Lior
Lior says, "The Dalai Lama’s messages of compassion and peace transcend all religions, nationalities, races."
Submitted
22/05/2007
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erinkoneill
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Updated
30/05/2007
Lior is a songwriter and musician who will be playing at the 2007 Dali Lama Tour at the Domain in Sydney on 15 July.
You and your music have had a meteoric rise in the last few years. What does it feel like to have come so far already?
Just about every songwriters dream is to have their songs connect with people and find a way into their lives. I remember growing up, there were songs that made me feel like there was something greater. To think that I may have provided that feeling to someone else is amazing.
Did you ever make a conscious decision to be a muso? When was this and why?
Even though I got distracted by many things along the way, I think my subconscious made the decision a long time ago, to follow my passion. It took me ages to figure out how to actually make a career out of this and turn it into “work” as opposed to something I just love doing. After uni, I started a job, and I was so unhappy, I knew that if I didn’t pursue music as a career with all my might, I would just go on being miserable.
What is your background and where would you say is home?
I was born in Israel but came to Australia at a young age….this is definitely home.
You’ve been invited to perform at ‘One Earth’ the free tribute concert being held at the Domain in Sydney on June 15. What does it mean to you to be involved at an event that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is speaking at?
The Dalai Lama’s messages of compassion and peace transcend all religions, nationalities, races. It’s a true honour to share the stage.
At ‘One Earth’, The Dalai Lama will be addressing issues such as conservation, finding meaning in life and compassion. What are the issues that you feel particularly strongly about and why?
Coming from the middle east which is such a war torn region, I feel very deeply about developing a greater sense of compassion as individuals. It is not about tolerance, it is more than that. It is about truly trying to understand and relate to “the other side”. That is the first step to peace. If we can connect as individuals, the rest can then flow on.
ActNow is all about getting informed about issues and then taking action on them to make an impact in your community or the world around you. Have you ever taken action an issue you were passionate about?
I recently joined with leaders of Palestinian groups and Jewish groups to try and set up a common voice as an example of co-existence and co-operation. We’re working on it.
Everyone goes through their ups and downs. Have you ever doubted your abilities as a musician and what was the thing that convinced you otherwise?
I doubt myself all the time, and nothing ever convinces me wholly. It is important to surround yourself with people you trust and admire and get them to be honest, and not let your ego get in the way. It’s important to realise that everyone doubts themselves…..accepting limitations can be a way of honing in your identity rather than a hindrance.
Do you think music can save the world? How?
Like I mentioned, music makes me feel like there is something greater, like there is a higher plane. It is the emotional fuel which lights the spark.
And finally, if you had the chance to ask the Dalai Lama one question what would it be?
How do you control anger and frustration at human beings who have lost touch with any sense of community, and are cold to compassion? Where do you draw an ongoing sense of peace and optimism?
This work is licenced under an Attribution licence.
© 2008. First published on actnow.com.au
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