Gavin Livingston, better known by his stage name Gav Livz (born 24 May 1988), is a Glasgow-born music artist and businessman. He is the founder and director of Scheme to a Dream Entertainment.[1] Livz is primarily known for his collaboration with fellow hip hop artist MC-VA conforming a Hip Hop duo; The Neds. They gained recognition within the urban scene and caught the attention of various press such as The Scottish Sun putting them in the category of the "Class of 2010" acts to make it.[2] They featured alongside Twin Atlantic, Alex Gardner, Unicorn Kid, Tommy Reilly and Tango in the Attic.
Gav Livz | |
|---|---|
 Gav Livz at the O2 ABC in Glasgow | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gavin Paul Livingston |
| Also known as | Gav Livz |
| Born | 24 May 1988 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Dance & Pop |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter, Mixing engineer and Website designer and Roaster |
| Labels | Scheme to a Dream Entertainment |
| Website | gavlivz |
Biography edit
Early life and education edit
Livz attended Holyrood Secondary School from 2000 until he dropped out in 2004 to pursue a music career.[3] He attended the University of Glasgow to complete a qualification in The Business of Popular Music.
Music career edit
2003–2008: Beginnings edit
Livz' recordings date back to 2003, in 2006 he signed to Up North Records to create his debut album The Octagon. Shortly after, his main appearance resulted in a tour of the Czech Republic in 2006 with De La Soul.[4] His pseudonym Gav Livz revives from his full name.
2009–2012: The Neds edit
In 2009, Livz partnered with fellow Glaswegian rap artist Mohammad Akhtar, known as MC-VA. After discussing music and business, both decided to make music using their Scottish twang, The Neds was created. The Neds released four singles; Swagger, Whistle for'a Hottie, Goodbye and In The Air followed by releasing an album called Double 6's. Gav Livz and MC-VA sourced, directed, filmed and edited their releases themselves, releasing them on YouTube. The Hip-Hop duo established a specific sound with heavily distinguished Glaswegian accents, gaining recognition through national press.[5] The Neds were nominated for a Scottish Alternative Music Award (SAMA)in 2011, category of Best Urban Recording of the Year.[6] The duo supported Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Sway, Killa Kela and Donae'o. In 2000, they headlined King Tut's Summer Nights Festival.[7]
2013–present: business and solo career edit
In 2013, Gav Livz decided to pursue music as a solo artist[8] and work on building his music hub and record label Scheme to a Dream Entertainment.[9] He then released his mixtape Gav Still Livz Volume II followed by the single Bucky Bottle which accumulated 230,000 YouTube views.
Discography edit
| Title | Album Details | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Double 6's |
|
UK: 10,000+ |
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| In The Air | 2012 | Double 6's |
| Whistle For'a Hottie | 2012 | Double 6's |
| Goodbye | 2012 | Double 6's |
| Swagger | 2012 | Double 6's |
Awards and nominations edit
| Year | Organisation | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Scottish Alternative Music Awards | Urban Recording of the Year[10] | Nominated |
References edit
- ^ Ellis, Maureen (7 January 2013). "Rutherglen hip-hop artist aims to make mark". Evening Times.
- ^ Peter Vidani (30 September 2013). "Uk Hip Hop Scene". Ukhiphopscene.tumblr.com. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- ^ "Music Monday: INTERVIEW Gav Livz (Full)". 21 October 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ "Sounds of summer". Evening Times. 13 July 2011.
- ^ Vidani, Peter. "UK HIP HOP SCENE". UK HIP HOP SCENE. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ "2011 Scottish New Music Awards Nominations". Scotland Channel.
- ^ "Sounds of summer". Evening Times. 13 July 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- ^ "Dot J.R., Miniature Dinosaurs, Gav Livz & MC-VA and Miss Baudelaire – Glasgow City of Music". Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ "Glasgow Hatchery – Scheme to a Dream". Entrepreneurial-spark.com. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
- ^ www.girafficthemes.com, Giraffic Themes. "OBEHI nominated alongside some great artists for... -". www.gnirecords.com. Retrieved 9 June 2018.