What is your name?
Elizsabeth
What is your genre of music?
Empowering alternative pop. I see each record I do as its own world of sound and experience of some influence of self-empowerment. I believe this will continue to be a thread in every record I create even if the levels vary because that concept is so engrained in my every day and the way I see my life.
Give us a little bio about you.
Us-born, UK-bred music artist & songwriter creating music that sparks love and self empowerment. I originally wanted to be a film composer but I loved performing too much to give it up, so I found the balance and became a music artist. On the journey of finding my voice and what I wanted to say, I found that it was intrinsically connected to my self worth and the way I saw who I was and has helped me grow and remember who I really am. I’d like to pass that self love and empowerment on in whatever way I can.
What made you go into music?
I saw when I expressed myself through music I got to really connect to people. I could see it gave people peace and joy sometimes when they needed it most, and the moment I realised that there was no going back. I also always felt I could be my true self on stage or whenever I made music, it felt and still feels like home.
Are you signed?
No, I’m independent
You have released your new single ‘I Choose Myself’, tell us more about the single. What is the meaning behind the single?
I wrote I Choose Myself late last year with two wonderful writers and friends Carolyn Oakley and Ben Matravers who also produced the record. The concepts and journeys of self-love and self-worth is a common thread for my music and that’s why this song about choosing yourself no matter what anyone else says was something I’ve been craving to write for some time I just didn’t know how. I don’t think I was ready to until we organised this writing session and then it just flowed. I wanted to write a song to empower ourselves even when the choices we make don’t make sense to others, to keep going and follow our ourselves no matter what. I’ve always followed this little niggle in myself that I couldn’t explain but always helped me and guided me. And I realised that following this niggle, my intuition, was my form of self-care and whenever it came down to it, choosing myself was what saved and continues to save me. I knew I needed to express this somehow, but I wasn’t ready for a long time because I was too scared of what people would think of me, am I being selfish? And then it hit me, yes I am selfish and thank God I am because then I wouldn’t be able to love as much as I do if I didn’t take care of myself first. And everyone should give themselves the love they willingly give to others, to receive the overflowing love they deserve and ultimately need.
Describe the track in two words.
Honest. Freedom.
What was the writing process like?
When I write with others, it depends on the dynamics and the day itself for everyone involved but writing I Choose Myself was a beautiful experience for me. Being something I’ve wanted to write for a while, my fellow writers, Carolyn Oakley and Ben Matravers helped me express it so well, and keep the true essence of what I wanted to say, I’m so proud of it.
What was the recording process like?
The day before I was set to record the vocals, for lack of a better phrase, my heart broke. And I was so caught up in the emotions of it all, constantly thinking about the situation and the other person involved I just ran out of myself. I was an empty shell basically. And recording this song the next day was that first step coming back to myself. It was the exact message I didn’t know I needed at that time. So this song meant infinitely much more to me than I expected. The majority of the lead vocal you hear in the released record is actually the first take. It was the most raw and honest I’ve ever sung. Completely open hearted. So when I heard the finished record I was just full of gratitude, first that it existed but second that for anyone else who needs that reminder, this song could be what helps them like it helped me. There’s nothing like that feeling.
Who did you work with on the single?
My fellow writers, Carolyn Oakley (@jaaynsmusic) and Ben Matravers (@songmason) who also produced it.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
No EP just yet, but there’s a string of singles on their way!
Do you have any shows coming up?
Just reeling off the first headline show I did on the 26thJuly to celebrate the single release! So in the midst of planning future shows now
What else can we expect in 2019?
This single marks the beginning of a new era for me creatively and all I want to do is release as much music as I can to inspire and empower as many people as possible, both with the records and live performances!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists? A few in the pipeline but nothing confirmed so can’t share just yet 😛
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact? Definitely, collaboration is amazing. You always learn something. And it’s especially good if you find a groove and flow! Contact my manager James Gallant at gallantjames.intl@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, piano is my main instrument
Who are your influences? I love artists who are honest and not afraid to experiment and explore with songwriting and production, who have a creative integrity and express their truth. I love Banks, Kate Bush, Vera Blue and many other artists for that reason.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
The majority of inspiration has been rooted in self-discovery somehow. All experiences from the perspective of self-worth, and whether that is from the way I’ve experienced the world or from the stories of others I’ve connected to.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Eat cake, play videogames, watch Friends, hang out with my family and friends often making each other wheeze laugh, listen to music with sound cancelling headphones in the dark, enjoy oracle cards and get inspired by positive spiritual guidance and wisdom wherever I can find it.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
There’s only one of you which means everything you express from your heart is only something you can give to the world. Which means there doesn’t have to be any pressure or competition and we can just enjoy the beautiful process of what magic we want to create and witness the magic others create with love 🙂
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist? /
No matter what, always come back to you. Make final decisions on anything based on how it feels to you. Listen to advice but only allow in what resonates with you. In the end this is your life and you should follow what feels right to you when living it. Ask yourself if whatever you’re doing is creating joy for you. I’ve learnt recently life doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Find the joy and gratitude in whatever you’re doing and be present in the moment. You will feel more fulfilled in one day being present than a hundred constantly being in the past or thinking about the future.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“What you’re seeking is seeking you” – Rumi It helps me remember I don’t need to worry about missing opportunities in life and if my heart wants something, it means there is a way for me to experience and enjoy it also to not forget that I deserve to experience it. I just have to believe it’s possible.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I LOVE a rose tea and a slice of cake, so I’d say Peggy Porschen in London is my special little place.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
-water; I’ve forgotten that before and that did not end well lol
-extra glitter because I’m a unicorn inside
-keyboard; relatively important part of the set
-headphones; I always go into my world beforehand and block the outside listening to whatever is on my playlist at the time
-breathing; helps me remain chill, highly recommend
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Website
