Rediscovery in Reflection - Lauv's All 4 Nothing

The road to self-discovery is the road to rediscovery. Ari Staprans Leff, better known by the moniker Lauv, has created an entire album dedicated to this theme. I had the opportunity to hear from the artist himself in a press conference leading up to his now-released second album, All 4 Nothing. 

As telling as a storybook, All 4 Nothing finds a reflective Lauv recounting his colorful road to musical success whilst working through dark tunnel vision caused by imposter syndrome. In just thirty-six minutes, All 4 Nothing captures Lauv’s journey of self-rediscovery over the course of the past few years. He describes this as a beacon of his “inner light…after feeling out of touch of [his] true self.”

With the multi-platinum artist tapping into the exuberant, free nature of his younger self, his fans are sure to catch this reflected in the artist’s lyrics. Tracks like “Hey Ari'' showcase his vulnerable side that fans have come to know and relate to. It features soothing acoustics alongside gentle, self-confronting lyrics such as, “I see through the pills I take / I see through the face I make / Hey Ari, are you happy? No.” 

Other tracks include “Kids Are Born Stars'', which is a testament to the artist’s work in inner-child meditation. This song is an upbeat trip down memory lane that reimagines Lauv’s formative years. 

On a more granular level, Lauv’s personal evolution is further reflected in All 4 Nothing through the expansion of his creative palette. He describes having “more fun” in the music-making process rather than seeing it as something he needs to take “so seriously”. 

Tracks such as “Molly In Mexico,” “Summer Nights,” and “Bad Trip” reveal this change in attitude. “Summer Nights,” in particular, symbolizes an imminent outpouring of emotional release, starting off with Lauv in melancholic, pensive thought only to suddenly give way to an energetic house beat full of high-pitched vocal chops and earworm melodies.

A youthful energy that carries Lauv throughout All 4 Nothing, ultimately enabling the artist to rediscover who he is both inside and outside of music. You can catch Lauv out on his All 4 Nothing tour with special guest Hayley Kiyoko at the following dates: 

Aug 28th - Ashbury Park, NJ.                                     Stone Pony Summer Stage

Aug 30th - Charlotte, NC                                            Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

Aug 31st - Atlanta, GA                                                Coca-Cola Roxy

Sept 1st - Nashville, TN                                              Ryman Auditorium

Sept 3rd - Houston, TX                                               713 Music Hall

Sept 4th - Dallas, TX                                                   The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sept 6th - Denver, CO                                                 The Mission Ballroom

Sept 7th - Ogden, UT Ogden Amphitheater

Sept 9th - Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theatre

Sept 11th - San Diego, CA                                           Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Sept 12th - Phoenix, AZ                                               Arizona Federal Theatre

Sept 15th - Berkeley, CA                                              Greek Theatre - UC Berkeley

Sept 17th - Vancouver, BC                                           Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Sept 20th - Seattle, WA                                                 WAMU Theater