Liddy Clark has the sweetest voice and she's exactly what country music needs right now, she's not afraid to speak up and stand her ground. We talked to the up-and-coming artist about what has been inspiring her lately.
How did you get started in music?
Liddy: I started singing when I was 7, I had just moved to a new school and wanted to participate in the talent show. I had also just learned I was (very distantly) related to Pocahontas, which made me want to sing "Colors of the Wind" at the show. I ended up winning for my grade and begged my parents to let me start doing vocal lessons and musical theater. Around the age of 13, I started learning how to play guitar and write songs and it's all kind of snowballed into what it is now!
What drew you to country music?
Liddy: My entire family is from Texas, and growing up listening to that music has made it have sort of a nostalgic feel to me now. Country music has some of the most honest lyrics out of any genre I've heard, and honesty is one of the most important elements of my music.
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Liddy: Some of my favorite artists include Billy Joel, John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac, Maggie Rogers, and Taylor Swift. They're still some of my favorite musicians to this day.
What makes you want to write songs with a political edge like “Shot Down (Stand Up)”
Liddy: I think I always want to write songs that say something new, I'm not trying to repeat what's already been created. "Shot Down (Stand Up)" comes from a place of brutal vulnerability, and it's something I've never heard talked about in a song before. I want to write about things that are specific yet universal, things that are so personal everyone can relate to them.
Do you think other artists, especially in country music, should be more vocal about political issues?
Liddy: I think that people have a right to do whatever they feel is right, but for me personally, I know that these are issues I need to speak out on. Having a platform where people will listen is so rare, I want to do something good with it.
What else has been inspiring you lately?
Liddy: I'll write songs about pretty much anything in my life or in the lives of my friends. I also watch tons of movies (just got a season pass to the Alamo Drafthouse!) so I tend to be inspired by events that happen on the big screen as well.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in the music industry?
Liddy: Being taken seriously. I think especially as a young woman in the industry, there are a lot of people who will look down on you because of those facts. However, I've grown up so much because of the doubts that other people have had and it's made me have to be a lot more confident in the music I'm releasing.
What’s your best piece of advice for young women?
Liddy: Honestly, just be a good person. There are so many talented people in this industry and a lot of them will come into this and become hardened by how harsh it can be, but being a good person will get you a long way with a lot of people.
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