Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Liza Owen
Liza Owen can be considered an artist who has been blessed all across the board when it comes to having superstar qualities. Beautiful, naturally stylish and possessing a voice that rings off with the utmost of soul and power, it’s almost a no-brainer to think that she will reign supreme in the world of music.
The British-born stunner of Cambodian heritage who is constantly evolving in terms of sound, has not only established a global audience but also caught the attention of the one and only Kanye West. Whilst spending time in Los Angeles, Ye quickly put her in the booth, resulting in a recorded track with himself and Tyga.
In terms of style, Owen is in a class by herself. Having also been involved in the world of fashion, her combination of eccentricism coupled with high-end couture and a sexy street flair, makes it easy to understand why her Instagram page is on fire with thousands of people flocking to it.
Liza Owen’s latest track ‘Better With Me’ meshes pop, r&b and electronica, polishly produced by Goldfingers. The song definitely has the scent of a chart hit. Currently in the studio with super producers Jess Jackson, whose CV includes Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Tyga, DJ Ammo (Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears and more), Maestro of Rihanna fame, as well as Ishi (Tinie Tempah), Liza Owen again has the stars lined in the place to take over the music game like no one’s business.
Since our last interview a couple years back you have really made a lot of power moves. I guess let’s jump straight into one of the people that you encountered…Kanye West. How did you two cross paths?
Liza Owen – It was completely by chance but I was at the studio one night in LA with Jess Jackson as they were finishing off Tyga’s album. In walks Tyga followed by Kanye. I for one was not expecting that!
They started working on this one track and there’s this crazy energy in the room so I’m there singing along to myself. Anyone who knows me knows I sing ALL THE TIME. Next thing I know Kanye turns and asks me to go in the booth and put down some ideas. Nervous as hell, I got up and sang for my life! The rest is history.
You’re currently working on your debut release. Now I know that you have been recording with Jess Jackson, AMMO and Maestro. Will those tracks all appear on your album?
Liza Owen – Yes, ‘Better With Me’ is out now which I’m excited about. It’s still early days in terms of the album but those are all producers I love and like to work with consistently so you will definitely be hearing some music we’ve made together.
Another person that you have worked closely with is Ishi. You’re featured on his recent mixtape. His style definitely meshes with your sound. Can you tell me about what you guys cooked up musically?
Liza Owen – I feel like ISHi has so much love for Hip-Hop and urban/soul music and I have quite a soulful voice so we clicked musically straight away. We had our first session in Sweden. He starts playing this idea with this amazing horn section in the intro. I flipped out and immediately fell in love. A few hour later were had our song ‘Ricochet’.
Sonically how would you describe ‘Better With Me’?
Liza Owen – I heard Clash magazine describe it as forward-facing digital soul with just a touch of R&B…I was like, yes. That’s exactly it.
In terms of fashion, I feel that you are one of those people who I would definitely label as a queen of style. You were already involved with styling and documenting fashion a few years back before the explosion of blogging as we know it as today. What’s your take on the current state of fashion?
Liza Owen – Ah thank you. 🙂 Well fashion is fashion. It’s a constant revolving door and there’s always something new to obsess over for 5 minutes. When you’re a shopaholic like me it’s always in a good state.
Are there any particular brands or designers that have really been on your radar as of late? Also, is designing something that you have considered?
Liza Owen – I went crazy for Joyrich when I was in LA last month. You should also check out KTZ and Charlotte Simone. They’re my current favs.
I would definitely like to team up with a brand that I love and design a capsule collection or something one day. I’ll probably have a lot of fun designing my merchandise too.
You have always demonstrated pride regarding your Khmer heritage. I read that you have been spending some time in Cambodia. Talk about your recent experience with visiting the country and what inspiration did you bring back with you?
Liza Owen – I’ve been going back to Cambodia since I was a kid so the heritage is ingrained in me. I grew up between there and England so I have a lot of experiences and stories to tell. Those stories turn into songs.Learning about the Khmer Rouge and my mum’s experience with that is definitely one story that I’m inspired by. It’s such a vibrant place too so I’m always inspired by the colours, the people and the tradition music.
Finally, with the new album in the works, will you release any singles or an EP beforehand?
Liza Owen – I’m now focusing on an EP to be out later this year so definitely stay tuned for that.
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