A Q&A with Izo FitzRoy
Rowdy & optimistic soul-gospel-R&B…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Give Me The High’ is my most recent release. It’s a West Coast summery anthem that I wrote about the shimmering ecstasy of falling in love. It reminds me of hot summer days and blissful road trips.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I am struggling to find what was hard about this release. I have been fortunate to be part of a brilliant team who all believe in this record so with the amount of impetus behind it it’s been a lovely process to be a part of.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
The record was produced by Oscar de Jong. Oscar is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who is also immensely flexible in the studio. The song ‘Give Me The High’ went in a multitude of different directions before we found the right sound. I wrote the initial song idea and Oscar could immediately hear the soundscape of where it should live in relation to the other album tracks.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Joy, intoxication and ultimately hope.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
This album was written quite differently from my previous albums. I usually have a story in mind to work around but this album was very much about stream of consciousness ideas which eventually worked their way into a story. It was a very liberating way of writing.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
A lot of wonderful Brazilian artists: Arthur Verocai, Chico Buarque, Joao Gilberto. I became obsessed with the drama and romance that flows out of Brazilian music. It seems to have the perfect mix between cinematic drama, tropical dance party and guttural emotionality.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
South America please, oh and my ultimate venue that I dream of playing is Red Rocks in Colorado.
Image (and top): Kenny McKracke
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I would want them to listen to/and watch a live performance of ‘Skyline’ – the title track from my first album. For me it sums up what I’m about as an artist and what makes my band so special. The song is about a friend of mine who committed suicide, but the chorus is about being able to move past anything and knowing that life will always get better. The singers and band kicking in from the second chorus all the way to the end always makes me emotional.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I want to be doing this for a long time, touring the world spreading joy little by little and enjoying every little bit of the journey.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
For more info visit: izofitzroy.com
