Recording under the stage name LLC, Eora/Sydney artist Lorenzo La Cava is reminding listeners that emo was never a phase. With decades of experience under his belt, he’s still rocking hard with the release of his new song “Fairweather Friend.” I caught up with him to chat about his latest single, why it might be his last, and the highs he’s enjoyed along the way.
You’ve just released your latest single “Fairweather Friend.” Why did you decide to release this track in particular?
As it’s the last of my ‘real studio recordings’ stacked from many years of writing and recording, I’ve learnt there is no “right time” to release them. I’m more than ready to let it go into the world for the public to judge or enjoy (or neither too).
“Fairweather Friend” is actually part of a three-track mini-EP. These songs have such a nostalgic early- to mid-00’s pop-punk feel that reminds me a lot of the artists I was listening to at the time, many of which I assume impacted your sound. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
That it sure is. As that was my teen years (during the 00’s) and what you listened to then tends to stick with you into adulthood. So those musical influences and bands would have to be Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line, and Motion City Soundtrack, to name a select few. But more so, songwriters/producers such as Butch Walker, John Feldmann, and Joshua Ramsay.
You’ve actually been making music for the last two decades. How did you get your start?
Not sure if I’ve even started actually haha as I still feel like the wide-eyed, “world is your oyster” sort of kid that wouldn’t take no for an answer. With that, I’ve had to learn A LOT outside the realm of what an independent DIY artist ‘needs’ to do to be heard. I got my start like any passionate and persistent person would do and that’s get a band together (since high school) and playing shows wherever we could. Write, record, release, tour, repeat.
I know you spent a few years recording in Nashville with Will Pugh, the lead singer of CARTEL. What was that experience like?
That experience was beyond amazing and the incentive I desperately needed at the time as I was going through an emotional breakup, losing my job, and farewell to playing in my original bands. So I spent every saved penny between 2014 and 2019 to travel to the US. Recording six tracks at Pentavarit Studios with someone I admired and who welcomed me with open arms in a town that lives and breathes music. While sleeping on couches, busking, playing every night at open mics, meeting other bands I love (and still do) from those early MySpace/PureVolume days.
How does the scene in the United States compare with the one here at home?
Safe to say, it gave me hope and encouragement that I could make a career out of this silly childhood dream of creating music. To one day call myself a so-called ‘artist’. The people in the US were very hospitable and supportive of ‘authentic unique folk’. Therefore I believed I could become the person I wanted to be, there. But that was pre-COVID and Mr Comb-Over-President times so I’m not sure how it is these days!
You’ve shared stages with some of Australia’s biggest pop-punk and emo acts including Stand Atlantic, Trophy Eyes, and Chasing Ghosts. How do you approach trying to win over an audience that aren’t necessarily there for you?
It’s never been about winning over an audience per se but more sharing my personal experiences through music in hopes to connect with like-minded people. As I like to think I’m an approachable, welcoming, and friendly type of person (couldn’t ya tell from the upbeat-ness of my tunes!), so I guess my method has been to be my truest self. #CornyLame
Earlier this year you opened up Emo Extravaganza at the UNSW Roundhouse which had a stacked line-up including CARTEL, Anberlin, and Hot Chelle Rae. What was it like to be a part of that?
When I saw that confirmation email come through, I double-triple take’d ’cause I couldn’t believe it. I’d been envisioning playing that venue since 2003 when I saw New Found Glory and Sum 41 play there. Plus, to be the only Aussie act on that bill really was the cherry on top. And to be honest, to play that gig I sincerely believe that’s as good as it’s gonna get for me (and I’m perfectly fine with that)!
You’ve said you’ve spent your career trying to “’make waves’ in this (so-called) industry.” What is it about the music industry that gets you down?
Hmm, I’ll do my best to be succinct. But in my experience, I’ve noticed the lack of detail and funding from governments and ever-growing financial hardships to be just some of the hurdles artistic types face. On top of that, how big this country is makes it challenging to tour or play shows, consistently. 2020 proved that this industry is the first to go and the last to return, in terms of high priorities for politicians and lobbyists. But I believe the downfall happened when they introduced pokies to live venues. Not only that, but the lack of education and support in schools has had a significant impact. Which is why I feel obliged (and honoured) to share my passion and knowledge with the next generation(s) through my job at School Of Rock.
And on the flip side, what’s the most rewarding thing about making music for you?
The freedom to express myself. Whether it’s music, art, writing, or whatever gives you that ‘a-ha’ realisation or feeling. Without it, I genuinely don’t know who or where I’d be, nor do I want to know. Personally, it’s one of the greatest joys to create something out of nothing. I remind myself daily how fortunate I am, that I get to share my divinity through songs and storytelling. I highly encourage it to anyone (and everyone), whether to just yourself or a thousand people. The sentiment is the same.
If you could tell your younger self anything with the benefit of what you know about making music now, what would it be?
I’ve thought about this notion a lot lately, as I feel I’ve pushed this dream as far as I can (especially in this beautiful country). Hence why I’ve been calling this three-track EP my ‘last’. As it’s more of a letting go of the past, saying goodbye to this particular era and being open to new opportunities. What that exactly is, I don’t know. But I would tell my younger self, to not hold back and go all in. Trust your intuition and instincts as they tend to be ‘right’. Otherwise you wouldn’t have that constant gut feeling reminding you to take a leap. Take a chance. Saying ALL that, I’d reassure them to enjoy the process and believe everything happens for a reason. Besides, we’re only here for a very short time so ya might as well do what you love (and have FUN!)!
Photo credit: Adrianne Armida @ Spaghetti Wolf Studios