L!Z on Genre-Fluid Storytelling, Zodiac Symbolism, and Building Her Musical Royal Court
Image by SZN Magazine
Hi L!Z !! We are so thrilled to have you at Pop Palace! How are you at this moment?
Hi! I’m psyched to be apart of Pop Palace! Lately, I’m grateful & busy but free spirited.
You describe your music as genre-fluid with soulful harmonies and poetic lyrics. What first inspired you to start making music, and how has your sound evolved since your debut EP Her Mixtape Diaries (scorpio)?
My home videos will let the record show that at 4 years old, I was singing along to Mariah Carey with a shoe in my hand as a microphone. My mom and dad introduced me to all the classics from Janis Joplin to Queen- with physical CDs in hand, they curated my taste across all styles. I wrote my first song at 12 years old, and subconsciously created throughout the years returning to my songwriting at 19. Since my debut EP: Her Mixtape Diaries, a soft trap/rnb project; I’ve released my sophomore EP: Love Letters from Lake Monroe, which is an indie-pop piece. Since then I’ve written countless songs amongst various styles.
Do the Scorpio and Pisces signs represent anything personal to you, or are they more symbolic of the moods you wanted each project to convey?
The zodiac signs do represent symbolism of each project!! They are both the release dates and the aura it was created in. Her Mixtape Diaries is passionate through vengeance; the ultimate burning his clothes, cigarette in mouth fantasy- a Scorpio. This project follows Heartbroke Betty by exploring the phases of heart break like the stages of grief. While Love Letters from Lake Monroe is a Pisces in her lover girl era, she’s ready to fall in deep. From Champagne Showers to Butterflies Follow Him, simply rom fanfic literature.
You’re clearly building a distinct world around your music. How does your identity as a Latina artist shape your sound, visuals, or storytelling?
My father usually has the music turned up telling me about his childhood in San Luis Potosí. My mother & I still sing along to Fleetwood Mac’s live concerts. Both music and storytelling is a staple in our home and a constant in my life. Having a Mexican father and an American mom, my identity has many layers societally, politically, spiritually and overall emotionally. I’ve learned to be a shapeshifter that can adapt to any situation; the lyrics I write wear a chameleon armor. Fusion of genres can maintain respect for individual style, time periods, community, fashion and culture- my music pulls inspiration from influential classics I’ve grown up on. As a Latina first generation and daughter of an immigrant, this is an outlet to amplify a voice of those being silenced.
Image by Sediii Productions, Austin Scott
If you had an unlimited budget for any project what would you do?
A local music festival/market truly for and by the divas and dolls, a safe space where the girlies can safely express with each other!
A cool DIY music video or mini tour that ensures sustainable pay for my talented team of friends
Finally, here at Pop Palace, we all have our own little 'Royal Court' of artists who inspire us and keep us going. So, if you could build your own musical palace, who would be sitting on your throne, and who would be in your royal court of all-time favorite artists?
It’s crazy because I think about this very concept at least 3-4x a week.
Younger Me: Mariah Carey, Gaga, Selena Quintanilla and Shakira
Middle School Me: BANKS, Marina, Sky Ferreira, Fiona Apple, Melanie Martinez, Lana
On the throne: Stevie Nicks or Amy Winehouse
