Meet Allen (cdlv) | Writer, Songwriter, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allen (cdlv) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allen, why did you pursue a creative career?
After my dad passed away, my brother and I made his old office in our garage a creative space as an escape. It was in the vacuum of losing our dad that I found myself as an artist. I had my poetry account for a couple years before that, but the pain and need for an escape of those times molded me into the artist I am today.

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.
When you are driven by passion, you have something that keeps you pushing through highs and lows. You have to accept that you may not make any money or gain any form of tangible success. It is a decision you have to make yourself and for yourself.

However, by far the most difficult obstacle I face on a daily basis is that I was born with cerebral palsy and have had to adapt in every way to perform better than the people around me who are not handicapped. For example, most of my fans have no idea that I only type with one hand due to my disability. I am proud that people can’t tell because it is not about me, it is about the art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite questions. I get this question a lot from influencers visiting LA, I have so many favorite restaurants, but my all time favorite is Chiba on Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood. Born and raised in LA, I have had Sushi all over the city, this place is in a class of its own. My two favorite dishes are the Spicy Crunchy Shrimp Handroll (wrapped in cucumber) and the Salmon Belly with Caviar sushi. Trust me when I say you won’t look at sushi the same ever again.

I also recommend sunset drives on PCH, walking Santa Monica, and finding a city view at night to clear your head or hang out with some friends. There is no right answer, each view has it’s on vibe and personality. Just keep driving up hills until you find one!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The two shoutouts I would like to give are to my brother who, despite being a couple years younger than me, has been my rock and believed in me when I was ready to give up on myself.

And my grandparents who passed away in 2020.

My grandparents reminded me what it feels like to have a loving family after my dad passed away. They are also the only ones who supported me on my journey and believed that writing was the path for me.

Before they passed away my grandpa wanted to know the name of my upcoming release, marionette. He had a chance to read the unreleased project and before he passed away he called me to tell me how proud he was.

Website: cdlvpoetry.com

Instagram: cdlv

Twitter: cdlv455

Other: Tik Tok: cdlv455