Larry Gordon AKA Lil' Larry is a singer/songwriter from Dallas Texas. Raised in a musical family, Larry breaths music - it's in his soul. This passion comes across in his music, when he writes it comes from the heart and when he sings the world stops. Photogroupie caught up with Larry to find out more about his music and incredible talent.
PG: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU STARTED MAKING MUSIC?
LG: I’m a Pop artist from Dallas, Texas. I’ve been singing since the age of four. I create music that comes from my heart. It’s about life, love, and living in the moment. As a Singer-Songwriter, I have had the opportunity to debut my songs End Of The World and MVP on episodes of Love & Hip Hop (Atlanta and New York), and in the movies Hoovey and Yoga Hosier featuring Johnny Depp.
PG: TEXAS IS KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE MUSIC SCENE - WAS IT LIKE THAT GROWING UP?
LG: Yes, it is extremely diverse. Growing up I had friends that represented different nationalities, which broadened my understanding of other cultures and the music they listen to. So when I am creating I add different sounds and instruments subliminally making sure that I connect the dots and reach everyone in a unique way.
PG: YOU SEEM TO HAVE A VARIED TASTE IN MUSIC LOOKING AT YOUR MUSIC, YOU COVERED THE BONNIE RAITT CLASSIC 'I CAN'T MAKE YOU LOVE ME' AND THERE'S POP AND MOTOWN THERE TOO - SO WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES?
LG: Well my parents had an 18-piece orchestra/show band that I grew up performing in. So I was exposed to a variety of music genres such as Big Band, Country, Rock, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Rap, and so on. Some of my favorite artists are Michael Jackson, Usher, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, and Chris Brown.
PG: THE VIDEO FOR RUNNING AWAY IS VERY MICHAEL JACKSON TOO - WAS HE AN INFLUENCE IN YOUR WORK TOO?
LG: Yes, Michael Jackson is a major influence. To be honest I wanted the video to simple but intimate at the same time. I didn’t want the typical music video. I wanted people to know I am an artist/entertainer. I wanted to carry the video and not the other way around.
PG: YOU ALSO GO BY THE NAME LIL' LARRY, HOW DID THAT NAME ORIGINATE?
LG: A lady by the name of Tina Jackson actually gave me the name. At the time “LL Cool J” was very popular. My dad was a large framed man, and we both had the same name. So naturally I became “Lil Larry”.
PG: HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT WRITING YOUR SONGS, DOES IT START WITH A BEAT, OR A RIFF OR A LYRIC- OR IS IT JUST ORGANIC?
LG: Depending on the mood I’m in, it actually can be any one of the above. I don’t like to force music. I just like to let it happen and let the process take over. Granted, there are times when you just sit down and create but I love to go off feelings and vibrations. I believe that, that is where the best music comes out and it feels more genuine and relatable.
PG: YOU'RE ON TOUR WITH AKON RIGHT NOW, HOW HAS THAT BEEN?
LG: Touring with Akon has been an AMAZING experience. He is such a humble and down to earth person. To know the magnitude of his accolades and to be able to watch him perform and “kill the stage” every night, I have a whole new level of respect for him!
PG: WHEN YOU'RE ON TOUR IT CAN BE REALLY BUSY WITH A LOT OF TRAVELLING HOW DO YOU UNWIND ON TOUR?
LG: I listen to music. When I get in my hotel room, I’ll make the room as dark as possible and meditate or go to the gym and work out. I try to get my alone time and forget about everything at the moment. Doing either one or both preps me for show time.
PG: WHAT ONE SONG DO YOU NEVER GET TIRED OF HEARING?
LG: Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
PG: WHAT'S NEXT?
LG: I will continue to work my new single, Running Away. My new EP will be released in 2018, and I just released a mix-tape called Mental Course. This particular project is dear to me. It will help people understand my background in music, upbringing, and why I do what I do the way I do it. Also, the fans can look forward to more music, promotional tours, and hopefully hearing and seeing me on your television screens.