Following the release of her debut album, Light Places, LP Giobbi stopped by to chat with us about the making of the album and more.
The sheer power that working hard and wearing your heart on your sleeve wields cannot be understated, and there’s no artist who can better testify to that sentiment than LP Giobbi. A classically trained pianist, powerhouse producer, and nonprofit founder, she’s a true force to be reckoned with, and lately, it seems like she’s reached new levels of unstoppable. With her unconfined creative capacity and reservoir of talents that continue to manifest in new ways, being an LP Giobbi listener is the gift that keeps on giving.
This year has been a fruitful year for the producer so far, as it’s seen the release of two new albums on top of a heaping of massive performances. One pivotal piece of LP Giobbi lore is her status as a Deadhead, or a Grateful Dead lover, and in January she unveiled a remix album for the late Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia’s 1972 solo album, Garcia. A wonderful tribute to one of the most cherished figures in music and an homage to her upbringing, the album features nine boisterous remixes that reimagine Garcia’s rambling rock-and-roll tunes, and allow her unique artistry to shine through in electrifying new ways.
Just last week, LP Giobbi released her debut album Light Places which features some of her most expressive and personal works to date. Singles like “All In A Dream” and “Can’t Let You Go” provided anticipatory tastes of what was to come on her first full-length record, and the project in its entirety has proven nothing short of noteworthy. Imaginative and full of inspiration, Light Places is full of melodious, heartfelt tunes that serve as a reminder that we can find pockets of magic in all crevices of life if we know where to look.
In addition to her recent musical output, LP Giobbi has been on the move nonstop, touching down all over the globe to deliver incredible sets at festivals and venues in every location you can think of. Last month, she added yet another impressive feat to her roster when she drew a massive crowd for two weekends of sets at Coachella, packing the house at the Yuma Tent for those eager to hear her piano-infused dance grooves. Amidst her busy schedule and recent string of accomplishments, we caught up with LP Giobbi to chat about Coachella, FEMME HOUSE, the inspiration behind Light Places, and more. Stream the album below, and read on for the full interview!
Stream LP Giobbi – Light Places on Spotify:
Hey LP Giobbi, thank you so much for talking to us! First and foremost, how are you feeling after two weekends of playing the Yuma Tent at Coachella?
Rejuvenated and grateful!
You have several years of Coachella performances under your belt, having played the Heineken House, the Do LaB, and now, the Yuma tent. What are some of your favorite parts about the festival?
I love sitting in the grass in the rose garden with friends having a glass of wine, chatting, and laughing!
The last time we spoke was when FEMME HOUSE was still only a couple of years old. In the years since then, you’ve done incredible things with the organization including providing scholarships and educational opportunities to aspiring women, queer, and POC producers, spotlighting them through stage takeovers at festivals, and so much more. What does it mean to you to see your vision come to life in such a powerful, palpable way? Do you currently have plans to expand even more?
Femme House is my “why” so it is the most rewarding to see it continue to expand and foster community. I have met some of the coolest people through this organization and am so grateful for the inspiration it provides. We are always growing our education programming, scholarships, and live show opportunities!
What are your thoughts on the current state of how marginalized voices are being represented in the dance music scene? Where do you think the scene still has room to improve?
The gatekeepers in the industry just have to continue to be aware of who they are working with and booking. Those in power have to take the time to examine their rosters and lineups and be mindful in their work.
Aside from playing massive shows lately and leading the charge of a nonprofit organization, you’ve also been rolling out some incredible releases. Recently, you did something totally unprecedented and remixed Jerry Garcia’s solo album, Garcia. What drew you to put your own original spin on this particular album?
The Garcia family reached out to me to do the remix album for the 50th anniversary of his first solo record. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, being a child who was raised by deadheads. Getting to sit in the studio and work with Jerry’s vocals and guitars was such a special moment for me.
Speaking of new releases, your debut album Light Places is out now. Did you go into the making of this album with a plan for how you wanted it all to sound, or was it more of a freeform process? How did it all come together?
I wrote most of it on planes, cars, and in hotel rooms while touring, but then once the songs were there I flew to Paris and got in the studio with DJ Tennis, Joseph Ashworth, and Le Chev and we ran all the MIDI notes through vintage synths, and recorded a drummer, and layered all the electronic drums with real drums, and put everything in the same sonic world which really brought the album together.
Where are your personal light places, and how did they play a role in the making of this album?
The Pacific Northwest Forest is my absolute light place. Trees and mountains and lush green soothe me in a way nothing else does. Being with my family is another light place.
Finally, How do you think somebody who’s at a low point in their life can find their light places?
Well, the album name is taken from this Grateful Dead quote: “Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” To me, that means there might be times you think you are lost but actually that is exactly where you are supposed to be. You never know if it’s a broken leg day or a get-out-of-the-war day.
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