LP, the powerhouse musician and LGBTQ+ activist, joined WTOP before her concert at the Anthem in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night. She talked about her latest album, her influences, and her advocacy for the queer community.
LP’s new album ‘Churches’ is a reflection of her personal journey
LP, whose full name is Laura Pergolizzi, released her sixth studio album ‘Churches’ on October 8, 2023. The album features 15 tracks that explore themes of love, loss, faith, and identity. LP said that the album is a reflection of her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a queer artist.
“I think it’s just about being honest and being yourself and not being afraid to express that,” LP said. “I think that’s what people connect with, when they hear someone being authentic and vulnerable and brave.”
LP said that she wrote most of the songs during the pandemic, which gave her a chance to introspect and experiment with different sounds and genres. She said that she was inspired by artists like Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, and Prince, who were not afraid to break boundaries and challenge norms.
“I love artists that are very eclectic and very adventurous and very fearless,” LP said. “I think that’s what I try to do with my music, to be as fearless as possible and to push myself and to push the envelope.”
LP’s voice is a powerful instrument that captivates audiences
LP is known for her distinctive voice, which ranges from a raspy low register to a soaring high falsetto. She said that she discovered her vocal abilities when she was a teenager and started singing along to records by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Jeff Buckley.
“I just kind of mimicked them and tried to hit those notes and tried to do those runs and those riffs,” LP said. “I think that’s how I developed my voice, by just trying to emulate these amazing singers that I loved.”
LP said that she loves to use her voice as an instrument and to experiment with different tones and textures. She said that she enjoys singing live and connecting with her fans through her music.
“I think that’s the most rewarding thing, when you see people’s faces and you see them singing along and you see them feeling something,” LP said. “That’s what music is all about, it’s about making people feel something and making them feel less alone.”
LP’s activism is a way of giving back to the LGBTQ+ community
LP, who identifies as gay, said that she is proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community and to use her platform to advocate for equality and inclusion. She said that she has faced discrimination and prejudice in the music industry and in society, but she has also received a lot of support and love from her fans and peers.
“I think it’s important to be visible and to be vocal and to be proud of who you are,” LP said. “I think it’s important to show people that you can be successful and happy and fulfilled and be yourself and be queer.”
LP said that she hopes that her music and her story can inspire and empower other LGBTQ+ people, especially the younger generation, who may be struggling with their identity or facing challenges in their lives.
“I think it’s important to give back and to be a role model and to be a mentor and to be a friend,” LP said. “I think it’s important to show them that they’re not alone and that they have a community and that they have a voice and that they matter.”
LP will perform at the Anthem in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, as part of her North American tour. Tickets are available on her website and on the venue’s website.
