Photo credit: Allis Chang
With a smooth voice full of soul accompanied by jazzy instrumentals, Laura Lizcano’s songs are ones you can get lost in, whether it’s on a low-key Sunday morning or a Friday night out. With her latest album, Heart, Lizcano bares her own, with the themes of love and passion weaving through each track. She combines her folk and jazz influences, while also drawing from her Colombian roots, and her passion seeps through each and every song. Keep reading to hear about how she dove into music, her album and its art, and how Philly has shaped her as an artist!
PPRG: What has been your journey with music?
Laura Lizcano: I grew up with a lot of music around me. When I was little, my brother was studying classical bass performance, so I was constantly listening to him practice. My parents also played a lot of music around the house, so it has always been a part of my life.
When I was in school, I was part of all the music activities you could possibly imagine. I was in the marching band, choir, the musicals, festivals. I wanted to be playing or singing all the time. And that eventually led me to Temple University, where I studied jazz voice performance.
After college, I recorded my first EP, Chance on Me, and from there I just wanted to keep making records!
PPRG: You just released your debut album, Heart! What song from the album is a ‘must-listen’ for someone who hasn’t heard your music before?
LL: I would say “Corazon” is my favorite song on the record. I was feeling really vulnerable while I was writing the lyrics, and I think it really comes through in the music.
PPRG: The album art is so beautiful, what drew you to the orange and red color scheme?
LL: I would say Allis Chang (the photographer/ artist who did all the design for the album) translated the aesthetic of the music into all the visual content that was created for the album. Red was kind of a no-brainer because we have an actual, raw cow heart on the cover, and we wanted to echo the intensity of that with the rest of the art.
Photo credit: Allis Chang
PPRG: Your music combines a jazz and folk sound. Who are your biggest musical influences?
LL: Norah Jones, Natalia Lafourcade, and Mon Laferte. I actually do a cover of Mon Laferte’s “Funeral” in the record.
What inspired you to include “Corazón,” a song with all lyrics in Spanish, on the album?
LL: I always like to add Spanish language songs into my sets, because I’m Colombian and I want to celebrate that part of my heritage. There’s also something so special for me about singing in Spanish. The sound is so different and beautiful. I really quite enjoy it.
PPRG: How have you adapted to COVID-19 restrictions with performing and recording? How can listeners continue to support you?
LL: So far, I’ve done a few live streams, which are a bit awkward, but also fun! I mean, you’re performing but not receiving the feedback or energy from the audience. It feels strange for sure, but I’m grateful to have opportunities to perform. I’m really missing that connection with the audience, though. It’s just the way of the world right now.
Listeners can best support me by listening to my music online! I’m on Bandcamp and all the other streaming platforms. They can also follow me on my socials, Instagram and Facebook!
How has Philly inspired you and impacted your approach to music?
LL: Ah! In so many ways! I was in the jazz department at Temple, and through that I got very familiar with everything jazz-related in the city. So, I really learned everything I know about being a musician from other Philly musicians. Joanna Pascale was my voice teacher in school, and she taught me so much about phrasing. I definitely hear her advice in my head constantly!
And I’m around a lot of cool artists who inspire me so much! I have a super eclectic taste in music, and it’s so, so cool that Philly has such a diverse music scene to experience. Some of my Philly favorites are Sophie Coran, Martha Graham Cracker, Bismuth Quartet, Hailey Brinnel, Chelsea Reed, Trap Rabbit, Moor Mother… I could really go on and on and on. I’m so grateful to live in this city, because there is SO MUCH GOOD MUSIC, and it has really given me an opportunity to grow and explore!
To keep up with Laura, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, and visit her website!
