Liza Liza - Talent Hidden in Plain Sight

When you think about the challenge of breaking into the local music scene, most often Nashville, Los Angeles or New York come to mind. Certainly, not Evansville, Indiana. This past year, I've spent a lot of time talking with musicians who have already found their footing in the local music scene, the ones playing regular gigs, building a following and making music their livelihood.

Ah, but there is another side to this story, one I recently discovered when I met Liza. Her story is one shared by many talented musicians who are still trying to find their place within the local music scene. For every musician who has found a place in the rotation, there are many others waiting to be heard and hoping for a chance to play. 

Liza is not waiting around for the proverbial “discovery;” instead, she is busy building her music career one song, one melody at a time. With a wide vocal range and a natural ability to harmonize, she has a versatile voice that allows her to move comfortably between different musical styles. She takes advantage of the opportunities as they happen. From open mic nights and competitions to jam sessions and collaborations, anywhere there's a microphone and a chance to sing, Liza is willing to step up.

Getting on stage at an open mic and playing a booked gig are two very different things. The leap from one to the other requires more than talent. Liza is quick to point out that open mic nights have tremendous value. They provide a chance to perform in front of an audience, hone skills, build friendships, collaborate with other artists, connect with club owners, and improve stage presence.

Gig booking is a different challenge. It takes persistence, promotion, practice, and preparation. For Liza, her goal isn't simply to get booked. Music is a driving passion, and after decades of being involved with it, she knows there is something powerful about the connection that happens when a song reaches someone. That's what she wants to create. 

Liza's musical influences are as varied as her experiences. Her background in Gospel music has shaped her deeply, providing a foundation for her musical journey. Along the way, artists like Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, along with rock, the nostalgia of the '80s and '90s, and other styles have found their way into her musical world. Together, those sounds and experiences have helped shape the artist she is today.

As a singer-songwriter, it takes courage to share something that is uniquely your own. Although cover songs are an important part of the live music experience, Liza would like to see more opportunities for original music. There is something different about hearing an artist perform a song that comes directly from their own life. Liza combines both cover and original songs. She believes artists need to understand what makes them different and bring their own stories, influences, and perspectives to the stage.

No doubt, if breaking into the local music scene had a mantra, it would be, “Keep Going.” Audiences see the finished product, the person on stage with a microphone in hand. However, they rarely see the conversations with venue managers, the numerous social media posts often blocked by algorithms, networking, and the countless hours spent fine tuning. Of course, then there's the anxiety, stress, and uncertainty that comes along with putting yourself out there, never knowing how you’ll be received.

Growing up, music was simply part of Liza’s world. Born in South Africa, she spent much of her early years surrounded by the vibrant, emotional sounds of choral and tribal music. At home and at church, her mother sang and played piano, while Liza naturally sang harmony alongside her. Music was woven into the fabric of her childhood, shaping her long before she ever thought about a career in music.

Liza’s experience with music began with school and church choirs and solo performances. As she continued singing and performing, the keyboard eventually became part of her musical skill set, almost by necessity. While visiting a small church in Kentucky, Liza was asked if she could play and sing for their services. While she knew a little piano, she was not comfortable with her skill level, so she decided to do something about it. One thing you learn very quickly about Liza is that when she sets her mind to doing something, she doesn’t do it halfway.

The following weekend was Thanksgiving. While others were heading out in search of Black Friday deals, Liza was making a purchase that would change the direction of her musical path. She bought a keyboard to practice at home and began building on the piano skills she already had. Through self-directed practice, determination, and countless hours, she worked until she had mastered the instrument. She and her husband moved to Utah, where she found herself accepting the worship leader role. That experience further expanded her abilities as both a vocalist and musician.

Liza is quick to credit her husband as the driving force behind her. He is her rock, her encourager, and her biggest supporter, helping with everything from moving equipment to making sure the sound is right. Behind the scenes, he is there to help make it all happen, giving Liza the freedom to focus on her music.

When her husband’s work brought the couple to Evansville, Liza found herself starting over in yet another new community, this time searching for her place in the local music scene. She soon discovered that finding that place isn't always easy. It is no secret that Evansville and the surrounding Tri-State have a limited number of venues and no shortage of talented musicians. This can make finding a place in the local scene especially challenging for someone new. 

Many area musicians play in multiple bands and various musical projects. Over the years, they have built relationships within a wide circle of players. For example, when a band needs a guitarist, drummer, keyboard player, or vocalist, they often turn to someone they already know and have worked with before. Those familiar connections create a natural rotation of musicians who move between bands and projects, making it more difficult for newcomers to find their way into the mix.

For Liza and other musicians trying to establish themselves, talent is just one part of it. Most of it is about making connections, becoming part of those relationships, and giving people a chance to get to know you. Liza understands the process, and she doesn't take it personally. Still, when you're trying to find your place in a new music scene, it definitely takes patience. You simply have to keep putting yourself out there and trust the right things will come with time. That is exactly what Liza continues to do. 

"You have to be okay with hearing NO, and then just keep going"

Today, Liza continues to sing, write songs, play keyboard, and explore other instruments, including guitar and clarinet. You will likely find her at an open mic or jam session, taking every chance to share her music, connect with other musicians, and continue growing as an artist. With her husband by her side, Liza is ready to see where her music takes her next. If you have a chance to hear Liza perform, take it! You’ll be glad you did.