British singer-songwriter and actress Lizzie Pawsey is just 18 years old, but she’s already making waves in the music industry. Since bursting onto the scene only a few years ago, Lizzie has amassed over 200,000 streams across all major platforms and has played over 100 shows across the UK just this past year.
Lizzie talks to Close-Up Culture about Bad Influence, her Toronto tour, upcoming projects, and much more.
Hi Lizzie, welcome to Close-Up Culture. Can you tell us about your background and how you got into singing?
Ever since I was a little kid, music has been my entire world. My mum always talks about how as a child, I’d rock out on her guitar, pretending to be a headliner at the biggest festival ever, even though I was just making up words as I went along.
Fast forward to when I was 12, and I began training classically and learning all these Italian operas.. Like any typical teenager, when I turned 15, I thought, “Why not mix it up a bit?” And that’s when I started checking out contemporary tunes and really getting into the whole pop and rock scene. It’s been one crazy, fun journey ever since!
What are your earliest memories of performing?
I guess the first memory that comes to mind about performing is when I did this Open Mic night nearby, and I can’t forget how happy and free I felt. The best feeling ever. Just singing the songs I loved and spreading that joy with everyone else was amazing.
You are set to bring your talents across international waters to visit fans in Toronto, Canada. What inspired this tour?
Well, I’ve always wanted to explore different countries and share my music with more people, even if it’s just one person at a time.
My Vocal Coach is opening a business in Toronto, and we started talking about it. As it happened, I was planning to release my 2nd EP “Reflections,” and we thought it would be an amazing experience to launch it out in Toronto. I’m just so excited to be coming there.
On March 26, I’ll be at Breaking Sound at Supermarket. Then on March 30, my Reflections EP Launch Party will be taking place at La Piscina. And finally, on Thursday, April 6, I’ll be performing at Dakota Tavern with special guest NYRE.
You’ll be promoting your new single, Bad Influence. Can you tell us about the song and the creative process behind it?
So, “Bad Influence” is basically about people labeling you as someone they shouldn’t hang out with or thinking that you’ll influence them to do bad things. And instead of constantly fighting back and trying to convince someone who’s not listening, you just roll with it and embrace the role they gave you.
What can fans expect from your tour?
I really want to reach people’s hearts with my songs, you know? I write to express things that I’ve experienced, and I just hope it can help others in some way, no matter what they’re dealing with in their lives.
What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
It’s so cool that I’m getting to go to another country to sing, and one day, I’d totally love to do a world tour. When I get back, I’d really like to tour the UK, and eventually, I wanna visit other countries too. I just want my music to reach people and inspire them to be who they want to be.