Sweetwater and Lari Basilio: Crafting Signature Soundscapes

Lari Basilio opens up about her passion for songwriting, a key element of her musical life. According to her, the beauty of songwriting lies in the spontaneous journey it offers. It’s akin to embarking on a road trip with no fixed destination, where each turn unveils unexpected landscapes. This process, filled with surprises and twists, is something she deeply cherishes. Basilio likens it to pulling threads of creativity from thin air, never quite knowing what the final tapestry will look like. It’s not about crafting a hit; it’s about relishing the unknown and allowing instinct to steer the wheel. That blend of surprise and joy is what makes writing music her favorite part of being a musician.

Lari traces her musical roots back to her childhood, painting a picture of a home steeped in musical notes and guided by her father’s influence. Her initial foray into the world of music was through the organ, which her parents keenly encouraged by arranging private lessons at home. This foundation, however, was just the beginning. Her father, a guitarist himself, was a constant source of inspiration, often strumming away on the acoustic guitar. This familial environment nurtured her growing passion for music. When she was around eight or nine years old, her father introduced her to the guitar, teaching her first chords, which quickly captivated her. From that moment on, the shift from organ to guitar was inevitable, setting Lari on a path to developing her distinctive sound.

For Lari Basilio, the essence of live music is its unparalleled energy that simply can’t be bottled. Being on stage delivers a unique high, a dynamic interaction that flows between the musician and the audience. She describes it as a magical, almost spiritual connection that transforms live shows into shared emotional journeys. Lari emphasizes the non-replicable nature of these moments, elaborating on how different audience reactions can create completely unique atmospheres each time she performs. It’s this unpredictability that enlivens her stage presence, driving her to communicate and connect at a deeper level. Besides solo performances, she cherishes playing with bands, where the collaborative energy among musicians further amplifies the magic. This alchemical blend of spontaneity and harmony is what makes live performances an essential part of her artistry.

As the interview draws to a close, Lari touches on something fundamental yet often overlooked—having fun with music. She stresses the importance of maintaining a sense of joy and wonder amidst the rigors of professionalism. To her, the guitar isn’t merely an instrument; it’s a source of profound joy and inspiration that keeps her creative spirit alive. Basilio believes that as long as one retains this intrinsic love for sound, they’ll continue to thrive musically. Her message is a gentle reminder to never lose sight of what initially drew a person into the world of music—the sheer, unadulterated fun of creation and exploration. It’s this ethos that fuels her artistic endeavors and keeps her connected to the craft, come what may.