Liv Dawson says Syd, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa give her "sass feels"

We've had a quick chat with Dawson, who plays our new music festival on 10 January, to find out what makes her tick and how she sculpts the gorgeous offerings we've had so far, including HONNE-produced tune "Painkiller", "Open Your Eyes", "Still", "Searching", and "Reflection". Dawson's made a ruckus with incisive R&B odes and big pop-splashed ballads hitting our hearts and rattling round our heads in equal measure, but we still can't wait for what's next.

Check out recent Jimmy Napes-assisted joint "Hush" below, and get to know Dawson a lil better with our Q&A afterwards.

BESTFIT: Could you introduce yourself for us please?
Live Dawson: "I'm Liv Dawson, a singer/songwriter from South West London."

What do you try to do with your music and how do you achieve this?
Liv: "I like to make my music relatable; I call it singing songs from the neighbourhood. Whenever I'm writing a song I'm always writing it organically, I try to get the song first before the production. I think this way I can focus on what the message of the song is about and build the music around it."

Can you tell us what musical and non-musical influences have shaped your sound?
Liv: "My main influencers are big female vocalists like Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Lauryn Hill, but I also love newer artists like Syd (The Internet), Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa. They give me the sass feels that I add in some of my songs."

What should people expect from your Five Day Forecast show?
Liv: "I'm so excited for this show (btw)! I'll be playing more of my new tracks and some of my current tracks that are out now. I try to find the right blend between my uptempo songs and some of the ballads like 'Reflection' and 'Tapestry'."

What are you working on now/next?
Liv: "I'm currently working on my first record, so I'm in the studio a lot. I love being in the studio, but I feel it’s time to show everyone what I’ve been working on."

How is 2018 shaping up? What are you looking forward to this year?
Liv: "It’s shaping up really well, I’ve written some new songs that I can’t wait to share and I'm excited to play more shows to everyone. I had my first tour a few weeks ago now and I had so much fun. It’s such a crazy thing to see everyone who has supported your music for months come together. So I look forward to sharing and playing to more and more people in 2018!"