Meet Livia Peixoto | Music Industry Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Livia Peixoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Livia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Risk-taking for me is an essential part of living a fulfilling life and advancing in my career. I view risks as opportunities for growth and exploration. Throughout my life, I’ve always been driven by a desire to challenge myself and push beyond my comfort zone. Stagnation is something I actively avoid; I thrive when I’m faced with new challenges.

When I find myself too comfortable, I become restless and seek out new avenues for development. While there’s always the possibility of failure when taking risks, I firmly believe that the experience gained and the lessons learned far outweigh the fear of falling short. Regret, for me, stems more from not taking a chance rather than facing the possibility of failure.

An illustrative example of my approach to risk-taking is my decision to pursue opportunities abroad in the music industry. Despite enjoying a fulfilling career at a major record label in Brazil, I harbored a longstanding dream of exploring new horizons and continuously expanding my knowledge. This desire led me to make the bold decision to move to Los Angeles, leaving behind the familiarity of my job and home country.

In LA, I pursued further education in music business at UCLA Extension, a decision that allowed me to deepen my understanding of the industry and broaden my professional network. While the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, I’ve celebrated every step forward, regardless of its magnitude. Currently, I am contributing to the music industry in a new capacity, working for a music management company, and each day presents fresh opportunities for growth and learning. Additionally, I’ve been actively involved in assisting Brazilian artists with the internationalization of their careers.

Embracing uncertainty has not only led to invaluable experiences but has also reinforced my belief in the importance of daring to pursue one’s dreams, regardless of the potential outcomes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been working in the music industry for almost 8 years now, gaining experience across various areas of the market. It all started with an internship at Som Livre, a record label in Brazil, where I ended up staying for over six years. During my time there, I worked in marketing, live event production, and artist management.

Deciding to move to LA was perhaps the toughest decision I’ve made. I wanted to expand my understanding of the global music landscape and bring my expertise from Brazil and the LATAM market to the US. Leaving behind a job I loved in my home country to start fresh in a completely different place, where I didn’t know many people in the industry, was challenging, but I believed it would lead to greater opportunities and growth in the long run. So I embraced the challenge, eager to learn and connect with new people, determined to demonstrate my worth and capabilities.

Moreover, my decision to move to the US speaks volumes about my dedication to succeeding in this industry and my passion for what I do. I’m not afraid of hard work; in fact, I thrive on being busy. I’m accustomed to having packed schedules, and it keeps me motivated.When you’re passionate about your work, putting in extra hours or working overnight during a concert or festival feels completely worth it and fulfilling. Seeing the impact I can make on artists’ careers is incredibly rewarding. Every milestone, no matter how small it may seem, represents a lot of hard work and dedication behind the scenes. Whether it’s watching an artist perform at a major festival for the first time or seeing their song break into the top 100 on streaming charts, each achievement is a testament to our collective effort and commitment.

Working in music means dealing with others’ art, dreams, and lives, so genuine love for the craft is essential to effectively support artists in realizing their aspirations. Their dreams become intertwined with mine, and I believe it’s crucial to approach this work with respect and empathy, recognizing the profound impact it has on people’s lives. Being respectful and understanding fosters meaningful relationships and ensures that our collaborative efforts are guided by compassion and integrity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends visit from Brazil, I love showing them the hidden gems of LA that tourists often miss. We start with a scenic drive along Highway 1, heading to El Matador Beach and Point Dume. Along the way, we stop for brunch at Cafe on 27 in Topanga Canyon. For lunch, we have options like Neptune’s Net or The Sunset Restaurant, and if they’re craving a Lobster Roll, Broad Street Oyster Company is a must-visit. We wrap up the day with a sunset at the Venice Beach skate park, followed by a nice board walk.

I also love to head south to Laguna Beach, exploring beaches like A Thousand Steps and Treasure Island. We enjoy lunch at one of the many charming restaurants in Laguna, then stop by Crystal Cove beach and catch the sunset by the pier in Newport Beach or Palos Verdes.

For outdoor, I recommend scenic hikes like Tuna Canyon or the Hollywood Sign trail. In the evenings, if we are in the West Side I like to go to El Chucho, Abbot Kinney’s bars, or Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica. West Hollywood offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with options like Laurel Hardware for dinner or bar-hopping along Santa Monica Blvd. Love going to the Farmers Market and The Grove as well.

On the East Side, we might grab drinks at El Prado or Goldline. Dine at Baccari in Silver Lake or the new Portuguese, Barra Santos, in Cypress Park. For live music or dancing, venues like The Lodge Room, Good Times, Moroccan Lounge, School Nights on Mondays and Bar Lis Jazz night on Tuesdays.

And of course, no LA visit is complete without a brunch at Figaro Bistro in Los Feliz, followed by shopping at the Los Feliz Flea Market. These are just a few of the highlights I love sharing with friends to ensure they experience the best of LA’s diverse offerings.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family. My parents and sister have been my rock, unwavering in their support and belief in my dreams.

I also want to extend heartfelt thanks to my friends back home and my newfound family here in LA. Living abroad can be challenging, but their support and understanding have made all the difference. My boyfriend, who has stood by me despite the distance. His encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of strength.

It was at Som Livre, the Brazilian label where I previously worked, that I fell in love with the music industry and discovered my passion for this field, setting the course for my life’s work, and where I made friends for life, I’m really grateful for that and for them. A special shoutout goes to my former mentor there, Cris Leuzinger, whose guidance and friendship have been instrumental in my journey

And lastly, I want to acknowledge the countless individuals in LA who have supported and believed in me and my work. Your belief in me has opened doors I never thought possible, and I am truly grateful for your support.

Instagram: @liviapeixoto

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/livia-peixoto-ferreira

Image Credits
Lara Guinle