INTERVIEW:
Katy Tiz
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MY final interview of this week is with Katy Tiz...
who has been talking about her latest, single, Life (ft. Ed Drewett). I ask what is coming up next and why the British songwriter located to America; how she views 2018 the sort of music she grew up around.
Tiz recommends a new artist to look out for and tells me the albums that mean the most to her; whether there are going to be tour dates coming and which artist she’d support on the road if possible – she selects a recent track to end the interview with.
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Hi, Katy. How are you? How has your week been?
Really great! I’m currently in London and it’s getting a bit cold so I look like penguin at wrapper up walking the streets.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Hi! I’m Katy Tiz. I’m a singer songwriter and a part-time grilled cheese chef.
Life is your latest track. Is there a personal story behind it?
There is. This song has been in my life for over four years. I’ve always believed in it and it’s actually the first song that I’ve released that involved my bros (red triangle pro), so it’s a big tick in the box for me!
I love the video’s concept/look. Did you have a lot of input regarding its direction?
Thank you! I had this concept in my head because I wanted it to be P.O.V. The only part of Life Ed and I sing to each other is the last chorus so I wanted it to tell my side of the story from his eyes. I worked with Jasper Soloff, who is just a dream. We chatted it through and he really supported what I wanted and made it come to life. We shot on 16 mm film. It was amazing!
Might we see more material coming this year? What are you working on?
Yes, you shall! I was in the studio last week. I’m feeling really inspired at the moment. It’s something I can’t force so I’m loving it.
2018 must have been a pretty busy year. Do you think you learned anything about yourself as an artist during 2018?
Yes, absolutely. I learned to stop second guessing myself. I’ve also learned how important it is to continue driving forward.
Give me a sense of the music you grew up around and when it came into your life.
Well. I used to sit in my room for hours and listen to India Arie and Alicia Keys. Believe it or not, I was really shy. I just loved listening to music and daydreaming but I wouldn’t step out of my room and sing. EVER.
PHOTO CREDIT: Phil Knott
You are British but live in America. What was the reason for relocating and what is the music scene like where you are now?!
I’m all over the place now - and I love it because I get to work with people based all over. I really love their influence when we are in the studio. Every city brings something completely different and it keeps me on my feet.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
The very first phone call I got from America for my first record deal. I remember calling my brother in absolute disbelief. We were both so confused and stunned. He told me to go out, turn my phone off and have the best night of my life just in case it wasn’t real. And it was the BEST night of my life.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Alicia Keys - Songs in A Minor
Because she just open my eyes to music and singing.
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Because it reminds me of an amazing time in my life and becoming a proper adult.
And Spice Girls – because I am British and they are royalty.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
That’s a hard one...
I’m gonna go with P!nk. She’s incredible. And my rider would consist of my actual body weight in fries. (They don’t actually have to be hot because I love cold fries).
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Take a moment when you need it to remember why you do what you do and who you are. Listening to your own music, even the really rubbish stuff. Be your own biggest critic and biggest fan.
Might we see some solo dates a bit later this year?
Yes. I hope so!
IN THIS PHOTO: Reyn Hartley
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Reyn Hartley. He has a song out called Snitch and it’s sick. I listen to it in the gym and walk around like I think I’m a gangster. I can’t wait to hear more music from him.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I love driving - it really helps me unwind. I know that is weird but I love it. I used to drive for hours and hours at night. But now I don’t have a car.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Ok. Battle by David Guetta (my bros wrote it!)
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