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Junior Liam Sheridan has always had a spark for music— yet it wasn’t until his freshman year at LFHS, when he began to follow through with his passion.
“He picked up an old guitar and started teaching himself during freshman year. After a few months, we started to realize this was more than just a hobby,” said Trish Sheridan, Sheridan’s mother.
Sheridan found his love for music through playing the guitar. He started writing his own unpublished music in the beginning of his freshman year, but focused mainly on practicing country and folk music.
“When I started playing guitar, I had also just started listening to Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan and I started to really like those artists,” said Sheridan. I stuck with country and folk music because I felt like pop didn’t resonate with my vibe.”
Sheridan began to progress in his musical pursuits—practicing multiple times a day—people around him were amazed with his talent. His first gig was performing at Lake Forest Days. Sheridan loved it, yet wasn’t sure if he was ready to reach out to bigger venues.
“I have always been tough on myself, and I didn’t know if I was good enough.I felt like my music wasn’t perfect to perform yet,” said Sheridan.
Uninformed, Sheridan’s mom sent a video of him singing and playing guitar to 28 Mile Distilling Company in Highwood. They immediately replied, wanting him to perform for their annual “Nashwood” show that weekend.
“Liam is a showman. He knows how to use the stage, play to the audience, and really read the room,” said Talent Show Director Corey Holmer. “Everyone who takes the stage brings something different, but Liam’s mix of talent, confidence, and presence makes him feel like a future rock star.”
Although Sheridan was nervous, he took the opportunity, and ended up loving it—from there he wanted to continue what he had started.
“He is singing, songwriting, exploring the production side of music and simply absorbing as much knowledge as he can,” said Trish Sheridan.“He is constantly collaborating with other musicians, stretching his range, taking risks, and trying to stay true to himself.”
Photo courtesy of Max VanDusen
Along with his shows on the weekends, Sheridan has performed in several of the Lake Forest High School shows and productions.
“Liam brings the noise. Interacting with the crowd is its own kind of talent,” said Holmer. “Liam has it. He’s an act that stands out and helps bring the whole show together.”
This summer, he applied to a music workshop in Nashville, Tennessee. He was uncertain if he would make it in since he applied late, yet he ended up being accepted.
“I worked with a mentor named Paulina Jayne for a week in Nashville to write my own music. It was eye opening because I got to connect with so many people my age working towards the same goal,” said Sheridan. “I got to perform my music in the Nashville Hall of Fame in front of everyone after working all week on writing it, and it truly brought me out of my comfort zone.”
Sheridan has continued to expand playing for different people. He has most recently been asked to perform live in Highland Park for Atelier by elliestyled’s Holiday Market from 10-4 on November 29th and 30th.
“Liam is constantly collaborating with other musicians, stretching his range, taking risks, and trying to stay true to himself,” said Trish Sheridan. “We could not be more proud and impressed with his commitment to learning and going after what he wants. We are just along for the ride!”
Liam has continued to grow since his first performance after following his passion and has completed over 50 shows since.
“Music has really gotten me out of my comfort zone, and I’m super excited to see where it takes me,” said Sheridan.
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Pursuing His Passion: Liam Sheridan and His Music Journey – The Forest Scout
