Livia Tells a Story of Growth, Loss, and Love in her Debut EP 'Making A Racket'

Livia blends heartfelt ballads with hyperpop beats to build a sound that reflects both her influences and her discoveries. 'Making A Racket' brings all these elements together, making it the ideal introduction to who Livia is as an artist.

Based in London, Livia is a rising indie-pop singer making perfect ‘sad girl’ music. In all aspects of her life, she is creative, from releasing her own music to working on West End Stages. Music is truly in every corner of her life, which becomes obvious the more you listen. From poetic lyrics to theatrical productions, her music is perfect for every pop fan. In her music, she truly celebrates the elements of pop. With heartfelt ballads and hyperpop beats in her discography, she is crafting her unique sound that celebrates the music she grew up with and the music she finds today. ‘Making A Racket’ is the culmination of everything that makes Livia, Livia. Making it the perfect introduction.

'Making A Racket' EP Cover (@thenerdycow)

As one of the first artists featured on the blog, I have had the privilege of watching her grow. Through TikTok snippets, I have watched her trail different sounds, lyrics, and production styles. Unknowingly, I was watching her craft this debut EP. This adds a special touch to ‘Making A Racket’, something that many longtime listeners will also experience. It is a strange feeling going from hearing first drafts that were recorded in her bedroom to now having a fully fleshed production. What I and many listeners first heard is now helping build the EP’s narrative. But this is the joy of finding an artist in the early stages of their career. You get to see them at every point.

‘Making A Racket’ perfectly describes this EP. It is a collage of emotions and genres, over 6 tracks, there is a journey to nearly every human emotion and sub-genre of pop. Livia is simply ‘Making A Racket’ and speaking up for the first time. From grief to unrequited love, to cinematic reimagines, there is a track for every mood. This debut EP is a pop fan's dream.

This EP starts with the gut-wrenching track ‘Daughter.’ Telling the tale of Livia’s journey since the passing of her mother. How she feels she doesn’t suit the title of daughter. With poetic lyrics, it is a raw insight into the impact of losing a parent so young. Throughout the song, it feels like Livia is trying to catch up with this role she was born to play, but is unsure of where it fits into her personality. She takes simple childhood imagery of monkey bars and scraped knees to show how this has stunted her growth. But in the end, she can conform to her own definition of daughter instead of society's definition.

Livia on the court (@thenerdycow)

Similar to the slower tracks on this EP, like ‘Understudy’ and ‘So Typical’, ‘Daughter’ is classic Livia. The powerful lyrics hold down the fort over a simple piano production. What makes these songs so beautiful is the rawness. Through her soft vocals, it is easy to conceptualise her pain, even if it is not your reality. Livia has a special way of creating stunning yet thought-provoking songs.

A big surprise is the EP version of ‘I TOLD YA.’ Quickly becoming a fan favourite due to the difference in production, this hyperpop track reimagines the life of Art, Patrick, and Tani from the 2024 blockbuster, Challengers. Offering a new side to Livia, it is the track that keeps on giving. This extended version offers a new side to the tale as Livia brings one of the TikTok favourites into the Challengers universe.

Plucked straight from a 90s romcom, is pop perfection ‘Pear Shaped.’ Full of longing and love, this track is bringing back flirty pop. It brings to life the feeling of falling in love. The production of this track marries the lyrics flawlessly. It quietly grows from a nervous declaration into drum punches of confident confession. With a jazzy guitar and addictive chorus, ‘Pear Shaped’ is a standout track. Due to its beautiful blend of poetic lyrics, synth beats, and noughties-inspired melodies. A direction that Livia should continue in.

Livia eating a pear (@throughemsslens)

‘A Final Thought’ flawlessly concludes this EP. The lyrics and sound work together to create a haunting yet dramatic pop song. Along with a 30-piece orchestra, it is Livia at her very best. Made in collaboration with boyfriend Stillawake, ‘A Final Thought’ displays Livia’s artistic growth. The dark thematic melody, married with her poetic lyrics, is the route that this rising star should continue in. The production and lyrics encourage this dramatic feel to the song; it is the perfect conclusion to a perfect debut.

‘Making A Racket’ does exactly what it says on the tin. It captures Livia’s life up till this point and showcases where she is as a person and artist today. Once you listen to this EP, you begin to understand Livia in a new light. This debut EP has really changed the game for her as an artist. Through trialling different sounds and playing with genres, she has pushed herself artistically, and it works incredibly well. ‘Making A Racket’ was a hundred times worth the wait. It is Livia at her very best.