HomeFeaturesPeople › LV Sharp: Getting to Know One of the Hottest New Artists In The Game
 
 
 

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By: Cadie Carroll

Laura Varker was born April 5, 1990 in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up she was always very passionate about music, and her tight-knit community allowed her to explore a wide array of genres, styles and sounds. At the young age of 14, Laura recorded her very first single – and she has yet to look back. Now more than eight years later, she’s recording under the name LV Sharp and has proved to be one of the hottest up-and-coming artists of her generation.

Just this week she released a new single titled “I LUV YOU,” and I’ve got to tell you, this girl can sing. With the perfect mix of pop, soul and a little flare, it’s something that’ll keep you jamming all the way through. You can check out this spicy new track on iTunes or Amazon.

 

LV is more than just your average triple threat. She’s a singer, songwriter, dancer and true performer. She knows what it takes to make it big, and after talking with her in an exclusive interview there’s no doubt that’s exactly what she’s going to do. We wanted to bring you the down-low straight from the songstress herself, and here’s what LV had to say:

 

CC: How did you get into the music industry?

LV: Well it’s a long, long road and you know for some people it’s very simple and it comes down to just knowing somebody. But for me I took a lot of wrong turns, hit a lot of dead end paths, and worked with people who promised you this and that and the world and who had bad intentions. I started recording when I was 14 years old, and I really don’t feel like I hit the right path until last October, when I was 22. That’s eight years. It wasn’t really time wasted – I gained a lot of experience and learned a lot of lessons, but I would say once I met my managerwas really when I started to feel like I was on the path to the big times.

 

CC: Tell us a little bit about how you met your manager:

LV: About two or three years ago, DMC from Run DMC was out here working on a project where they had about 10 rappers working on an all-clean hip-hop/rap project. They had a contest and picked 10 rappers from all over the world, and my manager Eddie Lemons was partners with DMC on the project. He wasn’t really out here in Arizona on any management tip, he was just working with DMC on the project at Saltmine Studios in Mesa. A close friend of mine had worked on putting the funding together for their project, and he kind of put in a good word for me – told them he knew a singer and if they needed backup on vocals I could come in.

 

I ended up meeting with them and was already really familiar with the Saltmine because I had recorded there many times and was good friends with the owner, Don Salter. I ended up thinking I was going to do maybe one or two tracks and I ended up on like five or six songs and made really great relationships with everyone involved, Eddie being one of them. And it wasn’t until about two years later – you know I kept working really hard, sending Eddie new songs, showing him that I was ready and that I had what it took – and finally he said alright, let’s do it. And from that day on we’ve been rocking together and he’s phenomenal. I’m truly blessed to have a manager like him because he works really hard.

 

CC: So when you’re not in the studio or writing songs, what’s a typical day like?

LV: When I’m not creating or meeting up with people, or recording or in dance class, I really don’t have that much time. I’m usually running my own personal errands – I still have to take care of my bills and the everyday things in life like cleaning my house, stuff like that. But in my true leisure time when I have time to do things outside of work and outside of my own personal errands I would say just to spend time with my friends and family, I like to eat out and try new restaurants, shop – of course – and spending time with my two cats. I’m super obsessed with my two cats… they’re like my kids.

 

CC: Who are your musical influences?

LV: Growing up I was into a totally different array of artists that are in different genres and different sounds. I was obsessed with Alanis Morissette when I was younger. I just really idolized her style of music, and even thought that’s not necessarily the style of music that I sing, I still get things from her that inspire me like her ability to just walk on the edge, to take that leap and be bold, bad and edgy. And I love that because I can relate to that – I was always kind of the rebel child testing my limits and my boundaries.

 

I also listen to artists like Shania Twain, Aaliyah, Christina Aguilera, and Destiny’s Child. And as I got older I really took to more soulful artists like Sade, Kim Burrell, and Brandy. I really love Jazmine Sullivan and of course Mariah Carey, but I would say my all time favorite, hands down is Beyoncé. I’ve looked up to her since day one. She’s my all-around idol, the Queen. Everything about her is on point.

 
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If you haven’t had the chance to check this girl out, you should very soon. LV’s got the strength, determination, and talent to become this generation’s next big star – and she’s well on her way.

Buzz on LV:

"LV Sharp is going to be one of the hottest new artists of the next generation. Her voice is amazing and she has enough talent to be a superstar in many years to come."
MEL SMITH
Sr. VP of Promotions, Cash Money Records/YMCMB

"LV Sharp has a great future in front of her. She’s a beautiful artist with a great voice."
AJ SAVAGE
Vice President, RCA RECORDS

"This girl is the truth and one of the best females to come outta Arizona! She's got the total package."
-JD
Co Host - The Lady La Show, 101.5 Jamz

LV Sharp – Quick Facts and Arizona Favorites:

Birthday: April 5, 1990. Team Aries.

Hometown: Phoenix. I grew up on the north side of town, went to Shadow Mountain HS.

Favorite place you've traveled: Kauai, Hawaii. It’s so breathtaking there! I look forward to exploring some awesome places outside the country though.

Somewhere you’d love to travel: Greece.

Favorite restaurant and your go-to dish: I’m really addicted to Postino. Really I love any cute little wine café with good salads. My favorite dishes are the assorted bruschetta boards and all of the salads. I love the Italian Picnic (with no bacon). I also love True Food Kitchen in Scottsdale Quarter.

Favorite place to shop: I’ve pretty much become addicted to shopping online. It’s the best way to find fashion from all over the world, and it lets you be unique instead of shopping in local stores where everyone else is choosing from the same racks. eBay is one of my favorites because like any girl I love the finer things and designers, but I don’t want to pay full price for it! Don’t get me wrong though, I’ll go thrift shop hunting too!

Go-to outfit for an Arizona summer day: A cute solid color, loose cut off top (you can find them at a low cost from American Apparel or H&M) and a pair of jean shorts or printed/plain leggings. Or you could always go with a long, sleeveless dress – I just bought a cute one for $20 a BooHoo.com. They have a ton of basics and essentials that are really easy to mix and match.
Favorite nighttime scene: I’m not a big drinker or partier, but when I do go out I love to try a cool new restaurant for dinner and head out to Old Town Scottsdale.

Go to for a movie night: I would definitely make a reservation at the iPic in Scottsdale Quarter, or my second choice would be the Dine-in Esplanade Theatre. Both of them make movie-going fun and comfortable.