Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Lane
Hi Libby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up around music and deeply loved it since birth. I was the baby of five girls with a big age gap, and our nights consisted of singing on the back porch with my dad playing guitar. It was the one time it felt our chaotic family would come together and be whole. That’s one thing I love most about music and why it is my safe space; it can bring people closer despite differences or circumstances. I joined any music activity I could from a young age: choir, recorder contests, talent shows, and so on. My dad bought me my first guitar in 6th grade, and my parents put me into piano lessons from a young age. Music became almost a drug to me, as well as performing. Being able to share well-loved songs while getting to encounter people who connected to them was something that became a comfort to me. Up until my high school age, I just knew I loved music until I realized the power of songwriting and that there could be a whole business created off of something I loved. It wasn’t until my first heartbreak before COVID I picked up a pen and really crafted my writing. It was a first love situation, so naturally, getting heartbroken at fifteen has a lot of sadness as well as creativity that festers. I stayed up until 3 am eating ice cream and writing. My mom walked in and said, ” Libby he didn’t even call you babe,” laughing at a young love heartbreak. I took inspiration, and this turned into the song that kickstarted my career and gave me a name. I immediately went to the studio whenever COVID was slowing down and got to work. My sister, who is a photographer, took my first ever headshots and I learned how to release and market my music from scratch. Even in 2020, there wasn’t as much access to learn how to kickstart a music career as there is now, especially with TikTok. I then got the confidence to audition for the voice, which twice I made it to the round right before TV which I am proud of, as well as making the top 5 in the houston rodeo talent show which never got finalized due to COVID. Shortly after, I learned from going to live music events you could make money off of playing for hours. What a dream job for someone who deeply loves performing! So, I started emailing and calling every location near me I could until one lady, Morgan Loper, saw my potential through a screen and invited me to meet her at the venue she booked. Little did I know at 16, I would find the agent that would stick with me and help me nourish and grow my career into a reality. After we met, I started booking gigs constantly every weekend, from weddings, to private events, to little bars all over TX. Name a town, I have played there before I could legally drink. I started up my own LLC, learned the value of a dollar and how to set my prices, as well as marketing and networking . Then, as the years went by with more experience, falling in and out of love, hardships, as well as inspiration, I would release more songs, and perform in bigger venues, and eventually my agent got hired by one of the most successful well-known agencies in TX I am proud to be apart of; 7th Planet Entertainment Group owned by Keli Pearce. Since then, I have sung the national anthem for Aaron Watson, opened for Cody Canada, and have become a frequent artist that plays the stockyards which my younger self would be so proud of. I recently graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications before I turned 21, with plans to fully pursue music. It was so rewarding because I set the goal in middle school to get the college degree my parents wanted me to gain as quickly as possible to make my dream come true, and here we are. I have so many more songs, goals and things to pursue for the future and I cannot wait!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing that is successful or ideal comes easily. Every good thing comes with its trials and tribulations. Initially, I pursued a career that was not as popular or known of in my small town of Midlothian. This was also in a time country music was not as vast and accepting as it is now, especially for female artist. I remember when I released my first song the teachers who loved and supported me as well as the principal wanted to play my songs inbetween the classes sometimes, and I would overhear kids snickering and picking fun at me in the halls. The typical mean girl stuff you see in the movies or expect from teenagers. If I was talking to a guy, some people would make sexist comments like “oh be careful or she will write a song about you”. I have had my fair share of hate comments, people mocking my efforts, my art, as well as telling me it was a lost cause chasing a dream. With time however, I learned that the amount of love and support I had from strangers and loved ones telling me to hold and chase my dream meant way much more than the negativity. The music induistry in general is a very stereotypical place for a female to be in. Although we have come far with acceptance and equality in the industry, I feel there is much more to be done and my dream is to be apart of changin that stereotype. For instance, I have been turned away from some big venues just because the owner did not like female artist sound and felt tickets would not sell as well because I was a female. I just proved him wrong by filling out the next door venue with people. Another example is being sexualized in the industry and having to watch my back at shows, knowing how to approach intoxicated men who come up during my sets, as well as setting boundaries. Vulnerability is another struggle faced. Writing a whole song over a real life experience you went through as well as putting your art and expression on a stage every weekend for people to criticize or possibly disagree with is alot to do; but so worth the end result.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I go to bars, events, you name it, and get my guitar and play music and perform for people! I am proud to be apart of the Texas country music scene, however, I am known for my soul. I out a twist on songs; for example, I prefer old rock and classics, so I will take a Fleetwood song like Dreams and turn it into my own country version. It is something I am known for and enjoy very much! I play full band for the bigger events such as opening for an artist or headlining an event, and i love my band! We have fiddle, drums, and guitar! I am most proud of what I do. As I said, music is my life, so being abel to say I srated my own business at 16 as a female and have successfully made my passion my main source of income is my biggest pride and joy! I also love getting to know people and connect with other artist and just people with music. What sets me apart is my deep appreciation and knowledge of music. I not only love making my own and singing, but I take deep consideration and appreciation for the greats before me; such as Elvis, Prince, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Billy Joel, and so on. I get to know how they started, their tricks and quirks in music, and have a deep appreciation for all genres and ages of songs. I am proud to say I have never lost a game of “What song or Artist is this?” in my life!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I will always do music and am contempt with getting to connect and play over TX, however I have many dreams and goals I have set for myself for the next few years. I would love to open for Kacey Musgraves or Lainey Wilson at some point. I want to expand my business by booking more out-of-state gigs, and have had a certain. dream planted on my bucket list since childhood; play at the Grand Old Opry. I would love to produce more songs that are deeper quality and are up to date with my life experiences that speak to people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/libbylanemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbylanem/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibbyLaneMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGgy5MN7EvQ4scx-A0fQSg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7110s94XOf8dszNW2pukxr
Image Credits
Jynnifer Lacy Photography
Western Vaquera
Heather Harris Whitt Photography
