No wonder Halsey and Olivia Rodrigo both recruited Liv Slingerland. She is a fucking rockstar! You could think she's an amazing session and live guitar player and you wouldn't be wrong. But that's not the whole story. Liv Slingerland is so much more. Her skills as a singer, songwriter, and performer are also impressive. Last October 16, I discovered her debut album Hey You live at Gold Diggers, and since then, that album has been on repeat during my commute.
The musical universe of Slingerland falls somewhere between classic rock and synth pop, evoking Joan Jett as much as David Bowie. With songs such as "Running Away From the Party" or "Bad Dreams" she also demonstrates her undeniable pop songwriting talents. As she navigates between rock, indie, and pop, she has crafted a modern album that has a timeless quality. With its focus on her romantic relationships, family distress, and the passing of her father, Liv Slingerland's record touches you on many levels.
On stage, Liv is more introverted than exuberant. She has a magnetic presence and a bit of mystique that makes her a bit intimidating. Her performance is a rollercoaster of emotion that captivates audiences through her control and drive. When she lets go, she draws the crowd like a wildfire, such as when she covers the Stooges' "I wanna be your dog" or when she launches into one of her many noisy and epic guitar solos.
The dim lighting made it difficult to take pictures that night. I was glad I had some 3200 ISO film, as it was the only film that could capture Liv's raw energy and captivating charisma. As we were leaving the show, my friend Julien André and I ran into Liv's friend and colleague Halsey. She was kind enough to let us take some pictures of her. See at the end of the gallery.
Hey You is out on Ani DiFranco's woman-informed, queer-friendly label, Righteous Babe Records.
- Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Genna Projansky playing bass for Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Liv Slingerland at Gold Diggers. Photo by Julien André.
Halsey at Gold Diggers. Photo by Vincent Walter Jacob
Halsey at Gold Diggers. Photo by Julien André.