In the midst of a bustling summer, singer-songwriter Lizzie Esau, hailing from Newcastle, unveild her debut EP, “Deepest Blue,” on July 21st via LAB Records. The EP comes alongside the release of her single, “Lazy Brain,” a compelling exploration of self-doubt and the quest for emotional liberation. With festival slots, support tours, and headline shows filling her calendar, Lizzie’s journey of self-discovery and musical resilience takes center stage. As she confronts her inner demons through ethereal choruses and impassioned crescendos, Lizzie Esau invites listeners into a world where authenticity reigns supreme.
Can you share the inspiration behind your upcoming EP, “Deepest Blue,” and how it reflects your journey as an artist?
The inspiration behind the EP was that it’s a collection of songs speaking on some of the darkest moments of my life. I think naturally for me writing is like a therapy (as cheesy as it sounds) so unfortunately they’re not the most cheerful songs you’ll hear lyrically haha! I think it’s important to be transparent and honest about my feelings in my music as a way of showing other people in similar situations they’re not alone. I know that’s a big reason I go back to so many of my favourite songs, for that feeling of comfort. As I grow as an artist and looking back at how far the project as a whole has come along I think the ability to be so open with the audience and translate painful experiences into music were really proud of is something that has developed a lot.
“Lazy Brain” delves into the theme of self-doubt. How did you approach capturing such a personal struggle in your music, and what do you hope listeners take away from the track?
As I mentioned before I feel like it’s really great for me to be able to understand how I’m feeling through making these songs. I think as soon as I’m honest with myself it will encourage others to do the same hopefully. I think it’s such a natural and common thing to doubt yourself so it’s good we can talk (sing) about it all together. I think I just wanted to reach out to others that we’re feeling the same frustration with themselves with this song definitely.
Collaborating with industry veterans like Steve Grainger and Iain Berryman must have been incredible. How did their involvement shape the sound and narrative of “Lazy Brain” and the overall EP?
Lazy Brain was first a demo I wrote maybe coming up to a year ago on logic in my room. I was just experimenting and having fun really and didn’t think too seriously about what it would turn into. I then sent it over to the band and my manager who were all keen to take it further so we started to work on new parts for the track. I feel like anytime I take a demo to the band they really enhance the whole energy of it. This collective side of things definitely helped build the emotion and sway of the track. We worked on it in the studio with Steve Grainger a producer who we’ve worked with for a long time now and had the track mixed by Ian Berryman. Both absolute masters of their craft and completely translated all of our wishes for the track into reality.
Your tracks are gaining traction on popular playlists. How does it feel to see your music resonating with audiences, and what role do these platforms play in connecting artists with listeners?
It feels amazing! I think Spotify have allowed us to reach so many new audiences via their playlisting which has been so incredible for us. We still get people coming up to us at shows saying that’s how they discovered the music!
The EP encapsulates both the energy of your live performances and your darkest moments. How do you balance these elements in your songwriting, and what message do you aim to convey through this dual perspective?
I think it allows people to enjoy the music in different ways at different times. Like if you’re wanting something to cry in the bath to listen into the lyrics and if you’re wanting something to dance around to you can just block out the words and listen to the music haha. If you’re wanting to have a dance and a cry feel free to tune into both haha.
What excites you the most about sharing your music with new crowds, and what can fans expect from your live performances?
Playing live is my favourite thing ever. It’s so special when you can see people singing along, relating with the topics you’re writing on and sharing those feelings. Equally it’s always fun playing support shows where you feel like you’re winning people over and you can see the moment right in front of you when people are discovering something new they’re into.
Our live performances are very high energy and emotional and I basically throw myself around the stage a lot. But don’t take my word for it, come and see for yourself!!!
Find out more about Lizzie Esau here.