In a world where music often comes wrapped in conformity and predictability, one artist stands out for their unique voice, unwavering individuality, and fearless advocacy. LP, the powerhouse musician and LGBTQ+ Activism LP joins WTOP before her electrifying performance at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., where she shared her incredible journey of self-discovery, music, and unapologetic activism.
Born in Brooklyn in 1981, LP’s musical odyssey began in a non-musical family, where her parents’ taste in music diverged drastically. LP reminisced, “My mom listened to opera, and my dad liked oldies channels like Elvis and Johnny Cash, but his musical opinion did not matter TBH.” Despite her unconventional background, LP embarked on a path that would ultimately redefine the music industry.
Following the production of Lowery’s first album, “Heart-Shaped Scar,” in 2001, LP went out on their own to record “Suburban Sprawl & Alcohol,” their second album, in 2004.
LP’s breakthrough came with the assistance of David Lowery, a member of the rock band Cracker. Lowery featured on the LP of the band’s fourth album, “Gentleman’s Blues” (1998), introducing the world to her extraordinary voice. The journey had begun, and LP never looked back.
Rejecting the notion of fitting into the “white girl blues singer” mold, LP transitioned into writing pop songs for world-famous artists, including Cher, Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, and more. Yet, her passion for being an artist never faded. LP revealed, “I realized very early on that I didn’t really want to embark on the ‘white girl blues singer’ thing. I was fascinated with songwriting the most.”
The turning point came with LP’s third album, “Forever for Now” (2014), featuring the hit song “Into the Wild.” LP shared, “That’s when I really found myself as an artist. ‘Into the Wild’ kind of embarked me on being an artist again.”
However, the music industry’s twists and turns led LP to part ways with Warner Bros. Records. She found a new home with Vagrant Records, releasing her fourth album, “Lost on You” (2016), featuring the powerful title track. This marked the beginning of an incredible journey that continued with successful albums like “Heart to Mouth” (2018), “Churches” (2021), and the recently released “Love Lines” (2023).
LP’s remarkable music is not the only thing that sets her apart. She has found unexpected success in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not always embraced, such as Eastern Europe and Latin America. LP’s advocacy for love and equality is evident in her work. She filmed the video for “Dayglow” in Czechia to advocate for marriage equality and has witnessed oligarchs attending her shows in Russia, standing alongside LGBTQ+ teens who are not yet out in the open.
LP’s message is clear: “I just believe in people. Religion and governments, I don’t believe in either of them. I believe in people.” She radiates an energy of love and connection, rejecting any attempts to divide or discriminate. LP boldly declared, “You
LP is unafraid of anybody attempting to dictate to others what they should do.
Despite facing challenges and obstacles, LP remains unapologetically herself, unyielding to anyone who attempts to dictate her path. She encourages others to do the same, saying, “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 that often pressures artists to conform, LP stands tall as a symbol of authenticity, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of music and love.
Listen to the full conversation on the podcast below: