© Visa Cash App Racing Bulls / Will Cornelius
We’re about to have a VCARB-shaped hoedown in Austin.
For one night only, as part of Esses Bazaar, VCARB are putting on a night of live music, headlined by none other than Liam Lawson & Friends, and you can grab your tickets here.
Joined by his brother, Marcus, and his two childhood friends, Thomas and Harrison, the Kiwi quartet will be performing together – live on stage – for the first time in years.
Liam Lawson & Friends will be joined by country singer/songwriters Jonny Capeci (co-wrote & produced ‘Body Talk’ with Kane Brown), Scoot Teasley (co-wrote “Home" with BigXthaPlug and Shaboozey) and Jess Farren (co-wrote “Hate How You Look" with Josh Ross). Plus, rising talents Alison Nichols and Drake Milligan will round out the evening, just in case that wasn’t enough for you.
Ahead of VCARB Garage Sessions, we had some time with Liam, repping his finest Stetson, to chew the fat on his connections to music and what makes this performance so special to him.
How do you balance playing music with your busy F1 schedule?
“It’s not actually that difficult. I pick up my Taylor guitar whenever I want to switch off, between sessions or after a race weekend. I listen to music between sessions or in warm-up, too, so music and racing feed off each other for me.”
What are some similarities between preparing for a race and a performance like this?
“I would say driving a race car is much easier. I’m nowhere near as nervous for a race as I am for this performance. They’re both high pressure, that’s for sure.”
What are the challenges of preparing for a live performance with your brother and school friends?
“It’s one of those situations where you never feel fully prepared. You can always do more, but I have such a specific job that this can be difficult to fit into my routine.”
Howdy, Lawson© Visa Cash App Racing Bulls / Will CorneliusDid these limitations influence your song choices?
“I’ve tried to pick songs that aren’t super difficult, especially vocally. I don’t play with these guys ever, really. We’re all so busy. I maybe see them every two or three years, if I’m lucky.
The main thing is that we have fun and use the moment to connect with the fans in Austin.”
How are you feeling ahead of your performance at Garage Sessions?
“Excited, but also very, very nervous. To have my brother and childhood friends with me, who I’ve played with since I was eight years old, is pretty cool.”
Wild Wild West© Visa Cash App Racing Bulls / Will CorneliusWhat’s your favourite music to play?
“Country music is my favourite. It has that campfire vibe where everyone can get involved. It’s a bit simpler on guitar, too.”
Who were some of your musical inspirations when growing up?
“I grew up listening to my dad’s music. 80s rock, mainly. The first concert I went to was Def Leppard when I was eight or nine. My dad told me that if I passed my guitar exam with a distinction, he’d let me go, and I did. Growing up, John Mayer was an inspiration too. He’s very good and his music knowledge and songwriting are very cool. I like the older stuff.”
Palate whetted? We hope so. The VCARB Garage Sessions, featuring live performances from Mr Liam Lawson, get underway October 22, live from Inn Cahoots, Austin.
It’s true what they say: There ain’t no party like a VCARB party.
