by: Brian PeelPosted on:

Special Interview: The Rival

theaussieword.com catches up with Phillip Larue from The Rival for a special interview.

 

Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music? Honestly, I started in music because I got really really sick when I was a kid… it’s a long story, but I could barely walk. Then I found my Dad’s old Gibson guitar and discovered a whole new side of myself.

 

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? I could write three pages of answers on this but I don’t think your readers would have the patience to read it, and frankly I am a horrible typer. But at the end of the day it is the desire to connect to others. To create something that moves someone. For me there is no greater reward.

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What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? To make art that moves me.

Success, what is the secret to it? There really is no secret and that’s the secret. Most people look at my career and assume that I had a grand plan for my success, but at the end of the day it was just a crazy combination of belief, risk, and hard work. I will say this though, the quicker you can define your goals, passions, sound, etc. for yourself the better. Because if you don’t someone else will come along and try to define it all for you.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far? Receiving song of the year and billboard #1 was huge. Also, it never gets old hearing my music behind incredible brands like Apple, Target, etc. I feel so grateful to be able to do what I do. Truly crazy.

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? Bono, John Lennon, Prince, Lana Del Rey… there are so many amazing voices and creators to glean from.

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The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now? I see myself helping others navigate through the waters of the industry. Giving them the tools they may need to make their dreams a reality.

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye? The music industry used to be like big real estate… everybody was winning, everybody wanted in. Money was falling from the sky. Now it’s harder and you have to want it more, and truth be told I really like where it is at. The fact is that people are listening to music now more than ever, we just need to figure out how to create and to continue to re-mold listening platforms to help artists earn the proper money they are owed for their efforts and art.

 

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. By far Neil Finn has influenced me more than any other songwriter out there. He’s a hero of mine and his freaking melodies are insane.

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour? We hope to be touring more the months following the release.

Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music? Our latest record is filled with joy. Life is hard, and kind of sucks at times. We wanted to make an EP that made you feel alive and hopefully makes you smile and head to the beach with your mates to drink a cold one.

Do you have any new projects in the pipeline? Yep, two more EP’s are headed out this year! Sands and Peaks. CAN NOT WAIT TO RELEASE THESE!

Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today? Thanks for taking a listen! Be sure to message us at Facebook & Twitter and let us know which songs are your favorite from Waves!

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