Meet the Neo-Soul sweetheart from Newham - Lizzie Berchie !
We caught up with the talented British-Ghanaian artist to discuss her recent EP release, her musical inspirations and the emerging talents coming out of East London.
While still relatively new to the R&B scene, Lizzie’s sound has received acclaim from COLORS and the Official Charts. Lizzie tells us the inspiration behind her latest EP, 'Am I An Adult Yet?'. These soulful six-tracks navigate the complexities of being in your 20s. Her relatable lyrics capture the delicate balance between childlike nostalgia, while feeling the pressure to have it all figured out.
1. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
It's warm, soulful, chill music that's all about love.
2. It seems you have been interested in music for a long time, playing the piano, writing songs. Did you also know you were going to be a singer?
I think so! Singing definitely came first and then writing, playing instruments and production followed.
3. You released your debut single “Pass Time” over a year ago how has life changed since then?
‘Pass Time’ feels like it was written a lifetime ago. I would say my process of making music has changed, I'm much more intentional about what message I want to portray in my music more than ever.
4. Which musicians are you inspired by?
I grew up listening to a lot of Usher, Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton and all the R&B greats. I then later discovered Neo-Soul artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott so together, they've inspired me so much.
5. What are your main inspirations outside of music?
Life inspires me. My friends, family, God, and even sitting on the train and seeing other people’s relationships inspires me.
6. What message are you trying to put out with your music?
I really want the core message of my music to be love and peace. I know that may sound corny, but with everyday life stress, I want them to have a few minutes of peace when they listen to my music.
7. Do you feel pressure to promote yourself on TikTok, or just generally in this age of social media?
There can be a little pressure, however, I'm at a point where I have a healthy relationship with it and I post for fun, not doing too much, just trying to find my tribe and be 100% honest with who I am.
8. Our “Neo-Soul sweetheart from Newham! East London" seems to be a real hub of creativity. Can you speak to this, would you agree?
East London is where it's at! There's so many amazing artists coming out of East London, you have Barney Artist, Zino Vinci, Ayeisha Raquel, T=tendai and let's not forget the greats like Kano, Ghetts and J Hus.
9. Am I An Adult Yet? - Being in your 20s, I feel like there’s this balance of still feeling like a child but also feeling like you need to have your life together. Your EP speaks to this so perfectly. How and why did you decide on this title for your EP.
I wanted to write about being/not being an adult in your 20's because it's a very real identity crisis that happens for young adults. This EP is just a reminder to people my age that we're all going through it.
10. How did this EP come together; how long did it take to write?
In all honesty, I was writing on the go with this one. After I released the first single 'I Hope', I knew I had to keep my foot on the gas, so I was writing and working with Hilts, and Talos to get rest of the songs done. And magically we did.
11. What is your favourite song from the project and why?
At the moment, my favourite song is 'Where Did All My Friends Go?' It just reminds me to call my friends.
12. I know you have your headline show Oct 22nd. How are you feeling about it?
I'm super excited! I feel like it's going to bring the music to life and it'll be the first time I'm performing the EP to a live crowd.
13. What else can we expect from Lizzie Berchie in this last quarter of the year?
More music! I've got something cute in the works.
Check out Lizzie Berchie's latest EP - "Am I An Adult Yet?" now!