Meet LVVRS, a trio of musicians whose take on contemporary pop is infused with alternative rock and a touch of global sonic influence. Comprised of River Gibson, Zac Lyons and Brenon Wilson, the band is today (October 17) premiering the understated yet evocative video for “Mine” at OffBeat.com. It’s a cover of Bazzi, a 21-year-old viral sensation and an example of the far-reaching source material from which LVVRS draw inspiration.
Gibson spoke with us about the record, its accompanying video and how LVVRS hope to bring Louisiana music to new audiences.
How did you come to the decision to do this particular cover? Were there other covers in mind or did you do this simply because you love the song?
“Mine” gave me a really weird feeling the first time I heard it. I had to listen back to it several times in a row. I loved the way it conveyed so much emotion and sexy energy all wrapped into a two-minute package. I knew instantly that this was a song I’d want to put my own spin on. The lyrical content sits perfectly with LVVRS original songs as well, so it was a no-brainer for me.
How would you describe the process in approaching the cover? Was there anything in particular you wanted to add to it to make it your own?
The only thing that ever bothered me about the original version was that the song just ends after the second chorus – it’s a very short song. I knew going into the studio that I wanted to create a bridge for it and add a final chorus. So, we whipped up the bridge section based off this dope guitar riff we felt out and added some lyrics to it. Then it just made sense to go into a final stripped down, more intimate chorus. The additions we made give the song a more complete feeling and, lyrically, it comes full circle now.
For the video, what was the process in deciding how to approach the visual accompaniment for the song?
We did a cover video previously, of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” and it was an incredibly simple video of the band just playing the song live in our practice space. We wanted to keep that general simplicity for the “Mine” video, but add a little bit of pizazz to it. We wanted to get more artistic with the lighting and evoke only the colors of the music, blues and yellows. We teamed up with Lafayette videographer Alexander Breaux for all our projects thus far and he was able to capture the vision perfectly. We still shot it in our tiny practice space, but it looks like we could be on a spaceship or something. The big silhouette lighting is my favorite. I think those shots add so much energy to the chorus, plus they really accent the uplifting vibe of the lyrics.
Your website says you’re planning on releasing an EP this Fall. Is that still the plan and, if so, when will it arrive and how does it reflect the LVVRS sound?
The plan going into all this was that we’d put an EP out in the Fall, yes, but we’ve been having a lot of success with our singles – they get bigger and bigger with each release – so we’re gonna stick with that approach for now. An EP will eventually happen but for now, having the freedom to drop a new track at any time has definitely been a lot of fun, and I think it’s been fun for the fans, too. Nobody knows when we’re going to put out new music, or what kind of song it will be. I will say, though, that we already have a whole bunch of tracks done and in the bag, so the sky is the limit.
We’ve really been looking to assemble a team around the band that can help elevate our music to the largest audience possible. It’s our dream to do this for a living at a high level, and we need all the help we can get.
The LVVRS sound and vision is to create modern pop music with real rock’n’roll instruments. I want to write and record music that will inspire people. I want to create songs that will hopefully make a kid want to pick up a guitar, or any real instrument, and learn how to play, just like I was inspired to when I was young.
How would you describe LVVRS place within the context of contemporary Louisiana music? How do your surroundings contribute to your musical approach?
Louisiana is truly an incredible place for music, and we are so proud to call a place so culturally rich and diverse our home. Everyone here is doing their own thing musically, trying to make it in their own way. LVVRS are definitely out to do our own thing as well. Even though our music veers towards the mainstream pop spectrum of contemporary music, part of my willingness to hold on to the organic aspects of songwriting comes from living in this area for so long. There are so many masters of their craft here, maybe more-so than any other place, and it’s so humbling to be a part of this community.
LVVRS want to bring Louisiana to the world, and the world to Louisiana. We are proud to represent our culture and our heritage, even if we don’t do it in the most conventional way. It’s an exciting journey we’re on, and it’s just the beginning.
