After performing in India in 2019, American pop artist Ari Staprans Leff, better known as Lauv, is coming back to the country for Lollapalooza in Mumbai on January 27 and 28. With hits like I Like Me Better and Love U Like That to his name, Lauv is all set to perform at the Mahalaxmi Race Course for the two-day music festival. Lauv, who came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2023, has been a powerful advocate for mental health, shaping conversation among millions of his followers, most of whom are youngsters. The Telegraph Online caught up with Lauv about his work, his philosophy and his self-care routine ahead of his performance in Mumbai.

Are you excited to be back in India? What are some of your favourite places in the country?

Lauv: Yes! I’m so excited, it’s going to be amazing.I haven’t gotten a chance to go all over India, as I’ve mostly been to Mumbai. The people, the food, the energy of the crowd, the sights are all so unreal in India. Hopefully, each time I come back, I can explore somewhere new and try one unique experience. I think that’d be a really cool habit to build.

What are you looking forward to when you visit Mumbai for Lollapalooza 2024?

Lauv: I’m looking forward to the Lollapalooza vibe, since Lollapalooza in Chicago was fire and to see how that meshes with the amazing vibes of India is going to be iconic. The crowd energy the last time I played in Mumbai was insane, so I’m so excited to experience that again.

We are eagerly awaiting your new songs, but when you look back at some of your greatest hits, what inspired you to create those love songs?

Lauv: Love is such an inspiring theme. With I Like Me Better and I’m So Tired, they’re more about energy and less about a specific person or relationship. Over time, I’ve learnt a lot [through my songs] about my relationship with love and how it’s really about cultivating a relationship with myself. I think most of my songs are about connection in some way — either to yourself or those around you. It can be a romantic relationship or friendship or family. Love is such a powerful theme and so inspiring to write about.

How is your personality as Lauv different from that as Ari? What is something Ari can do that Lauv cannot?

Lauv: I’d say that they’re not all that different these days. Lauv is just more my outward-facing personality. All my close friends and family know me as Ari, but I’m still the same silly person onstage and in my writing that I am in real life — it’s just amplified more as Lauv.

What do you do when you are struggling with inspiration for your art?

Lauv: Writer’s block is really tough. These days, I’ve been trying to take a break and get out of the studio. I’m learning to do that as a new habit and just live some life. Honestly, when I feel like inspiration isn’t striking, I try to have deep conversations with the people in my life and tap into inspiration that way. Sometimes living life is the best way to fight off writer’s block instead of constantly forcing through it in a studio.

You have spoken powerfully about social issues in the past, including on mental health. What are some ways in which artists can normalise therapy across the world?

Lauv: I’ve always just wanted to talk about mental health and share some of the insights that I’ve gotten from my therapist or what has helped me. Just starting with speaking about my own experience has helped. I have seen people react to that and that makes me happy. The more we can work to normalise and destigmatise mental health, the better we all are for it. I’m honoured to be a small part in changing the narrative.

What is your self-care routine like?

Lauv: I do lots of meditation. I especially love inner child work meditation. Before every show, I’ll do a guided meditation with the crew to really centre ourselves. Lately, I’ve been sleeping more, working out, drinking more water — all the basics for the most part. I’ve also been allowing myself to relax more and take naps when I need it. I try to listen to music or do things that my body enjoys. I just started out boxing, too, so we’ll see how that goes!