good singers. And so when I reframed it, I'm like, hey, my job is to be an athlete, I have to take care of myself like one, because I tour like one. Then, that kind of allowed me to set up my life. You know, I'm either creating in a very kind of quiet space, away from the world, or I'm touring and just trying to keep my head on straight and stay balanced
You've mentioned those 3 artists, are they people you’d want to collaborate with or are there any other dream collabs for you?
For sure. I mean with, any of those guys, but even more so than collabs, I think just conversations with them too, because I don't think there's anyone closer to the source of, where I would want to be in ten years. It's nice to learn from other people's mistakes versus having step into them myself.
Finally, your fanbase has grown exponentially over the past year. How do you plan on continuing to build that connection with your listeners?
We talk about this a lot with me and my management who I've been with for years because I think there's nothing more fun than creating a real world that fans can live inside of, like giving them not just more content and more merch, but like just more opportunities to make, whatever they need from, Livingston. I want them to be able to find that and to kind of take it into their life. So, we're kind of scheming up with a lot of ideas to create some fun opportunities and different concert experiences. And of course, like the next album where I want to really take things to the next level.
As Livingston steps into this next chapter with A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues), it’s clear that he’s not just creating music—he’s building an experience. From the anthemic energy of Brainstorm to the growing scale of his live shows, his vision continues to evolve in ways that feel both deeply personal, yet universally felt. With a dedicated fanbase by his side and an ever-expanding creative world, Livingston’s journey is only just beginning. And as he continues to push his artistry to new heights, one thing is certain—this is a story that’s far from over.
Livingston Captivates London With His Energy, Emotion, and Unforgettable Music
Livingston's performance at the Electric Ballroom in London on January 28, 2025, was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, his energy was palpable, igniting the entire venue. The crowd, a diverse mix spanning various ages and genders, was swept up in the fervor, dancing enthusiastically from the front rows to the balcony.
The meticulously crafted lighting design played a pivotal role in enhancing the show's dramatic and cinematic atmosphere. Each song was accompanied by visuals that complemented its mood, adding depth to the overall experience.
A highlight of the evening was the audience's remarkable connection to Livingston's music. Fans sang along to every track, including his brand-new single, "Brainstorm," which had been released just a few days prior. This immediate embrace of his latest work underscores the profound impact his music has on listeners.
Notable performances included "Last Man Standing," a powerful anthem that had the entire venue echoing its chorus, and "Gravedigger," where Livingston's emotive delivery captivated the audience. These songs, among others, showcased his dynamic range and ability to connect deeply with fans.
Livingston's ability to attract such a varied audience speaks volumes about the universal appeal of his music, positioning him for continued success in the industry.
Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Livingston, set to be published on March 7th, coinciding with the release of his deluxe album. This expanded edition promises to delve deeper into his artistic journey, as well as how he is planning to continue to connect and grow with his fans.
Article and photos by Ines B.