Líon Goodwin
Líon Goodwin is a singer/songwriter/producer based in Los Angeles.
Hailing from Springfield, Virginia, the artist started writing poetry during his teenage years. After teaching himself how to play guitar & keyboard, Goodwin quickly began producing his own music.
The artist released his debut single “Beautiful Love” in 2018. He’s now introducing his first project Beautiful Catastrophe.
Entirely written, produced, mixed and mastered by Goodwin himself, the promising project includes elements of r&b, hip-hop and EDM.
“I've always been a fan of EDM music personally but mainly the sub genres that had a hip hop/ urban bounce or iflow. I would just try to see how I could combine my favorite genres into one, to make a sound that people could appreciate. And I feel my music is a gateway for those that don't like EDM, to start appreciating the genre more,” explains Goodwin.
Innovative and colorful, Líon Goodwin has created his own musical signature.
Beautiful Catastrophe is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself / What's your story?
I am Líon Goodwin, an artist originally from Northern Virginia but currently reside in LA for music. Roughly 2 years ago I lost my career and full time job, went through a toxic breakup, and I had nowhere to live all within the same month. So I took the risk to drive across the country alone with my dog to kick start my music career.
You are from Springfield, Virginia. Any favorite childhood memories?
I think one of my favorite childhood memories would be listening to Smooth Jazz in the car, during late drives from a long weekend trip. My mother and father both had family in Philadelphia so it would be about a 3 hour drive from Northern Virginia. On the way back from Philly at like 10 pm at night, he would just have some relaxing music on I would relax too. My favorite jam to listen to would be "Quiet Storm" by Smokey Robinson.
When did you start feeling connected to art and music?
I've always been connected to art. Actually growing up I used to draw a ton of Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z characters. I wanted to be a "drawing" artist first before I even touched my first instrument. But I remember being connected to music back to when my father would put on Michael Jackson's Dangerous Album on Vinyl. He would play music loud early Saturday mornings to relax or clean up the house etc, and I would find myself grooving along with it.
When did you start writing poetry? What do you like the most about poetry?
I started writing poetry back in my sophomore year in High school. I was a very out going kid but wasn't the most confident growing up, so my high school crushes curved me lol. I would write deep poems about love or heart breaks, and even raps as well occasionally.
When did you start making music?
I started roughly 9 years ago. Fresh out of the Guitar Hero wave. It was 2010 when my mom bought me my first guitar and when I first downloaded FL studio 10 on my laptop. I had started producing these simple R&B and hip hop beats that we're corny overall but the melodies had potential haha.
When did you know you could sing?
To be 100% honest I didn't and for a while I didn't think I could. Everything I do music wise is all 100% self taught, so I was very insecure with how my voice sounded because I didn't know if I was doing it right. I wasn't properly trained or taught, but eventually I learned that there is no correct way to sing. It’s how you use your voice. I just knew my voice sounded great to me and hoped that others felt the same.
How did your artist name Líon Goodwin come about?
I am a Leo and my middle name is Lee, so the name "Líon Goodwin" (pronounced as "Lee-on Good-win") crossed my mind one day and it flows well. I have also had quite a lot of people tell me that I fit the zodiac description of a Leo undoubtedly.
How would you define Líon Goodwin the artist?
I feel that I am loving and caring towards my own like an actual Lion would be, but fierce when needed to be. This is how I would also describe my sound or music.
What's the story behind your song "Beautiful Love"?
I wrote this record when I was in a long meaningful relationship, but also knew was falling apart. It was about the beauty in our relationship before it went south. We were supposed to move to LA together but ironically she left me few days shortly after I made the song.
What message do you want to convey through this song?
It's about appreciating your partner / lover for who they are regardless of what an outsider may think. In relationships we tend to let things from the outside in, which can ultimately change your perspective of your relationship for the worst.
What can you tell us about the music video? What was the inspiration behind it?
I feel that the music video compliments the lyrics that I'm singing about very well. It gives very energetic yet wholesome vibes.
You’ve just released your new project Beautiful Catastrophe. Could you describe us the songwriting/production process?
I wanted to try something different. I was very inspired by this new genre of music called Future Bass or Future Pop a few years ago which helped develop my sound. I've always been a fan of EDM music personally but mainly the sub genres that had a hip hop/ urban bounce or iflow. I would just try to see how I could combine my favorite genres into one, to make a sound that people could appreciate. And I feel my music is a gateway for those that don't like EDM, to start appreciating the genre more.
What are the different topics you are talking about on this project?
The project has a lot of upbeat / feel good vibes along with deep emotional heart break vibes. I wrote about the combination of the good and bad in a relationship, which describes a beautiful catastrophe.
What do you like the most about this EP?
The melodies and production for sure. I really love the melodies I sang and how it compliments the production's melodies. I purposely wanted to draw just as much attention to the production and not just the lyrics.
What was the hardest part about making this EP? And what was the best part?
To me it’s all just as difficult especially when you're doing it all on your own. This project is fully produced, written, mixed, and mastered all just myself. But I loved every aspect of it. The whole music making process is beautiful, but the best feeling is when you realize you have a hit before the song is done haha.
What did you learn about yourself after finishing this EP?
I just learned more about my limits and what I am really capable of. I have a better understanding of my work flow and what works for me in the music creating process. I am also just very proud of myself finishing this project on my own.
Why did you name your project Beautiful Catastrophe?
I feel like it’s a play on words, it describes a beautiful disaster. I named it specifically this because not everything you deal with in life especially toxic relationships, are necessary 100% bad things. Of course the "toxic" part of a relationship isn't pleasant, but it’s the negative things in it that make us capable to make something positive of it. You have to see the beauty in everything. It’s what keeps up moving forward in life and in music for me personally.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
Change. Some sort of change in the way people think, perceive things, or how they react to certain things. The world lacks empathy and courage. I feel like my music and the vibe it gives can make people think about the bigger picture.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
The world lacks empathy, understanding, and patience. I feel like people are made to believe that falling in love is corny or that doing something positive is corny. I'm always asking those around me what ever happen to love being a positive thing in music? Majority of the timeless records that we listen to today are still in rotation because of the great energy it brings us. I want to bring that energy in the music back to help change the world.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I've learned to take risks, never jump into conclusions, and to live life fullest with no regrets!
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