Pop artist Liz Cass has released her new EP ‘Forward Motion’. She kindly chatted to JLTT about the EP, her voice and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

Around age 17 but I really lacked confidence, and I didn’t think any of it was any good!

What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing along to The Beach Boys in the car with dad on the way to swimming lessons. I must have been 3 or 4.

One of your new tracks is ‘Love Is Your Currency. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?

It’s about that feeling of someone pulling away from you and using the currency of their love to wield the power within the relationship. I’m always fascinated by the push / pull power dynamic.

In addition, your new EP ‘Forward Motion’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

I can’t say there was a plan or set approach. I keep writing when I feel good about a song I’ll put it out. I love ‘Forward Motion’ and wanted it as a summer release. I felt it was very much connected to the previous singles and the themes of relationship dynamics, together with ‘Love Is Your Currency’, so it made sense as an EP.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

Forward Motion was co-written and produced with Roo Primrose at our publisher’s BDi’s studio at Roundhouse and ‘Love Is Your Currency’ with Luke Potter at his beautiful studio in Somerset – it has a view of Brent Knoll which I used to climb as a child. Very stirring!

‘Too Hot’, ‘3AM Feelings’ and ‘Map Of A Human Heart’ were written with Louis Eliot, Will Dinesen and Teis Zacho who also produced them. We recorded them at one of my favourite studios – NoaTune in London Fields.

Which of the tracks on your new EP hear you at your a) happiest and b)most reflective?

The EP opens with ‘Forward Motion’ at my happiest and closes with ‘Map Of A Human Heart’ at my most reflective.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

It’s nice if people feel moved. Generally you just want them to have had a good time and to feel you’ve connected with them in some way.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Synthesisers! And live rhythm section makes all the difference…

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

London. Invigorating, surprising, layered, transient, fun…

How do you look after your voice?

Manuka honey for sore throats, Vocalzone for a lost voice and the rest of the time I’m a bit lazy!

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The Old Man and The Sea by Earnest Hemingway. I’m a real thalassophile and love anything with an ocean backdrop or theme. Also, it’s a short story!

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Kate Bush, Sade, Fleetwood Mac, Massive Attack, Christine and The Queens, Caroline Polachek. I could go on!

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024?

Hoping to announce soon. Stay tuned!

Who created/designed the EP cover?

Yours truly…

Was it a difficult EP to write?

It was actually really easy. It helps when you work with such a talented bunch of people. Lyrics usually come to me very quickly in the moment and it was definitely the case with this body of work.

What makes Liz Cass happy and what makes you unhappy? 

I feel happiest when I achieve what I’ve set out to do. Whether that’s seeing my music connect with people, seeing my children happy and flourishing or when I’m DJing to a packed room full of people having a really great time.

I feel unhappy when I lose a sense of purpose or when too many plates spinning overwhelms me.

Right now I’m pretty and happy content!