Eliza Lee – Boo

By starrymag | May 15, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d describe it as flirty experimental pop. I like to incorporate a lot of RnB and trap elements in my production as well, so I never feel restricted to just one genre.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) At the moment I’m loving Frank Ocean, Kehlani, Charli XCX, Taylor Swift …Honestly, so many artists and writers inspire me. Taylor Swift’s album 1989 made me fall in love with pop music at a young age. I’ve always related to her lyrics and she just knows how to write a killer hook. Charli XCX is still a big inspiration for me because she’s constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with her sound.

Q) As a social media influencer, what made you feel comfortable to finally pursue music full-time?

A) It definitely felt like a risky move, but I think it was the realization that I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. It sounds so cheesy, but pursuing music doesn’t even feel like a choice for me. I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter, whether that’s for other artists or for myself. So, why not give it a go while I’m still young!

Q) Talk about the story behind your debut song “Boo.”

A) So, this one was written in 2018 during a writing session. I was in LA and really missing someone far away at the time. The song ended up being about long distance and that feeling of wishing you were closer to them. It happens to be very relevant to this whole quarantine period, so I love that lots of people can relate to it.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think, lyrically, it is a situation that so many of us have gone through. Distance and travel have been struggles in my past relationships. What I like about this song is that although the subject is somewhat sad, it’s still an uplifting, catchy pop anthem. It was my way of bringing light to the situation so hopefully it does the same for others!

Q) What did you personally take away from writing the song with Phillip White?

He’s great! I learned a lot working with his team, as it was one of the first sessions, I ever did in LA. I love their way of working and they really pushed me to experiment more melodically. Phillip is also a great vocal producer, so he made sure I brought my all when I was in the recording booth.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My process differs depending on the circumstances. Sometimes a melody comes to me first or I’ll think of the melody and lyric together. If I’m toplining in a session with a producer, I often mumble the melody to sketch it out before writing and refining the lyrics.  If I’m not writing or collaborating in the studio, I often find myself making demos in my bedroom or recording ideas on voice memos. The hook of the next song I’m releasing was actually written during a first date, so you never know when the inspiration will strike.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I like to be very hands on in the production, almost annoyingly so. I wasn’t always this way, but now I usually have a very specific vibe that I want to create for the song and production plays such a vital role in that. Sometimes it’s important to step back so producers do their thing and experiment though! Hopefully, soon I’ll be good enough to self-produce as well.

Q) Your self-titled EP is on the way. What are some themes you will be exploring?

A) Yes! I’m excited. These songs were written when I was nineteen to twenty years old, so a lot of it is based on the transition period from late teens to adulthood. I also explore experiences of dating, heartbreak and self-acceptance. It’s all very real to me and hopefully it resonates with people.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I have such a long wish list when it comes to collaboration. I would love to write with Lauv, Julia Michaels, Kim Petras or Charli XCX. All amazing pop writers who I listen to all the time.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I’ve been listening to Childish Gambino’s latest album all week! It’s very different to the music I make but I’m obsessed. His performance, lyrics, the production. It’s all so unique and it’s given me a lot of ideas. I also love his use of panning. It really brings life to the tracks if you listen with headphones.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s super important that your listeners can get to know you so that they can feel more connected to the music you’re making. I haven’t been as consistent as I should be during quarantine, but social media is so vital! I’m always so touched when I get a nice dm from someone who likes my music. It really makes my day and inspires me to keep going.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Just thank you so much! It really means the world to me and I just hope you like what I have coming for the rest of 2020.

 

 Listen to “Boo:”

 

Follow Eliza Lee On Social Media:

Links: Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify