Artist Of The Week #151 - Lizzie Reid
This week’s Artist of the Week is Glaswegian songwriter Lizzie Reid, who has just released her debut EP ‘Cubicle’ via Seven Four Seven Six (Matt Maltese, Matilda Mann). A collection of songs about love and heartbreak that were recorded with producer Oli Barton-Wood in March last year, which sees Lizzie create something so humble and vulnerable but yet so perfect at the same time. She took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey Lizzie, how are you? So your debut EP is finally here - how does it feel to finally release it?
Hiya, I’m good thank you! I hope you’re good. It feels really nice! Like a bit of a weight has been lifted - I’m as high as a kite at the moment!
It is titled ‘Cubicle’ - is there a certain meaning behind it?
Yeah so it’s named after the song Cubicle, which is the final track on the EP. That particular song was written about a panic attack I had in a music venue in Glasgow one night. It’s a song I hold close to my heart because it’s the moment in the EP where it finally feels like I’ve let go of something.
Where was the EP recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from that experience?
I recorded the EP with Oli Barton-Wood in my parent’s flat. Oh we have so many little stories from those ten days. I remember I did a lot of driving to get bits of kit that we needed over the course of the week. I had completely forgotten that I needed to fill my car up with gas when I was on my way to get an acoustic guitar from James (guitarist). Oli ended up having to push my car up a hill with a line of traffic behind us. I was incredibly embarrassed but also so thankful Oli was there!!!
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
The key themes are mainly heartbreak, self-doubt, letting go of situations I can’t control and my personal relations. The EP itself was influenced by one year where I experienced a lot of new things in my personal life. 2019 was a year of self- discovery for me in many ways and the EP perfectly encapsulates those experiences, for me.
You can sense some Glasgow tones to the tracks on the EP, do you feel the city has had an impact on your music? Where are your favorite places to go to discover new music in Glasgow?
I’m sure Glasgow must have influenced my music even if I didn’t realise it. I’ve lived here my whole life so it’s all I know really. My favourite places to discover new music are usually the all-day festivals such as Tenement Trail. It’s a fun excuse to walk about town, venue to venue, with friends to see friends play and discover new bands and artists. Glasgow is great for days like that.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
It seems like a very basic lyric but I feel a lot when I sing “I don’t regret a word that I said when I was in your bed”. I think it just reminds me of times where I was my most vulnerable with people and I tend to struggle to let go of moments like that.
Now the debut EP is done - what next for Lizzie Reid? Maybe a full album?
I’m definitely working towards releasing more music, most likely another EP this year. I’d love to make a full album; I can’t wait for that day to come! But until then, I’m hoping to be gigging soon and I’ll continue to write and record as much as I can.