Introducing #147 - Eliza Oakes
Let us introduce you to South East London newcomer Eliza Oakes - who has just released her debut single ‘Let It Be Known’ - a liberating tale of self-discovery and love. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Eliza, so your debut track is finally here - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
It feels so refreshing! With this past year of pandemic and lockdown, the behind the scenes has been difficult in a number of ways as it has been for everyone across the globe! Hearing and seeing the final form of this creation come to life and being able to share it with everyone is a unique and special experience.
It is called ‘Let It Be Known’ - can you tell us what it is about?
The song moves through a few stages of self-discovery, a liberating journey of pride in who and how we love. The lyricism is designed as a direct dialogue with the listener, my aim was to grab the attention immediately. I wrote this song quite a while ago but properly started piecing it together in the first lockdown. On the intro you hear the voice note response to one of the track’s early demos from my close friend and regular collaborator Lorenz Okello. I added it in at the last minute because it captures the empowering support that Lorenz has shown me throughout this process and I wanted to honour that - you can’t help but smile when you hear it!
You grew up in South East London, what are your favorite things about the area? Where do you go for adventures?
The music, the food, the community, there’s a certain grit and feel to South East London that you can’t find elsewhere!
The best chicken panini you will ever experience in your life is found at the French café near where I live called La Cafe Boulangerie in New Cross Gate - I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I would have to say that Greenwich market, one of the oldest markets in London, is a real gem. I’ve worked and sold there since I was 17 and it’s a place where there’s something for everyone. There’s a rich and varied music scene in South East London and lots of the people I’ve grown up with are a part of that, which is beautiful to see.
Music has followed you throughout your life, from singing in church and choirs to now singing in clubs and venues. What are your early fondest memories from this?
I strongly believe that the collective power of multiple voices blending together should never be underestimated or overlooked. Luckily, I’ve always been surrounded by a community of voices, and this environment is one of my earliest memories growing up in my family and through church. It’s not only powerful, but spiritual. In a music industry that currently feels so centred on individual ego and Instagram aesthetic, vocal unity within a musical community has had the biggest effect not only on my vocal strength and ability, but on my whole life. I don’t think I ever doubted that this would become my career because in a lot of ways, it’s all I’ve ever known.
What are your key influences when it comes to your music?
There is such a wide range of different musical genres and individuals that have been my inspiration. Freddie Mercury, Laura Mvula, Lisa Fischer, Bjork, The Staves, Kate Bush and Aretha Franklin are some of the artists that make up that long list! These musicians have such unique sounds and vocal abilities that never fail to move me. At the forefront of their work is authenticity - there’s no hiding behind anything with their art, and that is something I’ll always put first in my own music.
Another constant inspiration to me are my peers, most importantly the female musicians who are creating music alongside me who I look up to, ELSAS, CIL, Leylah, Meg Bird and Pearl Fish to name a few. I spend a lot of time listening to my friends’ music! They’ve really influenced my music-making not only because they’re incredibly talented, but because they’ve nurtured and encouraged me throughout this process. Can’t wait to see what we all accomplish!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I think I would firstly encourage the listener not to assign or expect a set genre. At the forefront is an exploration of the voice and what it can do, ways it can express, along with a healthy melting-pot of soul, pop, rock and jazz influences.
Hopefully, it’ll make you smile, possibly cry, maybe dance! I think there’s something in there for everyone.