Interview: Liz Asaro

New York based singer, Liz Asaro recently launched her brand new exciting rock edged pop single, 1000 Years.

Her music is a unique mix of genres, which falls in the category of modern/alternative rock. The sound of the single has been likened to that of the Irish 90’s band, The Cranberries, with a strong guitar loop, thick bass line and driving beat and smooth rock vocals.

With an eclectic love of music Liz has already been working on her debut album that will be laced with an effective blend of rock, blues, electronic and modern pop. She’s been working on the album with an incredible group of musicians including Gerry Leonard (guitar), Tommy Kessler (guitar), Tim Lefebvre (bass), Sterling Campbell (drums) and Tom Mandel (keys). Super producer/ mixer, Hector Castillo worked with Liz to get the final product just right.

The album is due for release in the coming months with further singles and videos and US / UK shows all in the pipeline. You can check out the latest single below!

We managed to catch up with the singer as she talked about the latest single and more!

How has the release of 1000 years gone down so far?

So far so good! It’s definitely been well received when we play it live and we are happy with the response overall! We made a video to go along with the acoustic version which was released last week. A few dance remixes have been made and those will released in the next few weeks as well.

Tell us a bit about the single

I think a lot about past lives and the past in general, in terms of why we are what we are now and why people do what they do. ‘1000 Years’ is about what we’ve learned from those who have come before us in life, and what we have not learned. Or what we have chosen to ignore maybe. We have made so much progress as humans, yet in some ways, we have made little to none. The conflicts in today’s social and political climate speak to this. The song asks you to think about what happened in the past right where you are standing, or maybe in past lives of your own if they exist, and take the things you have learned and put them in place. Are you going to remain helpless and not effect change? Will you try to keep others standing still with you? Or will you take what you innately know and apply it in productive ways? Given all of the human evolution and experience over the past 1000 years, would you do things differently now than you would have done 1000 years ago? 100 years ago? 10 years ago? Even a week ago?
It’s got a mix of electronic sounds, atmospheric guitar and rock guitar.

Can you tell us anything about the debut album?

It’s a collection of songs about subjects I think are worth thinking about. Its alternative rock with a current sound. A mix of electronic, real instruments and a distinct vocal sound.

What was it like working with the musicians for the new album?

It was amazing. I never dreamed I would meet and work with this caliber if musicians this early in my career. Gerry Leonard is and extraordinary talent and person. I am honored to have him on the record and to call him a friend. The first time I worked in the studio with him, I just sat there and listened to him add layer after layer to my songs. He adds just the right texture, detail and depth to the music. And Sterling Campbell is just a monster drummer. And the coolest person as well! His playing is so distinct and deliberate, and playing live with him is like floating on air. Just extraordinary. There’s a clear reason David Bowie had them in his world! My friend Tim Lefebvre played bass and he’s just one of the absolute best! He really shaped a few of the songs with his bass lines. He’s amazing. Tommy Kessler, who is my MD and plays guitar in my band, added some guitars as well. He is so professional and cool, he listens to what you want and then he delivers something that totally works. Tom Mandel added some keyboards on a few on the tunes, and again, the talent is endless. I love all of these guys, they are all my friends and I’ve learned so much from them. They inspire and keep it real all at the same time!

Can you tell us anything about upcoming gigs in the UK?

Nothing set in stone yet, but we are working on it. We will get the first two singles out and start planning for the fall. The EP is also coming in the fall and I’m doing a little more writing and remixing this summer first. Very excited to play in the UK though!

If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it and why?

Well, I kinda already do work with them. I have Bowie’s guys on my team! But other than them, I love to make a song with Muse, Artic Monkeys, or Twentyone Pilots. I love these guys that mix the current vibes with some edginess.

What has been your favourite moment while recording the new single?

Probably hearing the first song that Gerry played on, after he tracked it. For a few reasons. It was the first time I heard one of my songs go from demo to what it was going to sound like produced. And just watching and hearing what he came up with was incredibly fun and inspiring. We spent a solid 10 days recording live musicians. Really holing yourself up in the studio and digging in is just amazing. You’re creating, you’re building relationships, you’re feeding off each other. Its magic.

What’s music scene like in New York?

Well, its great when you consider the crazy amount of talent and passion that exists in NYC in music. I am in awe of so many players, engineers, creators… The energy of NYC is unique and I have not been shy about networking and emersing myself in it all! I do wish we would stop losing venues though! My hope is that people will help keep music and the arts alive in general. There are so many cool places to play, collaborations, genres, and the desire to create is always there. Live music and recording studio are essential for the human soul! Real music, real instruments, real time spent collaborating, its so special.