Interview With Lizh, Winner Of Radio One R&B Competition

No matter how easy it becomes to create and distribute music recordings there is no substitute for a great live show. Lizh, winner of the Radio One’s Music & Entertainment Convention R&B Competition, stood out from her peers because she didn’t just own her songs, she owned the stage.

“It’s great for people able to take your music home with you with the records but the most important part is getting on the stage in front of people,” says the New York native who now resides in North Carolina. “People wanna come out to see a bananas show and as an artist that is the reward. You lay down and record these tracks [but] at the end of the day you’re face to face with the people who love your music. The performing part for me is what it’s all about. Being on stage is what keeps me going.”

After relocating Lizh took a job doing bookkeeping and tax preparation and various office jobs. But the Latin poet (her parents are from the Dominican Republic), who has been performing since she was fifteen, has now dedicated herself to singing full time. “Plan B is for when you wanna fail,” she says.

With her live show getting much deserved attention she is ready to finish her album and take it out on the road. TheUrbanDaily got Lizh to share a little bit about her influences and what inspired some of her music.

Her Start…

Well as far when I started singing that happened at a very young age. I realized I could do this for a career was when I was 15 and by then I had already been taking lessons and it had kind of evolved. As soon as school finished I moved down to north Carolina, put together a band and it’s been non step ever since.

Her influences…

My influences vary because I admire different musicians for different reasons. Growing up Selena was a really big thing for me because her stage presence is unmatchable she can concur any stage with beautiful energy. I guess I really love lyric heavy musicians. I love Cee Lo and {blank} I love classic rock and blues. It’s very difficult to pin it all down.

Songs that best reflect your style or influence

I love a good pop tune. The Beatles were very pop but they were really great songs. As they progressed and grew as a band they got artistic and abstract. Those songs are as equally as brilliant. It’s kind of difficult to pick a song of mine that I feel truly reflects all aspects because that is always changing.

Performance at the Showcase

I sung “Bent” and “Succubus” which is a perfect example of both pop and art, because bent is very kind of straight forward no mystery, just right there on the table. “Succubus” is an original spoken piece, so it’s very theatrical. Kinda the two different [sides] of Lizh.

Stage show and presence

I’ve been performing on stage a long time and in school I did a lot of musical theater. I think more than anything that is probably the biggest thing in my history that most influences my live stage show. The music on your CD is one thing but when you bring it on stage that brings the theatrical aspect to it.

Check out more about Lizh on Facebook and Reverbnation.