"Don't Let You Go" Video Still
International music artist Liza takes a break from belting those angelical notes to talk about her new single “Don’t Let You Go,” share her tale of stardom, and pay homage to her major influencers.
Although she is coined as a pop singer, Liza feels like her voice is more RnB. The artist claims that she has been singing and listening to rhythm and blues all her life. She elaborated on how a girl from Stockholm, Sweden can have so much soul. She credits her mom for introducing her to Aretha Franklin and the church choir.
“She [mom] was listening to Aretha [Franklin] and opera and I loved it,” said Liza. “I started to sing in church and after that I have always been inspired by African American singers.”
The songstress also praises her dad, a member of a sixties rock cover band in Sweden, for her musical ear.
“When I was a kid I always sat down by the piano with my dad singing and making up songs for hours,” said Liza. “My dad has been my inspiration since way back. He is still my biggest fan. I feel so blessed.”
The “Don’t Let You Go” vocalist revealed that people thought something was wrong with her because she didn’t listen to musicians like Britney Spears. Being Swedish, Liza often gets associated to pop music. However, she emphasizes that she sings what she likes and does what her heart wants.
“I hate when people put you in a box,” she said. “Just because you are Swedish you got to listen and sing pop, says who?”
Besides Aretha Franklin, Liza’s icons are musicians like R. Kelly, Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson.
“All of them are the world’s greatest singers through all time and I never stop being amazed over their true talent,” said the rising star.
Liza describes her music as a mix of RnB and EDM. The musician explained why she intertwines both genres of music.
“My thought was to do a mix with RnB vocals and EDM beats. I always listen to EDM/house music when I go to the gym, have a party, drive my car, or when I need energy” she said. “EDM brings more energy to the song and RnB brings out the ‘feeling’.”
Speaking of feelings, Liza claims love is always a subject of her music. She calls love the “best” and “worst” feeling of life. Her new single “Don’t Let You Go,” happens to be about an ex-boyfriend.
“I still remember that feeling when I was so in love and blind,” said the singer, recalling her old flame. “When the person left my side I felt lost and empty. I’d do whatever to have him by my side all the time. Everything else does not matter. That’s the power of love.”
With the belief that great music comes from actual feelings and experiences, Liza always tries to associate real life in her music.
“I was in my best vocal period when I was in real emotional pain,” she said. “That is also my way of healing. Getting my feelings down in my music is the best rehabilitation.”
Based on real feelings and thoughts, Liza upcoming single “Human” focuses on issues of injustice and war. She acknowledges her songwriter Saaed Renaud for assisting her in turning her ideas into lyrics.
Liza didn’t enter the music industry for money or fame, but because she wants to do what she loves. She stays grounded in the entertainment world by having respect for others and remaining close to her family and spirituality.
“We all start from zero. We have to remember where we come from and who was there for us when we had nothing,” said the musician. “I have God in my heart. I pray to him that he will guide me everyday.”
As the rise of social media continues, Liza is cautious of what type of image she is distributing to the masses.
“It is a hard climate today and with all this social media we have to be aware of what we are sending out to our future,” she said. “I always remind myself of how I want my future kids to see me and that I can be a good role model for women and men.”
Liza also gave some words of wisdom to those who are trying to break into the music game.
“Surround yourself with the right people. The ones who dare to be honest to you and support you,” she said. “Find a mentor who can inspire you to be better, but still remind you that you’re no better than anybody else. You just have a different gift that you want to use for the right purpose.”
Liza added that “knowing what is best for you” is essential.
Article sponsored by WestLevyPR