Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
Liza: I have wanted to be a singer since I can remember. Just like most singers I think. I have always been a writer too but for me these two things did not come together until recently. And why? I think that if you are an artist you just can’t imagine doing anything else with your life. Sometimes, I wonder if this is healthy. I’m not sure.
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
Liza: My mother has always been very supportive of my career choice. She is the one who took me to auditions etc. But my Dad is the one who was obsessed with music. The house was always filled with the sounds of the Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young, Roxy Music and the list goes on and on. He used music as a means of communicating his mood with the rest of us in the house. I figured this out very early. I would step into the house after school and listen to what was playing before I would or would not try to talk to my father. It was a strange way to have to function but I think that this led me to understand the power of lyrics and music very early on.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Liza: I think that anyone who influences me musically is major so I will give you some names that you know and some that you may not recognize but may want to consider checking out. David Bowie has had a really huge influence on me. He was the first artist that I remember being in love with. I did a photo shoot recently where my stylist put me in a vintage Bowie shirt to pay homage to my love of his music. I was hopping up and down like a kid! Ok, so let’s focus here! Other artists Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry, Fiona Apple, Peggy Lee, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, I am on a Sia kick right now (I can’t turn her off), Ani Difranco, my friend Rachelle Garniez is a big influence, Bjork, Greta Gertler, April Smith, Oh, I just went to see Nadia Ackerman at the Living Room here in NYC she is great, Andrew Bird. I’ll stop now. I could keep on rambling so... It also just depends on the day. You know?
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
Liza: Yuck! Is this a competition? I think that this is the main problem with the music “business” but I believe that this is changing due to the Internet and downloads. I would like to think that there is room for everyone out here. We all have different points of view. Some may love yours. Some may hate yours. Some simply may not care. You may stand out to one and disappear to another.
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
Liza: I have been offered such deals and have said “No thanks”. I am glad that I have been true to my own musical evolution and journey. But I’m not sure if my wallet is!
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
Liza: This is very true. The Internet has been an invaluable resource for me. I found my agent that way. I’ve booked tours and landed gigs. I would say know who may want to hear what you are doing and send it their way. For example I am not going to send my music to “Death Metal” online. I would not waste my time or theirs. And follow up with those that you do send your stuff to.
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
Liza: Unfortunately it is very important. Right now I am dealing with hiring a music lawyer. If people see any glimmer of hope with what it is you are trying to do suddenly money talks and “Hey sign this” become major topics.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Liza: Oh boy. I have no idea. Is that lame? I guess that I would say if you believe in your work others may or may not want to hop on board. The important thing is that you must love what it is that you are doing.
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
Liza: You don’t need to wait to be successful to make an impact on the world. I really love Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. I like performing at schools and talking to kids about the performing arts. I am also pretty outspoken about my political views and my overall concern for the world that we live in. Don’t wait! We need all of the help we can get right now!
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
Liza: (Laughing) No they didn’t. Maybe I’ll quit. Just kidding!
