Check out our interview with rising singer/songwriter Liza Lo who just released her highly anticipated, breath-taking EP Flourish, including singles, “this ocean”, “hold me” and lead track “cómo amar”.
An intimate and emotional body of work set across 5 tracks as well as an intro and interlude, Flourish comes from a place of reflection, Liza’s appreciation for the ones around her and self-love. With dainty and flawless instrumentation throughout, Liza’s impressive story-telling lyrics and notable vocal range take centre stage. Combining ambient sounds and dreamy pop Flourish is a poetic masterpiece.
Follow Liza @lizalo__
Hi Liza, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Liza Lo, I’m an artist, songwriter and music producer from Amsterdam. I grew up in Spain and live in South London.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, creative and curious
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
When I was little I had classical piano classes, that’s where everything started! Behind the piano is where I wrote my first song! When I was sixteen I started learning more about music and studying music in school and through summer camps. I then followed a pre-conservatory course in Amsterdam which eventually lead me to studying songwriting in England.
How has this changed your life?
Music is such a big part of my life I can’t actually imagine my life without it anymore. If I’m not writing music I’m always listening to it! That being new albums by my favourite artists or revisiting older albums that still inspire me to this day.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Delicate, warm, poetic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
When I started producing music myself I was very influenced by Jordan Rakei, Japanese House and FKJ, I love the atmosphere, the musicality and space created by these incredible artists and this really inspired me to produce music myself. Then when I was younger we listened to singers like Amy Winehouse and Adele but also to bands like the Beatles. There’s a bunch of different types of music that have left a mark I’d say!
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play guitar and piano
Do you ever get nervous?
I do sometimes for shows! The last moments before getting on stage I get a little nervous and feel some rushes run through my stomach, but then once I’m on stage it wares off
Tell us about your new EP “Flourish?” And what’s the story behind the songs?
The main message of ‘flourish’ is to invest time to care, grow and nurture in life, so you can bloom in the right direction with the people around you. I wrote flourish last year as I was going through a lot of changes. I was falling in love again after being hurt, stuck at home and wanting to move and really figuring everything out step by step. I grew throughout the process and it really felt like I got closer to myself. A lot has changed in my life since flourish, I’ve learnt to love better and to take care of myself and answer questions I didn’t know how to even get to previously.
And about the success of your hit singles “cómo amor,” and “this ocean?”
It’s so beautiful to hear everyone’s reactions to the new songs, ’this ocean’ seems to be a favourite for many people! Which is very fun, I wrote it with my dear friends at a farm in the south of England. It was a time where I was questioning so many things, to know it brings comfort to people around the world is just very rewarding and warming for me.
‘cómo amar’ is the first song I wrote in the language I grew up alongside with. This song was written for my love, I was falling in love again but I really needed some guidance as I was hurt so much before. This song made me realise that through fruiting and nurturing together, you can learn how to love again, in the right way. I worked very hard with my creative friends to translate this feeling in the music video which you can check out on my YouTube channel.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Speaking to people after a show and hearing how they relate to the songs I’ve written, there’s something so incredibly special about the songs having a unique life for someone else.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be up to right now?
I’d probably be brewing coffee somewhere in the sun in a cafe with lots of nature around me.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Never give up and always continue learning, especially from the ones before you.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Try not to feel shame, stick close to your unique sound and stay to what brings out that little feeling inside yourself.
How would your best friend describe you?
According to my friends currently sitting next to me at the dinner table, their favourite things about me are my passionate heart, warmth and generosity.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
blisfull – kindness is key
What’s next for Liza Lo in 2023?
I’m going to be playing some intimate acoustic and band shows across England and The Netherlands this summer which I’m very excited about. I’m also recording with my band for a new project in July which is going to be super fun, you’ll get a preview of that later this year!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Pistachios 10/10
And your favorite cheat food?
Chips also 10/10
How would you explain your fashion style?
Think Mediterranean colours, a beachy glow and a relaxed feel.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Waking up calm but full of excitement for your days ahead. Satisfied about the moment you’re currently living and being surrounded by the people you love! Discovering the ever evolving world and surroundings you’re sharing with everyone.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Carole King. Honestly to just hangout and hear about the days she wrote Tapestry and the recording process they went through for the album.
What would be the dream holiday?
Japan
Best advice ever given?
Always keep going! Leave your inner critic out of your head sometimes
Do you support any charity?
Yes, WWF.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Playing festivals, writing songs with new and old friends and seeing the world doing so!
Always exploring new musical cultures and sounds.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Maro – just wanna forget you
What do you think of Social Media?
Challenging! But it’s another way to express my art and share songs I’ve written and love 🙂
Where we can follow you?
Book: To kill a mockingbird
Quote: Kindness is key
Movie: Interstellar
Tv Series: Any David Attinborough narrated documentary
Favorite Food: Any kind of dessert
Travel Destination: Mexico
