When you listen to Liv Hatfield, it’s hard to believe she only 15 years old. The up-and-coming singer songwriter already has quite a grasp on not only who she is, but who she wants to become and where she wants to go. With her sights set on Music City for her college years and beyond, Liv is an artist to keep on your radar.
We recently caught up with Liv to talk about her musical journey, her latest releases and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
LH: I’m Liv Hatfield, an aspiring singer, songwriter and musician. I just turned 15 years old and a freshman in high school. I live in Sugar Grove, Illinois with my parents, my little sister and my 4 dogs, Finely, Edison, Lola and Ruby. I have always loved music and about a year ago I started working with a producer in Nashville and just released my first two singles, “When I Fly” and “Familiar Stranger.”
CN: What artists have influenced you personally and as an artist?
LH: Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo – the list is long!
I’m inspired by artists like Taylor Swift and Stevie Knicks because I think they are great story tellers and I love how their lyrics touch you and send you on a journey. Then there are artists like Adele and Kelly Clarkson and I feel like their vocal style is similar to mine. And with Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, they really speak to my generation both lyrically and musically.
CN: When did your relationship with music and songwriting begin?
LH: I’ve had a love of music and singing for as long as I can remember. As a toddler, I was always singing and humming a tune while playing and running around the house. My first performance was at my preschool Christmas program. I sang “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” My parents realized my passion for music early on and put me in voice lessons in third grade. In fourth grade, I started learning the ukulele and became part of student performance group that would gig out in the community. In 5th grade, I traded in ukulele lessons for guitar lessons. In 6th grade, I began singing at open mics and writing original songs. I met rising country artist Annie Vander at my first open mic and we became fast friends. After about a year, she introduced me to her Nashville producer, David Norris and publicist, Nicole Zeller of Brickshore Media. After a year of working with David, I’m now releasing my own songs and so excited to release my first EP in 2025!
CN: How would you describe your musical style?
LH: I would say it’s a mix of country and pop. I feel like my vocal style is similar to Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Stevie Knicks. I like to rock a big power ballad with a lot of soul and little grit.
CN: Your debut single “When I Fly” was such a great inspirational song that gave fans the courage they need to never give up on their dream. Your sophomore release “Familiar Stranger” showcases your storytelling technique. Can you tell us the inspiration behind it?
LH: I co-wrote “Familiar Stranger” with my producer David Norris. I was still in middle school when we wrote it. Middle school is so full of drama and friendships come and go over night. I wanted to write a song that spoke to my journey of being able to identify and turn away from those toxic friendships. I related some of my experiences to David who is masterful at coming up with just the right words to express the feelings and “Familiar Stranger” was born!
CN: What was it like going to Nashville and jumping in the recording studio with your producer David Norris for the first time?
LH: It was a great experience! I was nervous because it was my first time and I didn’t know what to expect. I think I got the hang of it pretty quickly and I can’t want to get back in the studio and bring new songs to life.
CN: We read that you know how to play the ukulele, guitar and piano. What is your favorite instrument to play? Is there an instrument that’s on your agenda to learn next?
LH: My main instrument is guitar. I started with ukulele with the thought that it would lead me to guitar, which it did but I don’t really keep up with ukulele anymore. I don’t formally take piano lessons either but my amazingly talented voice coach, Kelly Porretta, has been teaching me a bit here and there. I’ve been picking it up a little on my own too. I think I would like to take piano more formally and have guitar and piano be my main two instruments. I’d also like to learn bass. I like string instruments and the sound of a bass.
CN: What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
LH: I love process, seeing something go from an idea to a full song on streaming platforms is awesome!
CN: If you could give your future self advice, what would it be?
LH: Don’t stress so much! I really put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best in all aspects of my life, so much so that sometimes I don’t enjoy the journey. I think I need to do a better job of letting go and just enjoying the ride.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
LH: Taylor Swift. I really admire so much about her. I’m drawn to the story of a song and she is a brilliant lyricist. She is a fantastic performer and entrepreneur. I feel I could really learn a lot from her on how to handle my career. I would also love a collab with Olivia Rodrigo. I’m a big fan and I think a song from 2 Olivias would just be fun!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
LH: Caring. I care about people and animals. I care about doing well at school and music and volleyball and everything I do. I think caring is the right word but with 2 different takes on it.
CN: How do you juggle school, volleyball practice and games, and music?
LH: It’s tough! High school is new to me, I’m a freshman so I’m acclimating. Music is a big part of my life and I also play competitive volleyball so I have very little down time. But I have a great support system. My parents, producer, publicist, they all really help keep me on track. Time management is key and also just knowing my limits and when I need to say no to something. Honestly though, it comes down to time management and all the people in my life who have my back.
CN: What do your friends think about you being a rising new artist with music out on all streaming platforms?
LH: I have really great friends! They are all so supportive, they come to gigs and on my birthday they all wore my merch tee shirt to school. I can be a little shy when it comes to promoting myself but secretly love that they did that for me. A lot of my teachers are fans as well, one of the gym teachers is a super fan, he plays my songs during class almost every day!
CN: Since Christmas is right around the corner, what are you looking forward to the most?
LH: Spending time with friends and family doing all of our Christmas traditions. Watching Christmas movies, driving around with hot cocoa looking at all the lights, making ginger bread houses and cookies. I do love to shop and give gifts so I’m also really looking forward to shopping for all my loved ones.
CN: What’s on the horizon for Liv Hatfield? Are we going to have more music from you soon?
LH: I do have a whole EP recorded and will be releasing more singles and then the EP through spring of 2025. I play a lot of local open mics and gigs up here in Illinois and my team and I are working to get some live performance bookings in Nashville soon. Beyond that I’ve got more song ideas swirling around in my head and hope to be back writing and recording this summer!
For more information on Liv Hatfield, visit her website www.livhatfieldmusic.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
