By Sue Zalokar, Contributing Writer
Sultry, smoky, soulful and smooth – sentiments that flow
effortlessly between the tone and timber of Liv Warfield’s amazing voice. She
is a Portland original, albeit a transplant from the Midwest, one who was not
only inspired by her Northwest contemporaries, but who inspired others with her
debut album, “Embrace Me.”
In 2008, her rising star caught the attention of Prince —
yes, that Prince. Warfield sent Prince an audition tape of her singing the
Rolling Stones, “Gimme Shelter.” By January of 2009 she was invited to Paisley
Park (Prince’s Studios) and shortly after, one of her first performances with
Prince was on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.
She’s also embarked on two projects of her own: One is The
Liv Warfield Experience, featuring a collage of stellar local musicians to back
up her signature sultry voice. Another is collaborating with local Portland
designer, Bianca Pettinari to release her own line of women’s handbags. We
caught up with the singer to talk about her love of music, performing and her
adopted hometown of Portland.
Sue Zalokar: Girl, you are a long way from your
hometown of Peoria, Ill. The same drive and determination that brought out that
remarkable voice you have, first led you to become an Olympic-caliber sprinter
and gymnast. Tell me about the journey to Portland.
Liv Warfield: Oh wow. The journey to Portland was
interesting. I came to Portland for two things: Love and a track scholarship.
Both of those thing were not good for me! They both went sour. Meaning, he went
one way, I went another, and so did track and field. I felt as If I was doing
sports all of my life and I wanted to do something that was secretly in my
spirit and that was to perform and sing! That indeed started my late-night
karaoke runs to the Galaxy and Ambassador in Portland.
S.Z.: You grew up in a Pentecostal household, the
daughter of a deacon of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus. As I understand it,
music isn’t really a part of the Pentecostal paradigm. How did you find that sultry, strong, sexy
voice?
L.W.: Well, Music was very much a part of my
upbringing. I grew up listening to the late Rev. James Cleveland and The
Hawkins family. My mother’s side of the family was very, very strong in the
church. But I was too nervous to sing in front of people — too shy! I do
remember the first singer I fell in love with and that was Etta James. When I
heard her voice in the movie “Rainman,” I lost it. I wanted to sound like her
and Whitney Houston. Also, I would always sneak music into my tape player too,
or listen to the smooth jams on our radio really low. That way my parents
wouldn’t hear me listen to secular music! My father was very much into music as
well, but he got “saved” and he didn’t play all of his reel-to-reels he kept
from me until I got older.
I didn’t really find my voice until I moved out to Portland.
Portland was like the awakening for me! It was a new place that I could be
myself.
S.Z.: You released the single, “Freedom” last year
on CDBaby. You sing, “My voice I’ll use to paint a picture of peace again.” How do you use your voice as a tool for
change?
L.W.: You know, I love to sing about love songs and
all that mushy stuff, but the song “Freedom” was a message. It woke me in the
middle of the night. I love my rest and believe me I wanted to stay sleep, but
it was one of those nights that the spirit pushed and pushed at my gut and told
me to write. See, writing is a freedom. We forget that. It’s a luxury that most
of my ancestors fought for. Because I can use my voice as well is a “Freedom”
but what I do with it, it’s important to me. What you speak and put out into
the world is defiantly energy and I want my voice to paint love, peace and
awareness to what’s around us. Gosh, Marvin Gaye did it. Sam Cooke too. They
sang all these beautiful songs but there was a message! Our voice in this day
and age should carry a message. Music can inspire change, that what I hope to
do!
S.Z.: What social issues are important to you?
L.W.: Literacy and mental health, gun control and
learning to survive off the land. I need to become better at that. I also support Girls, Inc. and ReBuild the
Dream, an organization that focuses on redefining the American dream and works
on building up communities. Portland is a beautiful city in that way. I would
love to bring the Portland energy to my hometown Peoria, IL. We need it!
S.Z.: What or who are some of the local influences
on your work?
L.W.: First and foremost (soul singer) Linda
Hornbuckle, Andy Stokes, Storm Large, Brian Foxworth, LaRohnda Steele, Janice
Scroggins, Patrick Lamb, to name s few. But Linda, she is the catalyst to my
beginnings as a singer. I love her so much. I’m truly grateful to a lot of
people who’ve been extremely instrumental to my growth. My bandmates (Sedell
Jones, Tyrone Hendrix, Sean Foote, AG Donaloia, Ashley, Saeeda) over the years.
Paul of Rumblefish, Todd Rouse, JD & Jimmy from Jimmy Maks, Joey Porter,
Willamette Week and you too! I could name so many people that will fill this
page up. They know who they are! I was influenced by them in so many ways. I’m
so thankful.
S.Z.: As you travel the world on tour, what do you
notice about the state we, as humans, are in?
L.W.: Good
question. We are walking around like we are dreaming. Our heads are down in
iPhones and laptops now, that we don’t have the time to say hello to each other
anymore. It’s sad sometimes. We are slowly becoming programmed or we already
are. We are lacking social skills.
People are forgetting how to be genuine people.
S.Z.: Can you explain the energy exchange that
happens for you when you perform?
L.W.: It’s like a wave that comes over me, a light
and a love that washes over my spirit. I
see everyone who is engaged in my show and it overwhelms me. I quickly get
filled up! You know, I had surgery on my thyroid last year. My doctor, Dr.
Aliabadi, changed my life. That surgery was so close to my vocal chords. She
told me she wasn’t sure if I was going to be singing anymore. I broke down. I
prayed and I prayed to God to watch over me. If it was meant for me to be
singing, then let it be! But I vowed to always give my heart and soul at every
performance, because “of much is given, much is required.” I’m Free when I perform! I do what my soul
tells me.
S.Z.: And BD503 Handbags? You have your own line
of purses. Tell me about working with Bianca Pettinari and what inspires your
handbag designs.
L.W.: Bianca is the greatest! I met her at Portland FashioNXT
Event. She is a genius and so talented. We immediately clicked when I saw her
handbags. They were different and looked so edgy. I mean these handbags were
made out of re-purposed leather! How
awesome is that! In creating the handbag line we thought about music icons and
what kind of handbag they carry. Like what would Chaka Khan carry or even Joni
Mitchell? After that we launched an exclusive “Liv Warfield” by BD503
collection! Next up, look out for my T-shirt line. I love to stay busy and stay
creative!
S.Z.: Share a story that exemplifies life in the
studio, on the road or on the stage with your friend, boss and mentor, Prince.
L.W.: Hmm. Just know that it’s such a beautiful
surprise to work with him. I recently wrote the single to “Live Out Loud” for
this upcoming tour. I was so excited he wanted to use my lyrics.. I was
shocked. I’m so elated because he believes in me.
Just be in the moment with him. Everyone tries to figure him
out. It’s quite funny.
S.Z.: The music never seems to stop for you. Where do you go from here?
L.W.: Just expect the unexpected.
This article appears in 2013-04-12.