If you haven’t heard the name Lizzie Reid yet and you fancy yourself a new music fan, then you have been probably living under a rock or spent the last two years in an exile to the Gobi desert without an access to the Internet or the radio. In her native Scotland, Lizzie is now a household name and it will not be long before she is equally known domestically and abroad. With a fantastic voice, radio friendly songs and the support from the BBC, Lizzie is climbing to the top at speed of light. We caught up with her to speak about her newest single “Warpaint”, upcoming EP and her plans for the rest of the year.
At the beginning, can we have a few words about yourself? Who is Lizzie Reid?
Lizzie Reid: Hello! I am Lizzie Reid and I am a singer/songwriter from Glasgow. I’ve been involved
in the Glasgow music scene for quite a few years now but I only started putting things into the world in 2020 with my first EP, “Cubicle”.
Your last single “How Do You I Show My Love” was released at the beginning of May and it was your first ever song written entirely on the piano. Was working on it more challenging than usual?
Lizzie Reid: I wouldn’t say it was more challenging to write or perform “How Do I Show My Love”. It came quite naturally to me really. Piano was the first instrument I took to as a kid so it was really nice to come back to it for this one.
Barely two weeks ago you released another track called “Warpaint”. What can you tell us about this song? What inspired you to write it?
Lizzie Reid: “Warpaint” was inspired by a night out I had a few years back. At the time, I had feelings for someone who turned up to the night out with a new partner! Instead of getting down about it, I kind of quickly shrugged it off and carried on enjoying my night! (laughing)
You often say that your songs were born out of insecurity. As a musician, how do you cope with the enormous pressure of having to perform on stage in front of complete strangers? Do you have any special coping mechanisms?
Lizzie Reid: As time has passed I have become very comfortable with being vulnerable with my music. At first, it was a huge relief to just sing what was going on for me, but now it’s almost second nature. I zone out a little bit to help me get through the experience sometimes, if I’m being honest. I find that if I think about things too much, I kinda freak myself out!
Your music can be described as delicate and intimate. Don’t you have an urge sometimes to turn up the volume and scream?
Lizzie Reid: Yeah I really do have the urge to scream and rock out a lot more! My first band was a rock band and I love experiencing and playing loud music. I’m hoping to be going down that road a bit more in the future.
“Mooching”, your newest EP will be published shortly. What can you tell us about it without spoiling a surprise?
Lizzie Reid: You can expect a wee bit more variety from the “Mooching” EP. I’ve taken the chance
to show a different side to me, musically. I hope people will enjoy that too as much as I do.
You were personally invited by Arlo Parks to open her concerts in your native Scotland. This is a fantastic achievement. You must have been really proud. How do you remember those shows?
Lizzie Reid: I have fond memories of the Arlo Parks shows. A highlight for me was watching her
sound-check and she started singing one of my songs to herself! I thought that was really sweet. It made me feel very welcomed.
Sharing stages with Arlo Parks is not your only success. Your first EP, “Cubicle” was nominated for Scottish Record of The Year in 2021. Were you surprised by the nomination?
Lizzie Reid: I was surprised! It felt so good for the EP to be recognised in that way and to be a part of something like that. It made everything feel kind of “real”.
The Scottish independent music scene is strong at this moment. What acts would you recommend for us to listen to?
Lizzie Reid: I would really recommend keeping an eye out for a band called The Joy Hotel. They’ve got a couple of live sessions up on YouTube at the moment but nothing on any streaming platforms yet. It’s great stuff. Another band I would recommend is Her Picture. They make really moody alternative rock music. I love going to see them live, it’s always a nice release for me. They’ve released their first single recently so y’all should check it out.
What are your plans for the rest of the year? Are you going on a tour?
Lizzie Reid: I will be playing a lot more this year. I’m doing 110 Above festival this weekend (August 14th) and Connect Festival later in the month (August 28th). After that I’ll be focusing on my own headline shows for later in the year, which I’m really excited for.
Last questions are fun at Indieterria – let’s imagine you have been selected to participate in the new editions of Dancing With The Stars. Who is your partner and what’s the song you are dancing to?
Lizzie Reid: Can I pick anyone? If so, it’d be a young Robert Plant… I think he would be a good partner and we could maybe try dancing to Immigrant song?? Ha!
You can follow Lizzie Reid using the links below:
https://www.lizziereidmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lizziereidmusic
https://twitter.com/lizziereidmusic
https://www.instagram.com/lizziereidmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/LizzieReidMusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@lizziereidmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GytihetIdprntMyuyAJm6
Pictures by Matilda Hill Jenkins
http://www.matildahilljenkins.co.uk/
Rita and Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 