In the realm of music, certain artists possess the extraordinary ability to transform personal narratives into universally resonant melodies. Lavi, an artist hailing from Romanian-Canadian roots, is one such creative force. Her latest release, “Be Gone,” delves into the labyrinth of human emotions, exploring themes of fear, abandonment, and the arduous journey towards self-recovery. As we step into the intricate world of Lavi’s musical tapestry, let’s embark on a conversation that unveils the stories and inspirations behind the hauntingly beautiful “Be Gone.”
Lavi‘s “Be Gone” is a profound track that resonates with themes of fear and self-recovery. Can you share what personal experiences or emotions fueled the creation of this song?
The inspiration behind Be Gone touches on the fear of abandonment; to press even deeper, it’s also about experiencing those fears in reality and living in that loss and grief. The emotions that surround being abandoned by someone you love, or simply the fear of it, are a suffocating feeling and, to some extent, incomprehensible to the mind and soul. From my personal experiences of facing my biggest fears, I think there is a level of using songwriting as a tool for self-recovery. I’m on a journey of healing, and this music is my lifeline.
The lyrics of “Be Gone” convey a deep sense of introspection and vulnerability. How do you navigate balancing such raw honesty in your songwriting with maintaining a sense of personal privacy?
I’m not sure I’m balancing it very well with this song. It’s something real, raw, and unhinged, and it’s my story, and this song was born in that authentic place. I love writing songs that make me feel like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I just said that.”. I guess my ultimate hope is that it will connect with those who are hurting in the same ways and that it can speak to their own stories of loss and pain.
Your Romanian-Canadian heritage and the rich cultural background of Kitchener-Waterloo have influenced your music. Can you elaborate on how these influences are reflected in “Be Gone”?
Yes! Romanian artists that I listen to have such poetic ways of songwriting that can elicit emotional imagery. I love how deep and profound their storytelling abilities are; it truly is a romance language. I’ve been obsessed with artists like Mark Stam lately. On the other hand, my hometown, Kitchener-Waterloo, is the original place that I discovered my love for music. I remember vivid memories of singing ‘Big Jet Plane’ by Angus and Julia Stone at various open mic’s across town with my high school friend Laura on guitar.
In the song, there’s a striking line: “I can’t see past all my fears.” How does this line encapsulate the overall message you’re conveying in the track?
The line “I can’t see past all my fear” encapsulates the tangible feeling of suffering and holding the broken pieces of your heart. and feeling defeated. This line can ultimately sum up the essence of the whole song.
The chorus of “Be Gone” is particularly powerful, with a mix of despair and determination. What was your process in crafting this chorus to capture such complex emotions?
I think the chorus has a dramatic portrayal of honesty; it’s discovering how to face such complex and painful realities of abandonment and being honest with yourself as you realize that they didn’t really mean what they said when they said, “I’ll always be there for you; I’ll never leave you.” The determination element is at the end of the chorus when I say, “You can be gone in the morning.” That line speaks directly to the truth: ‘You left before; why would I believe you now?’
Working with producers like Luke Matthew and mixing talents like Joachim, how do you feel these collaborations have shaped the final sound of “Be Gone”?
Luke brought such depth and passion to this track; I think we have similar tastes in music, which made the production process so effortless and in sync. I’m thoroughly impressed with the talent and creativity that he brought to shaping the sound. Joachim is phenomenal when it comes to mixing, especially with a song that has so many layers and harmonies; he was able to translate the emotion to the listeners in the mix and create space and accentuate the depth further. I’m proud to work alongside such talented creatives.
You’ve mentioned a transition in your musical style, from indie-folk to more indie-pop sounds. How does “Be Gone” represent this evolution in your music?
Great question. Indie-folk was my first love when it came to genre. However, indie-pop was a no-brainer for me as I started to develop my sound. In my early years of songwriting, I’ve noticed that transition as I started to listen to artists like Twenty-one Pilots and Jon Bellion, then artists like Chelsea Cutler and Ruel. I think that evolution came from the sounds I was absorbing over time.
The track also seems to explore the struggle to let go of insecurities and pain. Was there a particular moment that inspired you to write about this theme?
I remember a painful memory of a friend who left me in the most painful time of my life when I needed them the most. I felt so alone. That was a hard reality to face, and I think from that season in my life I’ve written “Be Gone” as well as a lot of other songs that were painful yet now healing (ironic, I know).
You’ve previously worked closely on engineering and production aspects. How involved were you in these areas for “Be Gone”?
Yes! I love working with producers that feed off of initial ideas, references, and inspiration. I felt like Luke really came up with something pleasantly unexpected. I was blown away by the depth and vibrancy he brought to the song with the different instrumentation. I tracked different harmonies in the studio with NAWMS, who did the vocal production and engineering; we wanted to keep the vulnerability and elevate the depth of the already full track.
Looking forward to “Stick Around,” your upcoming release for 2024, what can fans expect in terms of musical direction and themes compared to “Be Gone”?
“Stick Around” is a playful song; I think the listeners will have a lot of fun with this one. The lyrics are catchy, but of course, they’re as real and vulnerable as ever (I can’t help it!). This is my first track with a feature, so I’m beyond thrilled to share it!
Lavi‘s “Be Gone” is more than just a song; it’s a journey through the labyrinth of human emotions, showcasing her remarkable ability to weave personal experiences into universally relatable music. As we await her future endeavors, including the anticipated “Stick Around,” her evolving sound continues to captivate and resonate with listeners around the globe.
As we draw the curtains on this insightful conversation with Lavi, the echoes of her music linger in the air, leaving an indelible mark on our understanding of vulnerability, resilience, and the power of storytelling through song. “Be Gone” is more than a track; it’s a glimpse into the soul of an artist navigating the complexities of life. As we eagerly await Lavi’s upcoming release, “Stick Around,” the anticipation builds for the next chapter in her musical evolution. Stay tuned, for in the world of Lavi, every note is a brushstroke painting, a vivid portrait of the human experience.
Listen to “Be Gone” here:
