Liz Cass FAULT Magazine Cover and Interview
Liz Cass FAULT Magazine Cover and Interview
Liz Cass, the songstress known for her distinctive pop twist on classic sounds, has once again set the stage ablaze with her scorching new single ‘Too Hot’. In a world saturated with music that often conforms to predictable patterns, Liz Cass dares to infuse fresh, invigorating elements into her work and with news of more music to come, we caught up with Liz Cass to discuss her work so far and of course, her FAULTs.
Congratulations on the release ‘Too Hot’! Can you share with us the creative process behind the track and what inspired you to delve into the realm of fiery and fleeting romances?
Thank you! I’m really excited to have this tune out as it’s a new direction for me musically. My first album was more introspective and I wanted to jump into something that felt fun and uplifting with this project. It’s still inspired by personal experience – in my more reckless days I had a tendency to bulldoze ahead, seeking thrills an instant gratification, rather than slow burn longevity.
The production is really infectious and you can’t help but nod along to the beat but it’s juxtaposed with the story of a “tainted love” – was this mix of themes and musicality a conscious decision or did it come about by chance?
Completely by chance. I went into the studio with a blank canvas that day and my co-writers took things in a fun, upbeat direction. It started quite light hearted and I was thinking about those times you’re on the dance floor and just want to be left alone to enjoy your favourite song but then moved into the realm of the final song symbolising the end of the affair and realising if you can’t connect with someone in that situation then it likely means you’ve disconnected in real life.
You’ve mentioned that your creative process for this new project has made you feel more liberated and less anxious about sharing your art. Can you elaborate on how you’ve embraced this newfound sense of creative freedom?
For a start, I’m an independent artist again and I’ve felt free to explore things musically in my own time, on my own terms. Working with new writers and producers has taken things in a different direction and breathed new life into the music. I’ve come out of my shell a bit. I’m also reminded that the process of making the music is what it’s all about. Once you release it, let it go – it’s not in your control anymore. And there’s no point worrying about things that are out of your control!
Your debut album, ‘The Words,’ received such high praise, is there any apprehension or feeling that you have to “top” the project with your next release?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope the next album will be equally well received… but I don’t feel anxious about it. I always just aim to make good music that is representative of where I’m at now and release songs I like myself. It’s a new direction for me but the reaction has been great so far so I feel encouraged! Hopefully people will connect with this album too, in a different way.
Your music releases are all very unique and hard to pin to any one genre – do you find this helps or hurts you in a music industry that likes to categories musicians into certain groups?
It’s a double edged sword but most of my favourite artists are hard to categorise so I take it as a compliment.
I don’t go into the studio with a particular genre in mind – 80s influences seep into a lot of the music I make but i suppose I don’t fit in a box. I just make music I like and trust that listeners respond and connect with a variety of musical styles. The industry is so volatile, I try not to think too much about where I might fit in or what might do well.
How do you navigate the delicate balance between honouring musical nostalgia and pushing creative boundaries in contemporary music?
I really don’t over think it. It’s a spontaneous and organic process when I’m in the studio . I think musical nostalgia is in the subconscious and it influences the writing without you realising it. It’s natural to want to create something new and different but the most important thing to me is to have a good, solid song at the bare bones of it.
What can your fans expect from your upcoming project, how do they build upon what they’ve come to expect from you as an artist?
I hope they will be surprised and delighted!
Looking back on your musical journey, what’s been the most challenging hurdle you’ve had to overcome?
Low self esteem is a high hurdle to overcome! But I think all creatives suffer the ups and downs.
What’s your biggest fear as it pertains to your music?
I used to fear that music I put out will just disappear into the void. But I’d say I’ve finally gotten over that fear of rejection and I try to enjoy the process of creating it and then let it go with no expectations.
What is your FAULT?
How long have you got?!