Which specific links might someone be seeking? Seems a lot of people are doing these link tree things really hoping to drive people to their of accounts
I found you for your music, but as an artist, I completely understand and support wanting to explore and develop yourself. Doing the same thing can be tiresome. I am not subscribed to the newest site, but I do find the content you share from it in Instagram artistic and I am happy that it makes you happy! I look forward to seeing where you go, wherever it ends up being.
Lara, it's been fantastic being subscribed to, and watching you all these years. While your older content will always have a fond place in my memory, it's more important that you take care of yourself and keep your own interest up. 'You do you', as they say. You have been a delight, and I look forward to continuing to support you for more years to come, however you choose to express yourself. Never forget, your real supporters support YOU, not just the facet of you you've been putting out for years. And we will continue to support you~
The most important thing is to be happy about what you do Lara. It's always been a pleasure to watch you and I hope you success in whatever you are doing next.
With the constant changes to the YT algorithm and monetization, I feel all content creators are being forced to reinvent themselves and/or find new outlets for their creativity. The fact that you have come to this crossroads more naturally than most is a good thing because you are doing it out of necessity, but out of desire. While, like many, I first found you because of your piano covers, it has been wonderful to learn more about you and see your different sides in these recent years. No matter what you decide to do with this channel, or in general with your public persona, I am here for it. Be your true self, Lara!
Lara, I stumbled on your channel about 3-4 years ago, and really enjoyed your covers, your talks, and your messages. I totally get what you're saying about learning new stuff, gaining new skills, working with the perception people have of you, etc. I've been doing my own RU-vid channel stuff and definitely see what you mean. Whatever you decide to do, you've got a fan here! Can't wait to see what you have in store!!! (And I'll always be down for video game covers, you've got a Final Fantasy medley that still brings a tear to my eye when I listen to it). Keep up the great and inspiring work!!! You're a lovely person in every way. Here's to the future! Cheers!!!
Thank you for the update. I started following you because Taylor Davis, so obviously that goes back a few years. I still enjoy all of your content, whether it is video game covers, or mall piano videos, or roller blading. I only follow you here, but I have checked out your OF, definitely no shade in that regard. I do hope that you continue to make music videos or at least music adjacent videos.
Lara as you know my family has followed you now for MANY years now as I've always said you are a true beacon of light in the darkness and right now it's pretty damn dark! I've always said don't let a few schmucks get you down! I EVERY BIT of music you play is so very awesome and from this father's point of view I can truly say you've been a huge part of my daughter's lives taking your music wherever they go. Lara you mean so very much to so many people it will be a truly sad day in the world indeed when you stop so that being said here's hoping you have many years wonderful music ahead of you.
I’ll still stay subscribed and watch your videos. Saw glimpses of change through diff posts, but hey that’s wonderful. Life is a journey enjoy it! Thank you for your years of loving music and sharing it! I wish you nothing but the best now and the future!
Lara, do what you need to do. Myself and possibly many others will be happy to see your journey and how it grows further. If you're ever invited to play the Royal Albert Hall though, I want those tickets.
I've never seen you in a box. You are one of the most amazing people ive ever seen. I believe in you and I think you can do anything. All I want to see what you want to express and create
Lara I love your music and listen to you play at least 3 times a week while I work. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. You'll always be loved here!
Hi Lara, one of the OG birbs here -- still got my FLOCK keychain and buttons -- I can't follow you where you're going (sorry), but just wanted to say that I'll always be thankful for the years of great music, and wish you best of luck finding other things that are fulfilling. 🫡
Thanks for sharing so much of the "strategy & logistics" of your channel & career out in the open like this. While I haven't been that interested in the newer art that you've been making [off-youtube], I would definitely say the few pieces I come across on social media *have* been artistic - and I *love* how unfazed and feisty you've been on said social media in response when people try to put you "back into the box". May the next public piano you come across be freshly tuned! P.S. your "hot tub" streams were a hilarious reclamation of that format into something that actually felt somewhat wholesome for once - kudos to you
Whatever you do I'm sure there will be bits that I like and I'll watch. You have talent and what you do you do quite well. Looking forward to see which direction you decide to go with/to
Absolutely here for the growth! We all change and grow as people, sometimes the things we love just don't hit the same as they once did, and thats okay! So yeah, grow, change, try new things, see where it lands! In a couple months you could discover the thing that takes not only your creativity, but also the channel engagement to a whole new level! Then people might end up knowing you for that thing, and find it weird that people know you as the "video game covers girl"! Also, the "other" content is awesome! celebrate it, celebrate yourself! Everyone should!
Love you Lara and understand your desire for change, growth, expanding horizons, trying new things and even taking a break from the constant internet life. I've enjoyed everything you put on YT and appreciate the gift you have to make music. Of course, being a guy, okay an old guy, I always enjoy seeing the young and attractive female doing anything. Your music in the bathtub videos were funny! I am not a social online site follower, I've never looked at Twitch, I don't follow Instagram, Facebook, or anything else. I love YT because I can learn things, watch movies, see people doing all kinds of amazing things, and so much more. I know from following several YT creators who put out a new video every week (sailing, boat building, motorcycle travel, etc) that burnout after some years is a real problem. I know that everyone can get burned out doing what we love to do, if we HAVE to do it because of a deadline or some other reason. Anything stops being fun if we HAVE to do it when we don't want to at that time. Like eating, drinking, swimming... everything. For example, if you have eaten enough but now you are forced to keep eating it becomes torture. Enjoy being young and attractive because it passes by so quickly when you are looking back. And you know well, anything you put online can never be taken back.
Everything you have done on youtube, twitch, and the other place has been really cool Lara. I look forward to seeing you continue to explore and grow as a person and creator.
I think you explained it very well. Especially as an artist, mundanity (if that word exists?) can kill any sort of inspiration/motivation. I think you are an exceptionally talented artist, and you seem immensely kind. Do whatever makes you happy, share with the world what you want to share, and most importantly, ignore those who can only hate.
I've been following you on YT since August 28, 2013. I don't usually comment, I'm from Argentina, I understand you perfectly, but I'm kind of bad at writing in English. 😅 Throughout these years I have always enjoyed your music a lot, (Some more, others less. There are always preferences for some topic or another is unknown) But in each of your performances I have always felt that you put a part of yourself and in a very pleasant way, you have a very special way of transmitting your music and that is great. I have seen you a little on the networks and I have always found your personality very pleasant (I don't follow you in several, but now I will). The way you share your content and what you transmit is very nice. That's why I consider that you shine even more when your interior and exterior are in harmony. If some things don't fulfill you and no longer work for you, it's okay to take your time to find what does. I think the best thing you can do is find the path that makes you happy and I think that will make many people happy too. You are a great content creator. Greetings and my best wishes for everything you propose! PD: Sorry about my english. 😅
Amazing video Lara. Love you talking more on RU-vid! I can't watch you on Twitch and I just follow you here, so it's nice that you're thinking about making new activities here. No matter what you do, I'll support you!
"To keep my sanity" I think this an interesting subject, what keeps us going/healthy? I've always thought that most people are mentally stable, however 2020 proved it was actually the opposite. People sharing their struggles and their life choices have since become very interesting to me. In that context, thanks for sharing this.
Lara is always impressive with her talented fingies. No harm in branching out! we will always have the video game music to go back to (hopefully. Do what your heart desires you legend!
almost 25k new subs since the last video in one month, i knew the number would go up we're never gonna give you up we're never gonna let you down never gonna say goodbye, i for one welcome all forms of content
I think I understand how you feel, that you say, makes a lot of sense to me. Thank's for sharing your emotions beyond what it means to experience music The beauty of everything is finding what makes you happy. I admire you, in all your facets and your videos inspire me on the way of art 🛼
The "Get back in your box" is almost all the time true for internet content. It's extremely rarely that an internet person that gets famous, succeeds when they try to switch things up. It's actually completely logical, you've grown your audience and fans because of what you've been doing up to that point.
Orchestratal musician here...I totally understand the whole keeping things fresh, yet you're put in a box and search for a better way to express yourself. Love your content. Keep at it ❤
I've been here since your viral Mega Medley was posted on Reddit in 2017. I was a year into my good paying non-music career after several years of trying to make music be more worthwhile than pizza delivery. You've helped me keep my music roots for so many years, but I wouldn't dare put you in a piano girl box. In fact I find myself just as in awe of how real brilliant and sassy you are on streams. Tldr, you're the real deal and you get to be happy! I support you all the way.
It's worth remembering that the algorithm keeps suggesting similar things to keep people on the platform. That means that the bigger content creators get, the more concentrated their audience. So it's to be expected that people will have a cow when you try something different when the algorithm is only showing them things they already like for many years. You've built up a very specific/specialized audience. That also means you should ignore what these people tell you, because their interests are no longer aligned with your own. Push past that noise and you'll find/build a new audience that's more aligned with your new ideas. Just don't put your expectations too high at first, because it's like starting over in many ways and it takes time to build a new audience.
Best of luck with any decision you make. I was drawn to your channel because of your creativity and will continue to tune in no matter how you decide to express yourself. I applaud your choice of self-reflection.
Good luck, Lara. Personally I've been more keen on your non-video game music. I love the public piano vids but agree about the tuning 😅 One thing I wondered is if you would be able to put out recordings? I would buy/stream, but maybe there's a copyright issue. Cheers from Brisbane 💜
Much respect to you. I’m fairly new to your channel and have been enjoying your videos. Keep expressing your self the way you feel it. Your followers will be there!
What most people don't get is that creativity is not always a straight line. It branches, pivots, and sometimes starts all over in a totally different place. The most important thing is that you're happy and motivated doing what you do, because there is no creativity when you're feeling miserable and stuck
Piano being coded as innocent makes a lot of sense in the US at least. Its probably our most common starting instrument and many children learn to play growing up. I can't say you look as young as you did a few years ago but you look amazing for your actual age so people might be viewing you as younger if they dont know and that could tie into the innocent vibes people get. Btw lol on the piano moving effort comments. Imo videos like this are often the most difficult to make and none of the effort is physical its just emotionally and mentally draining doing this kind of brainstorming. ❤
I assume it didnt do too well seeing as it never came back but i love love LOVED the 'building a boss battle track' video you did - and would love to see others similar, or maybe like discussion on why a track emotes certain feelings, looking at the theory of music more? If that at all makes sense. I love when on stream you take time to talk a bit about the music theory. But maybe thats just me 😅
Casual Viewer here. Burn-out is a b#tch but I find these videos addressing it refreshing (and engaging/entertaining). Finding a new direction is not easy. I am of a similar age and also experiencing burn-out in my career and have been trying to find a solution that works for me. I'm finding making a real change deeply depends on how financially secure you are. If you can take time off without completely wrecking your finances it makes exploring new directions much more feasible. Hopefully you are in that position already, but if not I recommend doing some planning to get there before doing something that potentially affects your income. Best of luck! I can't promise I'll always consume your content, but I do respect you for taking the time to address your own mental health. :)
Take care of yourself Lara! I will be there for you whenever you are ready! I really like you as an artist, you are so great, I am always impress when I see you learn and play any song!
I think the problems you describe regarding public perception are probably experienced by a lot of people in the public eye, but it sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought and you know what you want for yourself and are willing to go after it despite any public pressure. Kudos to that. Also I appreciate hearing your thoughts so talk away.
Fellow pianist here - I see ya, people see you do one thing and then want you to only do that thing, and motivation sometimes simply goes away. Good luck on anything you do in the future, hope everything goes well for you
I found your channel for the music. I love the 1 hr + medleys of songs. I support you and want you to do what is interesting to you. I don't really understand why people complain. If i don't like something i just skip by. I'm not going to unfollow or write some hateful nonsense. Also the skating stuff you do is fun. All the best for you
Only been subbed a short time after youtube finally put you in my recommended. Your music stuff is what I got to know you for, but it's not the whole thing. I don't get why people push back when you want to do your thing, especially when they can just... ignore those posts? More power to you, I hope you figure out what you want to do creatively. You've got my support in whatever you decide to do, you're great!
I originally subscribed for your music, but I'll stick around for at least a while to see what I think about whatever you decide to do next. Also, I hate you for having the background music be a rickroll lmao
Lara, I got to "know" you via listening to Taylor Davis. Your music is brilliant. I never try to put people in boxes, but it happens. That was a brilliant and thoughtful one-take monologue that perfectly illustrates why you are the create-ful soul you are. You don't need to justify what you do to anyone.
Disclaimer: My opinion doesn't matter here because of how little I've watched, but I felt like engaging in the comments anyway. I originally subscribed because I noticed a very skilled person doing a cool thing. My video game music nostalgia factor is very limited, because I've mainly stuck to the same handful of video games. One other piano channel I've watched slightly more has some covers of songs I've enjoyed from rhythm games, but like even then I've probably seen 10 or less of their videos. I'll probably stay subscribed, and give a watch to anything that catches my interest (like this video did).
Hi! Very casual long term youtube fan here. I can say I was a bit surprised about your branching out, but I wasn't shocked. I mean, it is amazing work you're doing, looks beautiful, is on brand... not the type of content I usually look for but good content nonetheless.also, I had seen sometime your sassy comments towards trolls and such so I knew there was more to you than the "blonde innocent girl that plays music" stereotype that you mentioned. Do what feels right for yourself and if that takes you through new paths... looking forward to see them! ;)
Thanks for the video, I'm certainly going to welcome the variety. I enjoy your music however a change is as good as a holiday so they say. I've enjoyed your skating streams so I welcome you exploring other things on your RU-vid channel.
Hi Lara, Speaking of playing on mall pianos, this is how I found your channel. I happened across Pianist “Evgeny Khmara” playing at airport public pianos in Europe and London, this led me to the Pianist “Costantino Carrara Music” s fantastic rendition of Cold Play’s VIVA LA VIDA on a Music store piano in a Hamburg Mall. This led me to “Ella Straz”s completely mesmerising rendition of INTERSTELLAR on Andrei Piano’s Channel, playing on Elton John’s donated public piano at St. Pancras rail station in London. This led me to your wonderful INTERSTELLAR rendition on a public mall piano here in Australia and I became a fan. Both Evgeny Khmara’s and Costantino Carrara’s channels are well worth checking out if you haven’t already. They have some terrific content and location ideas and appear to have also carved out stellar music careers as solo pianists. Looking forward to your future content and enjoy your break. 😃🦘🦘
Hey Lara, from a fellow Sydneysider who originally found your channel over a decade ago for the piano music, just wanna say, you do you! Good luck with whatever the future holds and whatever future avenues you explore! I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines 💪🙂
Like actors and actresses who get unfairly typecast as one specific role they were once successful at, you've been typecast as the quiet piano girl. Anyone who has seen your twitch or twitter knows that isn't the case. Reminds me of what insaneintherain posted about a few years ago, that uploading jazz covers became what he was known for and he was afraid that doing something non-jazz would alienate his viewers. I'm excited to see what new types of videos and streams you'll be doing. I get that some people might not be interested and unfollow due to that, but what I don't get is when people come in and announce that they're leaving. Those calling out "attention seekers" always seem to want so much attention, too. As for the decline in popularity of video game music covers, I think part of it is because they're basically one-offs. I have so many playlists and youtube mixes of covers, some of which are from 10 years ago. It's not like I'm looking up new covers of the super mario theme every day. I've already found ones I like. So to stay popular you may have to be covering the songs and tracks for the newest games, stuff that people would be actively searching for. But that may not be music you're interested in, or make it feel like a race to be one of the first ones to do it, which sounds unappealing.
I really appreciate you Lara, because nobody does cover as good as you do. You are extremely talented. I still listen to your older stuff and I still get a kick every time I listen to them. I hope that one day I will be able to interpret music just like you do because video game music especially from the 16 bit/32bit era is my passion. If you're tired of playing them, I guess it's time to find what your passion really is. I've got a couple of suggestions for you: 1. What about you doing paid concert in venues for videos game fan and movie fan. Did you ever think to travel outside Australia? 2. What about online paid course on how to play the piano like Lara where you could features video game music but also music from popular movie 3. What about teaming up with other content creators? One more thing never compare yourself to others, because there really is no one out there who do as good as you. No matter how f***** up the algorithm has become, it doesn't and will never define you: You are awesome.
I have a hard time catching the twitch because of the time disparity, but I try to peek in when I have a chance. The mall thing was great, and just about everything else I can think of was great. At least I can't think of something that I didn't like. Keep up the good work, and do what you want. Some people will like it, and some people won't. Ebb, and flow.
Wait, you show your ankles?? I'm in!! I really like these real talk videos. I love your personality. Always so creative. These things should be celebrated.
While your music did draw me in and do still love it I also like seeing other parts of you as well. One thing you could do is create a second RU-vid channel so you could have much more variety on that one. Me and I am sure others of your fans would follow you over as well.
Whatever projects, you are a fellow Zelda, Final Fantasy and Secret of Mana fan. I've yet to have heard anyone else give the songs such apropriate flavor, lots of my favorite versions of my favorite songs come from you! I feel lucky to be able to listen to this really great mix of talent and fandom :) I'm am sure lots of others will be sticking around and supporting you even if there are changes :)
Lara, You have over 373K subscribers, fans! We're here for YOU because you're doing what you LOVE and ENJOY doing, displaying your TALENT! People have become more outspoken over the keyboard so do NOT pay them any attention that give any negative comments. That's just how social media is and it will not get any better. Just bypass them and continue doing whatever you enjoy doing at the moment. You're being creative by expanding and making changes. As you continue to grow, so will your fan base. WE LOVE YOU. Have a fantastic day my friend.
I feel like you are a lot like me in a way, you typically take everyone's opinion into consideration, which can be a good thing but also leads you to be unhappy with the result. I struggle with this a lot, but sometimes you just gotta say FUCK EM and do what you want lmao. Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for!!!
I love the non-music content also, and certainly enjoyed that rollerskating video I saw at some point playlists exist, to help separate stuff, too ;P but I've heard that algorithm often punishes moving away from "your box", largely because less subscribers care to view → less views, must not be as good as before, better suggest another popular video instead → less new people see it → downward spiral intensifies doing a mix is certainly the best imho, but there's also the option to setup second channel, which allows to not suffer any penalties for different types of videos like having random yoga in the middle of music, lol (the "penalty" is just "more people ignored the video than usual" flagging it as boring, but over time it will balance out, generally, should only be an issue for a while after the transition, while people adjust whether they want to stay subscribed, or not)
Oh, it's very interesting on the streams when you mention your musical tastes. I was initially shocked by your criticisms of Paul McCartney. 🤯 Hee-hee. 😁 Videos of musicians reacting to other musical compositions -- such as "Elderly Composer Listens to _Legend of Zelda_ Theme for the First Time" have become popular. It is music-adjacent and might work for you. I suspect other longtime fans like me are curious about what your own musical tastes are, and it could attract new viewers, too. Like "The Piano Player Who Can Play a Composition Minutes After Hearing It, Listens to ______ and Reacts." 😉 Whatever you decide, happy you try new things. Parrot salute to you! 😊7 🦜 --Stuart (the one who likes Godzilla music)
Hey now Paul loved the Music to Super Mario Bros. In the 80's Paul was doing a concert in Japan I believe and Koji Kondo went back stage, told him who he was and Paul was blown away.
As a person who doesnt have any musical talent of any kind, I would urge you to play for your enjoyment. And to inspire with music. Your talent is incredible. Tap into your heart and play!
Have you considered making a 2nd YT channel for purely non-music stuff? Obviously not that I think they *should* be split, but from what I've understood watching other content creators, having a separate channel for adjacent things means you not only don't dampen your main channel's primary algorithm stuff with new tags, but also now technically you have twice as much potential to show up in the recommendations. Just trying to think of ideas to help.
Hi Lara, i was introduced to your stream the other day from Cerian, Sorry i didn't introduced myself properly other day as the stream on twitch was short, I'm Scott Peacock as it highlighted in the comments section i'm 50 years old and i live in the United Kingdom with disability, i really enjoyed the chat the other day and look forward to hearing some more music from you, Ignore those who criticized you and keep doing what your doing.
I could write a book; maybe I will. I've been following you for years and I had you in that box as you described. It is all I knew of you, from RU-vid. I bought the CD with you and Taylor Davis back when y'all did that. I've made MP3s out of a couple or three of the videos here on RU-vid and I listen as part of a playlist to the music all the time from my phone. Literally for years. I've even had co-workers ask about the music after commenting how lovely it was, and I say it's a girl I follow on RU-vid and she does piano and I just love it. I've even texted links to people for the specific piece they'd commented on when I was listening to it. I'm relatively new on Twitter and every now and then I have this "oh, I wonder if *they* are on Twitter". So I've been making efforts to click a RU-vid profile and see if that social media information is available and then give a follow. I did this with your Twitter just barely some weeks ago. Some of the rants and information in the posts I saw from you lead me to unfollow on Twitter. Part of it I was surprised, because I did have you in that box. But that said, it was also not content I wanted to see: either the rants or the references to a certain other platform. Anyway, I have a certain frustration with RU-vid. You'd think that with as much money as they have at their disposal, they could write "recommended" algorithms worth even half a darn. It's garbage. And it has been since around 2018 that I've personally noticed - as in, it got worse at that point. I literally watch almost every single Interstellar piano cover I come across and have actively sought them out. But I had to scroll through your video history to go "oh wait... she did an Interstellar cover!? Why didn't RU-vid show me?". I believe I commented on that video as well. So it's not even just "no one watches video game music anymore". It's RU-vid censoring you, probably intentionally. Because they should've at the very least popped up your Interstellar cover to me and they didn't. Anyway, I liked the couple or few Public Piano videos you did. There's a few other people I follow that do that with some regularity and I was surprised to see you try. One of the pianos was horribly tuned haha, just like you say here. Is there a way you can work with those Malls and get that fixed? You could maybe show them your RU-vid following and express an interest to doing it more often at their location. People visiting and touristing will become aware of this and it'd likely bring extra attention to that Mall. It'd honestly be in their best interest to get it tuned if they knew or realized what they were missing. I've seen some big airport videos to that effect and it's soooo fun to see people actually stop in their busy tracks to listen. I use bad words at the people through the screen who keep walking haha I will not be unfollowing you here on RU-vid as a result of my new understanding about who you are. It'd feel like losing an old friend even if the relationship is rather one-sided through a screen. I've enjoyed your music and will continue to do so. I've had real-life realizations about people to this effect also. Still friends, but you do draw lines about what you're willing to subject yourself to in conversation or otherwise. I do hope you're able to experiment with music and find something that brings you happiness.
I know, for myself anyway, I movepd from watching straight cover videos to more "edutainment" style analysis videos. You memtioned reaction videos. I like the ones where then the reacter has a background or something to bring to the table, like bring a professional singer, musician, or composer, then the reaction has more value. I don't know your musical background but if you have insight into the music, how it's made, how you play it, how it's used in the game, that might be a potential avenue for you. I support you branching out and hope you try a bunch of different things to see what works best for you
I bet you would enjoy playing piano in VRChat. It's a similar vibe to playing in public but without the hassle of having to go out with recording equipment and a keyboard. There are midi piano worlds ("Shattered" is really nice), or you could just go line in through an interface direct through your microphone. Just an idea for you. I've been really enjoying that, though my audience is more like 2 or 3, you'd get much more ^^'
@@lara6683 Similar, yea. You could have an audience of several dozen different people from around the world interacting with you and each other while listening. Like a whole concert that can enter, stay for a while, and exit as they wish. A lot of creatives and developer types hang out in VRC
Love your music Lara. Have you ever considered music/piano instructional content? Something like the Pianote channel does? You'll find something that speaks to you.
You have to decide who you want to be on youtube. You know alot of people have respect for you and your piano work. Though you are undecided to how you want to show yourself. Decisions in life are not easy.
You mentioned variety. Have you ever considered showing the gamer side of you by maybe streaming the various games that you grew up with? Ultimately, whatever you do is up to you.Your piano playing has always been awesome. Thanks for your gift.
I'm here cuz I like to listen to the long streams you do post as background music while I'm working (I rarely am online during streaming hours, but I do enjoy hopping on twitch sometimes for the community feel). Sadly, I have little time for other types of content nowadays - like, I'd be interested but there is an overload of things to watch vs the time I have to watch it, ha! :( I do wish you the best and to continue having fun while you do whatever you chose to do, and will always be in awe of how talented you are. :) Now I feel I need to go listen to one of your covers of Dream of Shore for the vibes
