Emerging in a pouf of dazzling stardust, Liv Warfield has solidified herself as a legend of her own time. Born in Peoria, IL the former Notre Dame Track star and gymnast began her singing career in Portland, OR where she had relocated to attend college. Influenced by musical heroines such as Nina Simone, Etta James, Sade, Tina Turner and Mary J. Blige, Liv has brought her own unique and soulful sound to the ranks of the indisputably talented.
In the beginning of her career, Liv collaborated with a myriad of local musicians in Portland which provided the platform to demonstrate her vocals across genres. As Liv began performing within Portland’s vibrant music scene she established herself as an icon. She was ultimately hailed as “Portland’s most soulful singer” (Portland Monthly). Eventually, the fervent support she received locally became the catalyst that catapulted Liv’s career to the next level.
Liv Warfield’s talent defies definition. She sits comfortably outside the box and can croon her way into the top talent of any mix. However, if a definition is insisted upon – the singer herself describes her style as “alternative R&B Soul with a little bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll” – a style which she has spent years cultivating. In 2006, Liv’s self-released debut album Embrace Me, was well received and offered the world a glimpse into her distinguished sound. However, it was 2009 which brought the pivotal change of her career. The legendary performer Prince watched a video on YouTube of Liv singing “Gimme Shelter” and three months later, he called her to invite her to audition for his vocal backing group, the New Power Generation (NPG). Nowadays, Liv has been singing, touring and blazing stages with Prince and the NPG for the past several years. Liv also sang on Prince’s 2010 album Lotusflow3r and since then, the rest is history – in the making.
Prince has become one of Liv’s greatest celebrity supporters. In a short but powerful appearance, he even sat with Liv’s band, BlackBird, during her top billed show at a 2014 Essence Fest afterparty at the House of Blues. Liv credits Prince as an ultimate music mentor who has taught her how to be great on the stage and in the studio; a gift she took back with her to Portland where she recorded her sophomore album, The Unexpected (released early 2014), with Prince as the Executive Producer.
Despite his involvement, Prince encouraged Liv to take full control of the album’s production. Wanting to preserve the spontaneity and excitement that comes with live music, Liv’s first music video for the album’s first single “Why Do You Lie” showcases Liv sharing the spotlight with her band, a full horn section and a minimalist white backdrop. After a long hiatus, Vh1 Soul reintroduced its popular “You Oughta Know” promo campaign with Liv as their first featured artist of 2014. Her second single is the title-track “The Unexpected,” written by Prince.
Prince isn’t the only big name star in Liv’s corner. She has performed alongside numerous legendary artist including Al Green, B.B. King, Dave Matthews Band, The Roots and more. Liv has performed from her album The Unexpected on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,”, “Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Liv has been interviewed on NPR (National Public Radio), and she has been nominated for three 2014 Soul Train Music Awards, where she is also scheduled to perform along with Chris Brown, Jodeci and more. With the dedication and tremendous talent evidenced in her journey so far, it is realistic to speculate that a future Liv Warfield Grammy nomination would not be unexpected.
| ARTIST | INSTRUMENT | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|
| Liv Warfield | Lead Vocal | www.livwarfieldmusic.com |
| Chris Turner | Keys | |
| Ryan Waters | Guitar | |
| Uriah Duffy | Bass | |
| Taron Lockett | Drums | |
| Ashley Minnieweather | Back Vocal | |
| Lynn Grisset | Trumpet | |
| Bobby Joe “Joey” Rayfield | Trombone | |
| Adrian Crutchfield | Alto Sax | |
| Keith Anderson | Tenor Sax | |
| Marcus Anderson | Tenor Sax | |
| Bernard “BL” Jackson | Baritone Sax |
