LP, the powerhouse musician and LGBTQ+ activist, is set to take the stage at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday as part of their "Love Lines" tour. This tour is named after their latest album, released in September, and LP is excited to perform the entire album live. In a recent interview with WTOP, LP expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We're playing that whole album, which feels really good."
LP's unique pop-rock style has made them an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, and their music continues to resonate with a diverse audience.
A Musical Journey Born of Unconventionality
Born in Brooklyn in 1981, LP's path to musical stardom was far from traditional. They grew up in a nonmusical family, with LP's mother listening to opera and their father favoring oldies like Elvis and Johnny Cash. LP commented,
"His musical opinion did not matter, to be honest."
However, LP's journey took a turn when they were introduced to David Lowery, the frontman of the rock band Cracker. LP's remarkable voice caught the attention of Lowery, who featured them in the hidden track "Cinderella" on Cracker's 1998 album, "Gentleman's Blues." This collaboration served as a launching pad for LP's music career.
Breaking Free from Stereotypes
Rather than following the typical path of a "white girl blues singer," LP chose to focus on their songwriting abilities. They realized early on that conforming to industry stereotypes was not for them. LP said,
"I had a really hard time picturing myself getting somewhere as an artist because I don't look the way I'm supposed to or act the way I'm supposed to—and I don't want to."
As a songwriter, LP achieved remarkable success, writing songs for renowned artists like Cher, Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, Leona Lewis, Mylène Farmer, Céline Dion, and Christina Aguilera. This experience allowed LP to remain relatively low-key about their work while still contributing to the music industry.
Discovering Their True Artistic Self
LP's journey as an artist truly began with their third album, "Forever for Now," released in 2014, featuring the song "Into the Wild." LP recalls, "‘Into the Wild’ kind of embarked me on being an artist again." This marked a pivotal moment in their career, and they continued to evolve as an artist from that point forward.
Despite facing challenges and changes in their career, LP persevered and found their niche. They ultimately signed with the label Vagrant for their fourth album, "Lost on You," in 2016. The album's title track remains a powerful anthem that resonates with fans worldwide.
A Global LGBTQ+ Advocate
LP's influence extends beyond the music industry. They have found unexpected success in countries where LGBTQ+ rights may not be as recognized, such as Eastern Europe and Latin America. LP filmed the video for "Dayglow" in Czechia to advocate for marriage equality, and their shows in Russia have attracted both LGBTQ+ teens and oligarchs. LP's message is clear: they believe in people and love, disregarding the constraints imposed by religion and governments.
In the face of challenges, LP remains steadfast in their convictions. They encourage others to be unapologetically themselves and keep pursuing their passions. LP concludes,
"No one's going to come to your house and pull a guitar out of your hand. Just keep going and writing and believing that you can do it, because you can."
In a world where conformity is often expected, LP's journey serves as a testament to the power of individuality, determination, and the universal language of music. As they take the stage at The Anthem in D.C., LP continues to inspire and unite people through their music and unapologetic self-expression.
