Ask the DJ: Lizzi – Top 10 Songs I Love That Aren’t Love Songs

Today sees the release of ‘Try’ – the first single from East London soul pop artist, Lizzi. ‘Try’ draws on a myriad of influences from neo-soul to 90s R&B. Born in Houston and raised in the English countryside, before relocating to London, the songstress has been surrounded by music all her life, with her singing prowess first identified in her local gospel choir. At school her father taught her to play the guitar and so she began penning songs.

Over the years, Lizzi tirelessly worked on her craft, moulding and creating her signature sound and style. Lizzi taught herself to produce with all of the tracks from her forthcoming EP starting out from her bedroom studio. Check out the Top 10 songs she loves, that aren’t love songs.

1. Nina Simone – ‘Baltimore’

“Nina Simone was such an interesting character and a force to be reckoned with. I have so much respect for her work ethic, her involvement in the civil rights movement and as a strong female figure. If you haven’t seen What Happened, Miss Simone? you really should.”

2. Cat Stevens – ‘Wild World’

“This song is very nostalgic for me, my Dad used to play this song, I remember listening to it in the car on family holidays and when we’d be having a family BBQ. When I listen to it now the lyrics couldn’t ring more true right now, what crazy times we are living in socially and politically!”

3. Joni Mitchell – ‘Free Man In Paris’

“I used to work at a record store in Hackney and I used to play this one really loud and sing along when I was closing up the store and daydream about running away somewhere on an adventure.”

4. Rosie Lowe – ‘Pharoah’

“This song makes me feel proud to be a female / like F*** YEAH I can do anything!”

5. Little Simz – ‘Flowers (ft. Michael Kiwanuka)’

“Little Simz and Michael Kiwanuka… a beautifully written ode to Amy Winehouse.”

6. Bob Dylan – ‘Like A Rolling Stone’

“What a lyrical genius! This song reminds me of my Dad, I owe my love of music to him!”

7. Stevie Wonder – ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing’

“Aaaah… this song gives me real summertime feels!”

8. Lolo Zouai – ‘High Highs To Low Lows’

“This song is really relatable for me… oh the highs and lows of making music!”

9. Odette Peters – ‘What A Lovely Day’

“We all know small talk is tedious, Odette hits the nail on the head with this one.”

10. Blood Orange – ‘Dark & Handsome’

“This song just gives me feels there’s something melancholy about it. I’ve been through a lot of grief and pain over the last few years… it’s good not to shut out those emotions.”

Lizzi’s debut single ‘Try’ is out now. Watch the video HERE.

You can listen to all Ask the DJ playlists on the FMS Magazine Spotify CHANNEL.

Find Lizzi’s playlist below and HERE.

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