Liz Graham Interview

Hello, Liz. You have a new single out, Charcoal on a Canvas. What significance does the single hold for you?

The song is, if you will- a little bit of a playful revenge song aimed towards someone who was, in general, an as*hole.  What else can you do to someone who tells you “I’m going to make you fall in love with me, and then I am going to break your heart?” It was shocking and hysterical all at the same time.

Can you describe your creative process to us? How does a song go from an initial thought to a complete song?

I dream my songs-so they are actually a part of my dream. For example- with “Charcoal On A Canvas” I was driving a convertible down a highway. I turned on the radio, and “Charcoal” was playing. I liked the song and at some point in the dream, I realized that I needed to write it. Then the tricky part comes into play- I have to bring the song out into the world and that starts by picking up my guitar. I write the music and words at the same time- often inspired by a phrase, chord, or word that resonates with me.

Which artists are the greatest influences for you and your music?

I was exposed to music right from birth- My father was a country music fan, and every evening he would play Hank Williams Sr. as well as Johnny Cash, Patsy Klein, and Marty Robbins. My mother was in love with Glen Campbell, so I grew up listening to Jimmy Webb songs, and Rodger and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” everyday, all day. I was fortunate to have an older brother who was very into music. His room was like a record store, and everything was available. It was there that, on my own, I discovered Joni Mitchell, Odetta, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Janis Joplin, Fanny, Billie Holliday, Susie Quatro, Esther Phillips, Laura Nyro, Joan Armatrading, Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin- women who paved the way for the next generation of women. I also loved Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Humble Pie, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Allman Brothers, The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Quicksilver, The James Gang…the list is endless…

You are from New York, which is one of the best cities for up and coming performers. How has your music expanded throughout the world?

My debut CD was released internationally and was well received in Italy, the UK and Japan. I hadn’t realized how well received it was in Italy until I stayed at a villa in Tuscany, and the Innkeepers knew who I was- having seen my CD in the local music store and hearing me on the radio.

How are social media services different from the traditional face-to-face meeting that musicians traditionally utilize? Are the types of fans different between online and offline interactions?

I don’t really feel or see a difference. Each interaction is unique and special in its own right. I’m a big fan of communication and so any and all that I can get is important to me.

You have some big things coming up; what does the rest of 2015 hold for you?

I will be releasing my full CD, giving online concerts, and touring.

How can individuals find samples of your music?

You can check out songs and watch the new video for “Charcoal On A Canvas” at my website: LizGrahamMusic.com/

The single goes on sale March 3^rd at iTunes and Amazon.com

You’ve recently released a video for Charcoal on a Canvas. How was it to work with Shari Cartun?

Shari and I are naturally attuned to each other… with a similar sensibility. We both agreed that we wanted to take the viewer on a journey fueled with excitement and fantasy similar to falling in love. Towards the end of the video, the viewer gets to experience this journey a second time- only in reverse. It’s like experiencing the whirlwind of falling in love and then looking back at the relationship to figure out why it didn’t work. I had full trust in Shari’s ability to execute this vision and create a compelling video.  She’s one the most creative, generous and disciplined people that I have ever met.

Do you have any final thoughts for NeuFutur readers?

Yes- Thank you for reading this interview. I would love to hear your perspective, thoughts, musings…

Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you! xoxo Liz

Liz Graham Interview