Liz Lieber – Play Pretend

By starrymag | July 26, 2024

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Nostalgic, timeless, and sincere.

 

Q) Who are some the musical influences that helped shape you as the artist you are now?

A) There are so many, but some of my biggest influences are Sara Bareilles, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. Their music taught me the value of honesty and authenticity in songwriting, which is something I always strive for in my own songs.

 

Q) With your most recent and nostalgic single “Play Pretend” you manage to grant us an escapade to those safe times when adult life weighs heavy over our adult shoulders and reminds us of the beauty of being a child. Where did you find the inspiration to write such a beautiful song?

A) When I was twenty-eight years old, life was feeling pretty heavy with all the adult responsibilities I had to deal with. I just wanted to get back that pure, innocent joy we all had when we were kids. So, I started writing this song as a way to express those feelings.

 

Q) “Play Pretend” was co-written with the talented Jack Tempchin; how did this collaboration come about?

A) Our introduction was thanks to our mutual manager, who thought we might be a great fit musically. Jack had already heard some of my work and he reached out to our manager to set up a writing session. Of course, I was flattered – who wouldn’t want to write with such a songwriting legend? We clicked instantly, and after a few sessions together, I shared the lyrics I had started when I was twenty-eight years old. Jack loved them and we decided to finish the song together. And the rest, as they say, is history!

 

Q) I know you fully produced this song. Creatively speaking, what were the biggest lessons learned during this process?

A) I learned that you can sometimes achieve really great sounding music with few resources. I software generated practically all of the instruments, except for the keyboard and guitar. Of course, if you can afford to have a full live band record with you, by all means do it. But when you have a small production budget like I did, technology can do amazing things!

 

Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to “Play Pretend?”

A) The response has been absolutely incredible! I’ve never experienced such a strong reaction from so many people to one of my songs. Every time I’ve shared a clip of the song on social media, it’s been amazing to see all the shares and comments. It’s humbling to know that this song resonates with so many, and I’m really grateful.

 

Q) On May 10th, you performed in NYC at what you promise to be a ride through nostalgic hits and originals. Tell us about the night! 

A) It was amazing! This was my second show, and I was excited to be playing LIVE again after the first sold out show. The audience was warm and supportive, and I look forward to doing some more shows in the future. I admittedly have never fully gravitated towards live performances, as I’ve been a creature of the live streaming and the internet for a long time. But the more I do them, the more I enjoy them.

 

Q) What songs do you most enjoy performing live?

A) That’s a tough question to answer, but I’d have to say my song “Play Pretend” and my cover of “Stuck on You” (by Lionel Richie) are some of my favorites!

 

Q) Since 2019 you have released a variety of your singles. Do you have any plans to release an EP or full album anytime this year?

A) Probably not this year, but it’s certainly something I’d like to do within the next year or two. Stay tuned!

 

Q) How do you consider that sharing your music through social media has contributed to your career and helped to build a connection with your fans?

A) It’s honestly crazy, but wonderful. If it wasn’t for live streaming during the pandemic, I might not even have started my music career! Live streaming and making videos were game-changers – they really helped me build the fanbase I have today. I’m so grateful for the connection I’ve been able to make with people through my music and it all started with hitting that “live” button.

 

Q) Which artists would you be excited to collaborate with if given the opportunity?

A) Oh man, there are so many. But a couple that come to mind instantly are Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile.

 

Q) What would you like to say to all of your fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you for continuing to support me through all these phases of my musical journey. I feel like I never know where it will take me next, but you guys always have my back. THANK YOU!