Lizzie Sider – Summer Love Song

By starrymag | August 6, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) You’ve accomplished a lot for being just nineteen years old! How does that feel?

A) Thank you! It feels awesome! My “teen years” have definitely been different than a lot of my friends’, but I am thankful to have had some really cool experiences this early on in life.

 

Q) You’re so passionate about something that’s also very close to my heart; anti-bullying. It’s inspiring for someone so young to be so active in such an important cause. Can you speak a little about this?

A) It’s such an important topic and I am glad it’s a prominent talking point in the mainstream media. While I am heartbroken at much of what I read, I think it’s imperative that we address these issues that are right in front of us and that we do all we can to slow and stop this terrible epidemic.

The reason why it is close to my heart is because of personal experience. During my elementary school years, I had a few friends at school, but there was a group of girls that left me feeling defeated and crying every day. “Nobody has the power to ruin your day” was the phrase my dad told me one day in about fourth grade and after weeks of my parents stressing that to me everyday, I adopted it as my own. I realized that I was the only one with the power to decide how I saw myself and that I was in control of my self confidence. I think I am a better and stronger person because of what happened to me and how I came out of it. It became my mission to connect with children in elementary and middle school and help them overcome bullying. I have personally been to four hundred schools nationwide with my original Bully Prevention Assembly called “Nobody Has The Power To Ruin Your Day” and my Bully Prevention Video Package is reaching 3,600 schools, representing 2.4 million children worldwide. All of my advocacy goes through the non-profit organization that I founded, Nobody Has The Power To Ruin Your Day.

 

Q) Activism, writing song and performing – that’s quite the repertoire of talent. I have to ask; is there anything you can’t do?

Q) [laughs] Thank you! I actually have a very hard time whistling…oh, and twerking.

 

Q) As a musician, how would you describe your sound?

A) I’d put myself in the genre of pop-country. My last EP, produced by James Stroud and programmed by Charles Judge, had more pop elements than any of my previous projects. My music is fun, uplifting, bright, vibrant and wholesome. I am always writing and creating music and exploring new feels and musical directions.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up listening to Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Gene Autry… that’s where I get my country roots from. Other than them, I’d say my modern-day influences are artists like Taylor Swift, Eva Cassidy, Colbie Caillat, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans and Faith Hill.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Summer Love Song.”

A) “Summer Love Song” is one of my favorite songs I have ever written because while it is so raw, real, emotional, honest and vulnerable. I think it’s one of those songs that everyone can listen to and connect to. The production on the song is also so purely me, so even though it’s a “Lizzie Sider” song, I listen to it all the time!

 

Q) How did it feel to have your song featured in a Hallmark film?

A) AMAZING! I have loved Hallmark films for a long time so it was kind of a dream come true.

 

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

A) I like to write my music and lyrics at the same time. Personally, I very rarely write one without the other because when I go to write the other, there’s often a disconnect in flow. But then again, there have been times that I’ve written an entire song’s worth of lyrics on an airplane and just hummed the melody as I went along! Thank goodness for a good musical memory!

 

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

A) A huge hand. My producer, James Stroud, is not only extremely gifted at what he does, but we also get along very well as people. So, that makes it fun to be in the studio with him. We are very collaborative on everything that goes into my music. James is a great mentor!

 

Q) Will there be an EP or full album coming in the near future?

A) I am not announcing an EP or full album at the moment, but my creative juices are always flowing. So, there will definitely be new music soon. I will say, though, that I am working on a Spanish version of my song “Butterfly!”

 

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

A) Hmmm…Collaborating with Carole King would be just fabulous! I love her music and have gotten into it even more recently because of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” My dad always tells me I remind him of her and I take that as a huge compliment!

 

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

A) My favorite songs lately have been “Where It All Began” by Dan + Shay, “The First Time” by Kelsea Ballerini, “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones, “Behind The Light” by Phillip Phillips and “Bombs Away” by Sheppard. They all have a great groove and have been making me happy. And “Come Away With Me” album by Norah Jones… I’ll light some candles and listen to that one all night long.

 

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

A) Social media is great because I get to connect with people from all over the world! I get messages from kids all over the world who share their bullying experiences with me, as well. It’s very humbling to be reached out to and to help these individuals EMBRACE their self confidence and beauty!

 

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

A) Thank you SO MUCH for your love and support! This has been quite the journey so far and I am excited to be able to continue doing what I love and making your lives brighter during the process!