Who knew a music artist could release all of his music independently and find success to the tune of billions of streams to his name? Lauv, a shooting star in the world of pop music who has done just that, drops his latest single “Modern Loneliness,” which the artist says is “the most important song” he feels he’s ever made. The lilting ballad takes aim at the technology-driven generation that can’t seem to put their cell phones down underscoring how we experience isolation living our lives ‘alone together.’
Modern loneliness We’re never alone but always depressed, yeah Love my friends to death but I never call, I never text La di da di da, yeah You get what you give and you give what you get, so Modern loneliness We love to get high but we don’t know how to come down
The video depicts the artist laying in a field of grass pondering his loneliness. But as the song continues the build, the camera pulls back to show he’s surrounded by others experiencing similar isolation just feet away. “There is a lot of loneliness out there,” says Lauv. “We all feel it. But there is also a lot of love waiting for us and I hope this song can be a catalyst for that.” The artist has been open about his own struggles with anxiety and depression and has taken action on the issue with his Blue Boy Foundation, which supports programs that help young people feel more comfortable reaching out for help with mental health. In 2019, he launched the “My Blue Thoughts” initiative, a community-building mechanism for fans to anonymously write down or record whatever is on their mind, as a way to engage with people around the world who may be having similar experiences.
In addition to recording and releasing his music, Lauv has also found success writing for some of the biggest stars in the world while simultaneously selling out shows all over the world as a headliner. And, perhaps most amazingly, he has done all of this without releasing an album. (yet) “Modern Loneliness” will be featured on Lauv’s highly anticipated upcoming album, ~how i’m feeling~, set for release on March 6, 2020. He kicks off his world tour in Mexico on March 21. I’m definitely a fan. I’ve previously covered Lauv’s music here and here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CITYtX5LfBJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
TRR: Lil Nas X just won a couple of Grammy Awards after having the longest run ever on the top of the Billboard chart. Are things getting better for LGBTQ music artists? What’s your experience? GW: I think using one artist as the token for an entire community is kind of strange. Overall, we’re seeing more LGBTQ representation in music, but I don’t think Lil Nas X’s sexuality has anything to do with his accomplishments, nor should it. Talent should always come first, but I am very lucky to live in a time where the industry isn’t forcing artists to stay in the closet. TRR: What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity? GW: Every song of mine comes from personal experiences and that comes from spending time with my friends and family, so when I’m not doing music I’m spending time with them. And then I always somehow have something I want to write about. TRR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? GW: Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. 
Chance says while writing the song he found himself “imagining what Johnny Cash would be like if he were around and making music in 2019.” The Oklahoma native says that ‘Western’ isn’t so much about style, “it’s about an attitude, an obsessive loyalty, and an unwavering wildness.” 
“Everyone deserves to be happy in and outside of the bedroom,” he reflects. “While ‘Mess Your Hair Up’ may appear simplistic and perhaps more superficial than my previous tracks, sometimes simple and fun is better. One of my favorite Prince songs is literally about wanting his lover’s ‘extra time and their KISS,’ and it’s still iconic.: 