If you need a sign to tell your crush you like them, here it is. Colombian-American rising artist Lizje dropped her single “Todavida” that will encourage you to be brave and just embrace love. Get to know more about the new artist in our interview below.
Beyond The Stage: Have you always wanted to pursue music? Were you surrounded by music at home?
Lizje: Yes! Since I was a young girl I would sing and listen to music non stop! It was around that age when my father asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitating, I answered, “A singer, to sing in many languages and help a lot of people.” I think that sentiment has remained constant throughout my career and is how I continue to guide my life.
Yes! I was surrounded by music growing up. My father was an incredible singer and his sweet voice would melt my mother’s and my heart all the time.
BTS: I’m getting major latin-pop vibes, how would you describe your sound?
Lizje: I would describe my sound to be a blend of Latin, Soul, and Pop music. My last single, “Mas De Paz”, is a mix of traditional Colombian elements and a strong modern pop production. While my newest single, “Todavia”, has a softer latino vibe with a bachata rhythm.
The sound that I’ve developed came from growing up in both Colombia and the United States. On one side, I would be here in the US listening to R&B, Gospel, Pop and when I traveled to Colombia I would find myself turning the radio up and encountering Latin music, Boleros, and Funk.
BTS: Who are some of your inspirations?
Lizje: This is truly a difficult question! I’ve greatly admired and been inspired by so many women in the arts. I have been inspired by listening to people like Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill and Maya Angelou. I also admire some current artists like Rosalia, Mayra Andrade, Selena Gomez and Shakira to name a few. I feel like they all have tapped into their identities and expressed themselves with beautiful music and words. It is an ongoing inspiration everytime I hear an empowering artist sing, especially female singers. I hope to be as grand as they are one day.
BTS: Do you write and produce all your music?
Lizje: Yes, I do. And I also like to collaborate with other friends who are producers, musicians and engineers. I’m thankful for the experience I had at Berklee College of Music because I was able to meet so many talented musicians that I am now making music with today. Creating music is an amazing thing to be a part of.
The song Todavia is an example of a music collaboration I did with my friend (amazing producer and musician) Mr. Steve Biladeou. We both worked on the music and made Todavia together. Like Steve always tells me, he put the beats to the “Latin Tinge” I brought to the table.
BTS: What’s the story behind “todavia?” What inspired it? (Stream Here)
Lizje: Have you ever had an intense crush and you’ve been too shy to tell them? I wanted to write a song that encouraged people to be brave and say, “I like you, Todavia”. Writing “Todavia” on an early morning in Queens, I reflected on what I would like to say to that special someone in my life one day. In the Latin culture, it is well known that men usually write love songs for women in a poetic way. This is my take on a love song from a woman’s perspective.
BTS: It’s always good seeing empowering, latin women uplift others and be proud of who they are and where they came from and that is a huge deal for you, what advice do you have for other latin women wanting to also pursue their dream?
Lizje: I hope that all Latin women pursue their dreams. But I hope that ALL women would feel empowered to pursue their dreams. It does not matter what culture or baggage we might be carrying, I pray that we would keep our eyes on the greater things that we were made for. My advice would be to listen to what gives you peace and follow that. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are more than the labels that you’ve been assigned. You are greatly loved by love itself. Don’t forget to surround yourself with people who will impart wisdom, love, and support you. That’s all you need no matter what dreams you are chasing after. Arriba las Latinas y todas las mujeres!
BTS: What do you hope people gain from listening to “Todavia” and the rest of your music?
Lizje: When people listen to Todavia I hope they would feel courage and love to reach out and express themselves. What I mean is, it’s not always easy to express your Love or crush for someone. Sometimes you just need a little encouragement to do so. No matter the distance or what level of relationship someone can be in (romantically speaking) I hope my pop bolero, bachata, R&B type song would install that courage in my listeners.
As for the rest of my music, I hope that people would feel empowered to live one day at a time. I hope my music can uplift those who listen to it. That it might strike a change and give a space to be authentic. I hope my music will be with those who need joy, those who need to mourn, be loved or to connect with themselves and others. I just want my music to be a good representation of that. A big huge party with depth in it.
Gracias for reading and listening to my music!
To keep up with Lizje follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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