This time, we get to know Liz James. Her brand new track "Live Again" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
𝟭. Where are you from and what is your hobby?
I was born and raised in Birmingham UK but I currently live in Londrina, Parana, Brazil. I have many hobbies which also double up as work. I knit, crochet, compose and write songs, dabble in mixing and music production and I'm also a published author in the romance and fantasy genres. I enjoy dancing, jazz/contemporary/urban. I also like to learn different instruments and read extensively. I don't stop!
𝟮. How did your get into music?
I started songwriting when I was eight years old. My family gave me a diary/journal because I was a very emotional and sensitive young thing. They said to write what I felt I couldn't express out loud and those little entries all tended to rhyme and had a melody playing in my head! I never stopped writing and continued honing my skills. The first music lessons I had were for the cello aged 7 but it was too big for me and hurt my knees. I had a few piano lessons for a brief time aged 8 and then I picked up the guitar when I was around 20. I always enjoyed singing and dancing but was very shy! I didn't start performing until I was 19. I went to an open mic night and saw another songwriter performing her own music. Up until then, I had no idea we could do that! She inspired me to take my songs and let the world see them.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
I have many influences across all genres. Ronnie James Dio is my idol vocally and stylistically. The power in his voice inspires me all the time and whenever I have to sing, I ask myself, what would Dio do? Other influences are Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Tina Turner, Roxette, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Portishead, PJ Harvey, Tori Amos, The Scorpions, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Nick Cave, Black Label Society, Joan Jett, Heart, Meatloaf, Nina Simone, Big Momma Thornton, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Jefferson Airplane, Rainbow, Halestorm, P!nk, Amy Lee, Arch Enemy, Arctic Monkeys, U2
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
I always said my only goal was to have a song of mine played on the radio and it reach the ears of someone who it resonated with. That's still a goal but really, nowadays and with maturity, my goals are to continue sharing my passion with anyone who wants to listen. I enjoy the whole process of creating something and experimenting with different styles and sounds. I just want to keep doing what I love. Not bothered about fame or money and I don't want to blow up! Only creative expression and showing my son he can do what ever he choses in life. That success isn't material. Success is being true to yourself and developing all aspects of your psyche. Life is a learning process and music for me, is an extension of that. (But it would be nice to cover costs!)
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
Rock in Rio! That would be magical! I am happy to perform anywhere but my ego dream is to share the stage with my idols, maybe open a show for them with our band, Bad Scullianz and do a tour.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
It changes often. I don't have one, more a list! But one of my favorite ls of all time is Starman by David Bowie. I love the lyrics and message of the song and it just so happened to be the song that the radio played as my son took his first breath. Whenever I hear it, it reminds of that pure, overwhelming love and awe and the miracle of bringing life into being.
7. Most embarrassing moment?
So many but you learn to get over them quickly as a performer! I think the most embarrassing moment in music was meeting Lemmy in a pub and not recognizing him. I asked what he did and said, oh I'm a musician too! I died when my friend pointed out my faux pas. At least I had the decency to say I wasn't very good!
8. Proudest accomplishment?
Of course, having my son, but musically, whenever someone does a cover of one of my songs, it warms my heart. It's a special feeling to know you created something that someone else connected with enough to want to sing it!
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
I was born with a hole in my heart. I had surgery aged 4 to correct and was clinically dead for over 11 hours. I am still under observation and go for regular check ups every couple of years. Nowadays, I'm pretty healthy but I do have a couple of leaky valves that may require further surgery as I age. During that time, I had an out of body experience and went "flying" around my city. When I came out of ICU and woke up a few days later, I could tell family members conversations that happened and people who'd visited while I was 'away.' I occasionally get visits from those who have passed on. Sometimes, I get messages but don't always understand them. I don't consider myself a religious person, but certainly spiritual. Maybe it's my Roma gypsy blood!
𝟭𝟬. What is your dream collaboration?
I would love to collab with Lzzy Hale because I just adore her voice and music. Another dream would be to do something with Zakk Wilde. I'd probably just stand there speechless digging their music and skills if it ever happened though!
Stream "Live Again" now
and follow her socials
https://twitter.com/LizJamesMusic?s=09 https://www.instagram.com/itslizjames/ https://m.facebook.com/lizjamesmusic/ https://youtube.com/user/LizJJames
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