‘A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues)’: Livingston’s Most Honest (and Colorful) Release Yet

ALBUM RELEASEPOP

Mar 5

— March 5, 2025 —

On March 5, Texas-born singer-songwriter Livingston spoke at an exclusive °1824 press conference, offering insight into his upcoming deluxe album A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues), released on Friday, March 7. In a room filled with media reps, Livingston chose an unconventional seat—on the floor. The gesture, subtle yet telling, set the tone for an hour defined by honesty, introspection, and creative clarity.

Livingston described his evolving relationship with music as deeply emotional and immersive, explaining his “desire to use certain sounds and make a world with it.” This sentiment is captured vividly in “Nightlight,” one of the standout tracks from the new release, which he previewed exclusively for the audience. “I wanted it to feel like an innocent reminder of what it was to discover music—and love [for music]—for the first time,” he said. The song, layered with unexpected textures like child toys and rattling sounds, evokes a sense of wonder and childlike nostalgia.

“Songwriting can put ideas that are difficult to put into words into one being,” Livingston shared, touching on how music has served as an emotional outlet, especially in managing anxiety. “Music is an escape and a way to channel all this noise,” he said.

Reflecting on the moment he first knew he wanted to make music, he recalled riding the L train in Chicago at 13. Armed with Logic Pro and curiosity, he made his first beat—an experience that still lingers in his memory. “That is when it really started. I can remember how that felt.”

As he has grown as an artist and toured across the country, Livingston has seen firsthand how his music resonates with others. “People have really complex inner stories—they are looking for clarity and guidance. I want the music I create to unify people,” he said. That intention shaped the deluxe version of his album: a project he created to share songs he now feels fully confident in. “The challenge was to make it even bolder and clearer,” he explained.

Structurally, the album is unique—new, more colorful songs are placed at the top, while earlier tracks he recorded at age fourteen sit at the bottom. It is a chronological tapestry of his growth, both personal and artistic. “There is an inner child in me that still has a lot to say. I hear something that inspires me in the day-to-day… It is a mix of the past, the present, and what I want to project into the future. I am still a kid. I have places to go and things I want to see.”

He called “Nightlight” the most profound song on the record. “When I hear it, it makes me wonder all over again… the moment I discovered music. That is the one I am really excited about.”

Still, Livingston sees each song as part of a bigger picture. “There is no song dramatically better than the other—I am slowly refining what I want my music to say.” He emphasized that the goal isn’t to be relatable for relatability’s sake. “I am not trying to make it relatable. I am just trying to be honest. You cannot force it.”

Three-quarters of the deluxe album was co-produced with Rami Yacoub, whom Livingston credits as a pivotal mentor in his journey. “Rami showed me how to write songs, told me when my songs were not good enough. He is a genius of melody. It is so important to find mentors.”

When asked whether he writes from personal experience or broader themes, Livingston admitted that early on, it felt easier to write from his own world. “I spent so much time alone at home, I was more comfortable writing from my own skin. Over the years, I have gained the confidence to expand outwards.”

That growth has brought new perspective. “When I was younger, I was making a lot of guesses about how the world works. Getting out in the world is scary—but also comforting. You realize no one has it figured out. Everyone always has that wonder. That has changed my songwriting a lot. It is less about how the world can make sense to me and more about letting go and enjoying the process.”

Livingston also spoke about the realities of touring—the early high-energy stretches, the inevitable exhaustion, and the resilience it demands. “In two weeks, everyone gets sick. You still put on the same show—but it takes much more energy to do it. The push is when everyone gets over the illness. I believe everyone deserves the exact same show. Small rooms sometimes have even bigger energy than big venues.”

Looking ahead, Livingston dreams of composing film scores, citing Hans Zimmer as a major influence and future dream collaborator. “He has influenced me a lot. I love using orchestral sounds. I would love to do film music in the future.” He reflected on the accessibility of music-making today: “Anyone can do it. There is so much at your fingertips.”

As the °1824 press conference wrapped, Livingston reiterated his hope for what listeners will take away from the project. “I just want people to feel inspiration after listening to my music. Whatever song it is, I hope it can spark something.”

With A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues), Livingston invites listeners not just into a collection of songs, but into a living, breathing story still unfolding—one grounded in honesty, shaped by curiosity, and filled with a deep desire to connect.

Follow Livingston: