in England,” Liz says. “The band was kind of pop-rock. It was a bit rough. It’s all part of the process and what you draw from. I’m sure it influenced me and gave me a different perspective.”
A STRING WELL-STRUNG Marissa Paine LIZ STRINGER never meant to be a musician. Although she grew up surrounded by it, she thought her career would go in a different direction. “I always expected to be a teacher or do something with languages,” she says. “That would be my main job and music would be in my life personally.” Although her first album was just “something she was doing on the side”, it soon became apparent that touring and recording was Liz’s main job. The transition from casual to career “happened by surprise,” with Liz going on to say that it was an “organic, gradual progression” rather than something she felt she had to do. To explain why this was fortunate for her, Liz tells a story of learning to play the cello as a kid, and resenting it because it was something she felt she had to do. Fortunately for anyone who has heard her soulful, gutsy tunes, music isn’t something she resents at all. Speaking about experiences that have shaped her as an artist, she cites time spent living overseas, which allowed her to hone her skills as a songwriter. “I did solo stuff in Germany and was in a band
I don’t take what Guy Pearce says particularly seriously
Another influence on Liz has been Eric Bibb, who she toured with extensively in 2009. “We talked a lot about singing and how to get the best out of your voice when it’s amplified,” she remembers. “He was a really great, lovely man – we had lots of good chats.” On the subject of other musicians, I ask her if it’s hard to stand out when everywhere you look there’s another talented female songwriter. “Not really,” I’m told. “You just do your thing and don’t worry about what other people are doing, except to enjoy that there’s so much good stuff around. I think it’s a positive thing. It’s a really good thing as a songwriter to have people to aspire to.” Liz is set to stop by Canberra with her band in May. Of the trip, she says they are “really looking forward to being on the road with the new songs. We haven’t been together as a band in a while, so we’re itching to get into it.” Just before we hang up, I tell Liz about the recent spate of Canberra-bashing in the media. “No,” she answers, when I ask her if she’ll take any of that on board ahead of the trip. “I don’t take what Guy Pearce says particularly seriously.” Sounds like a smart way to live. Liz Stringer will play the ANU Bar Thursday May 3 with support from Van Walker and locals Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $15 on the door.
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