Norwegian born, London based singer and songwriter Liv Austen burst on to the scene in 2014 with her debut EP. Since then she has gained a huge following on the UK country music scene, and collaborated with Ben Earle from The Shires as well as the main songwriter for Ward Thomas, Jessica Sharman. Just 3 years in to her professional career as a singer and songwriter, she has had three of her songs played on BBC Radio 2. Earlier this year she signed her first record deal, with NUA Entertainment, run by Paul Hardcastle. Her first single since signing, The Next Time, was released to rave reviews not only from the UK, but also Scandinavia and mainland Europe, landing on Holland Country Radio’s A-list, along with numerous UK, Norwegian and US radio stations. You can stay updated with Liv’s live shows at livausten.com/shows, and you can connect with her on social media through the links below:
- − Facebook: facebook.com/livausten
- − Twitter: @livausten
- − Instagram: @livausten
What is your favourite joke?
Ah man, I am awful at jokes! I always laugh at puns though. Silly stuff. Like “The future, the present and the past walked into a bar. Things got a little tense.”
What makes you smile?
Dogs and babies!
What is your favourite good news story?
I am a huge fan of happy dog adoption stories, if dogs come from a bad home and then gets a lovely new owner who is crazy about dogs – that always cheers me up! I also read a story yesterday about an old man in Atlanta referred to as the “ICU Grandpa” he volunteers at the hospital and cuddles newborn babies when the parents aren’t there to hold them.
What inspires you?
Music. Great live music always inspires me. Also a great book or film can really shift my mood and how I see the world. Art in general inspires me so much!
If you could change on thing in the world what would it be?
One thing?? Ah, that’s tough… In the wake of all the women (and men) coming out and speaking about sexual harassment at work, especially in the entertainment industry, I would just love for us all to treat each other with respect, not abuse power, not set out to humiliate one another. If I had the ability to, I would just remove that tendency in all humans.
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
I think I would choose to be able to teleport myself to new places. I do love travelling, but sometimes I really wish I could get to so many places around the world much quicker (and cheaper)!
What is your favourite food?
I am a big lover of a lot of different food. Mexican, maybe! Slightly spicy, with lots of different flavours, and a lot of greens… I love vegetables!
What is your favourite drink?
Water! I am so grateful for water, and that I have always had access to clean water wherever I’ve been in the world. That is definitely not a given. (I also really enjoy a glass of red wine)
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
If it wasn’t such a pain to travel with it, I would take my guitar everywhere with me. Sadly airlines have a way to go with that.
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
Catcalling would be an offence.
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
I love Rage Against The Machine.
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
“Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated”
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
At this point in time I would suggest everyone gives as much as they can to Puerto Rico. They are really suffering, and it is ridiculous that they are not getting more help from the US. So I think we as a global community should come together and show them how it’s done.
Who is your favourite music artist?
It’s obviously hard to pick one for someone who works with music all day, every day, but I’d have to say John Mayer.
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
Probably my mother.
PJ’s or Not? – Quick Fire Questions
Hot or cold? Hot
Cat or dog? Dog
Blue or pink? Blue
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Glass half-empty or glass half-full? Half-full!
Pyjamas or not? Pyjamas
Night out or night in? Night in. I’m such an old lady
Pizza or pasta? Pasta
Biscuits or cake? Cake (preferably carrot)
Wine or beer? Wine
Football or rugby? Football (I’m from Norway – rugby is not a big thing there!)
Cinema or theatre? Cinema
Gym or TV? Gym!
Naughty or nice? Nice
Silver or gold? Gold
Tent or hotel? Hotel, please
Bath or shower? Shower
Starter or pudding? Starter
Sheets or duvet? Duvet
Love Island or Game Of Thrones? Can I say “neither”?! If I have to choose, GoT. But I don’t watch either.
Apple or banana? Banana