At a time when the world, and everyone in it, is needing some kind of escape from the difficulties and challenges of every day life, Lover Boy, whose sound mixes several genres, is working tirelessly to provide said escape and provide those who listen to his music with just a few minutes of time where they can take a deep breath and lose themselves in his artistry, instead of the stresses that might be threatening to overwhelm them. He’s a relatively new name and face on the music scene, having released his debut single “Go Insane” back in September, but he’s already earning himself acclaim and a growing fanbase, which looks set to grow following the release of latest single “Purple Thoughts.” PopWrapped spoke to Lover Boy to find out more about his artistic inspirations, his thoughts on social media and his one goal for 2021.

What defines who you are as an artist and sets you apart from every other act around today and who has come before? 

I’ve never really had the opportunity to think about what sets me apart from those today and before me. I feel like when I try to emulate something that I’ve heard before it never feels authentically mine. I can’t see myself within the music. If I go into a project with the intention of diving into a feeling, it will always be new and it will always be mine. I have so many people I look up to and gain inspiration from, but I’ll always be making the music I need to hear for myself. I hope that, that music connects with the listener. 

Are there any particular bands or artists you’re inspired by and if so, how would you say those inspirations and influences filter through into your own music? 

I grew up being surrounded by Motown, and rock roll. My family was always playing music around the house, in the car, or anywhere we can get a song playing. My dad showed me everything from the Temptations, Earth Wind And Fire, and Barry Gordy to Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Led Zeppelin and Joe Cocker. I became obsessed with the diversity of the Beatles music and the soul that Detroit had brought to so many incredible records. As I got older I found inspirations on my own, from Jack Johnson to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, genres were never thought about. I started to find the parts of each band that inspired me and began creating something that felt my own. The horns and bleed of Motown recordings in the storytelling and power rock-and-roll.

Songs are inspired by an array of moments, thoughts and feelings; so who or what most influences the songs you write and share with the world? 

Like many others, I’m inspired most by the situations that surround my life at that given moment. I found myself needing music that allowed me to escape anxiety and depression and take a moment to be fully happy. I need something I can play, to get me excited in the car and sing to with my friends. I make music that I need for myself and hope that I am not the only one that needs it. 

Is there a particular story behind your latest track “Purple Thoughts” and what made you think it was the right choice for release as a single?

“Purple Thoughts” is about that feeling you get when you know you’re being looked at or judged by somebody and you brush it off. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be happy, it’s okay to be you, and it’s okay to do your damn thing and have a good time. I felt like this song deserved the chance to be a single and stand out on its own because I believe it’s important for people to know you can always step away from others’ judgment and make the absolute best out of the situation. Your reaction is always up to you, might as well smile.

How’d you come to collaborate with Lex Bratcher on the song? 

I always try to surround myself with people that are better than me who I can learn from. This is the absolute best example, Lex is a friend who I look up to as an artist, a lyricist, and an all-around good person. I needed her on the song because it deserved someone who truly enjoys life. You can’t step in the studio with her and not feel lucky, she is a true talent and an even better person.

Is there an EP or album in the works or are you just working a track at a time for now? 

I would love to share a few more singles before I decide to release my EP, but it is being worked on and I’m so excited to show you guys. I have so many incredible friends I’m working with that help make these songs come to life. I’ve been working with my good friend Brian Lotterman who is one of the most incredible bass players and Scott Bell who absolutely Kills on the trumpet. Both of them helped Purple thoughts become what it is, and they both push me to be a better musician and listener. I think the EP will allow me to really tell a full story and share why I love music and life so much.

How do you feel about social media and to what extent do you believe it has helped and is helping you get your name and music out to fans? Do you think there’s such a thing as being too reliant on social media today? 

Social media has always been an interesting subject for me. It’s a love-hate relationship. I believe if used correctly you can change so many people’s lives for the better, and I’m doing my best to use it truthfully and tell my story. But as much as I think it can help, I believe it can harm. I don’t want people to know my Instagram or my Twitter I want them to know me and my music. I believe it’s so easy for social media to become something you rely on to gain your emotions both positive and negative. I think it’s important to use it as a tool, to learn from it it’s knowing when to put it down and interact on a more human level.

The Coronavirus pandemic has seen the world shift in an unprecedented manner. with many industries and industries to struggling to stay afloat. How have you been personally and professionally affected by the virus, and how have you been coping with the change in daily life? Have the lockdowns and such proven to be in any way helpful to you or are you missing life as it used to be?

The past year with coronavirus is something I will absolutely never forget. Such a weird, scary yet enlightening time for me. It caused me to truly disconnect with my phone, the news, and social media and fully connect with myself, nature, and my music. I went from having no time for myself and my music to having nothing but time. I spend my days driving out to the mountains and writing music with nobody in sight. Taking as much time as I needed to think, to make mistakes, and truly find my voice through my music. I can’t say it’s been an easy time for me or anyone, but I can absolutely tell you I needed the wake-up. Luckily none of my friends or family have had too much trouble with the virus, everyone recovered in time. But I can’t help but think about all the people who weren’t that lucky. I don’t miss what life used to be, but I’m not sure what it will look like next. 

Given that this year is a write off, and just a few months away from being over, have you started thinking/looking further ahead at all yet? As and when life gets back to some semblance of normality, what’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to doing and professionally, what’s your one key goal for 2021? 

With all the craziness and this year almost being over, I still find that I have the same goal I started with. To share my story and have music take me to see the world. I’m excited about the ability to play shows and connect with people face-to-face. I’m excited to have rooms full of people playing instruments and sharing that connection again. Most of all I am excited to hug and hold all the people I didn’t have the chance to for the past year. I’m hoping everybody remembers how important it is to love your friends, love your family, love yourself.

Give “Purple Thoughts” a listen below and for more information on Lover Boy, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Instagram.