Creating a 7-Song EP in 1 Night With Liv.e

The horror-movie vibes of Liv.e's latest EP, PAST FUTUR.e, are dazzling. The Los Angeles-based artist draws us into a haunted universe of throbbing basslines, dark atmospheres and distorted vocals. That record came as a curveball from an artist whose discography has showcased an ability to fuse the sounds of neo-soul and alt-R&B, most notably on Girl in the Half Pearl, her sophomore album, which was hailed by critics as one of the best albums of 2023.

Despite their different sounds, both projects come from a grounded, radically free artist who regards music as a vast space to explore and who has no intention of being limited by herself or anyone else. The reason for this diversity is apparent once you get to know Liv.e, the onstage persona of musician Olivia Williams.

It crystallizes an agile, plastic mind, capable of soliciting a wide range of references and sonic grains to build singular tracks imbued with her own subjectivity. Liv.e doesn't let her success distract her, retaining the same passion as when she first started out. “I try my best to keep my work in unison with spirit evenly,” she explains, foreshadowing a future full of twists and turns, but always true to herself.

At MANIFESTO, a three-day festival presented by Kaleidoscope and GOAT at Espace Niemeyer during Paris Fashion Week, Liv.e takes the main stage to perform songs from her discography. Below, she dives into her creative process, working with collaborators and evolving her unique sound.