Q&A: Izo FitzRoy talks new music, creative process & live shows
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
Izo FitzRoy, the talented gospel, blues, and jazz singer-songwriter, distinguished herself from her peers with her first two albums, 'Skyline' (2017) and 'How The Mighty Fall' (2020). Her music featured uplifting harmonies, powerful lead vocals, and impressive live performances, which garnered widespread critical acclaim worldwide. As a result, she earned plays on various BBC radio stations, including BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and BBC London JazzFM. Additionally, she received accolades such as the FIP Selection award and was featured on NPR's 'Heavy Rotation' in the US. On top of that, her Spotify listenership reached almost half a million monthly listeners.
Now, Izo FitzRoy has released her third and most personal album, 'A Good Woman,' which showcases her growth as an artist. Her latest single, 'Body of Mine,' has been gaining attention. To delve deeper into her artistic journey, we decided to ask Izo FitzRoy some follow-up questions about her new releases and her experiences as an artist.
1. Tell us about your new single Body of Mine and the inspiration behind it?
In 2020 during the pandemic I found myself in a situation where I was indulging quite heavily in substances as a way of passing the time. It was a bit of a haze and not particularly conducive to being creative but I woke up one morning with the lyrics in my head and they made me laugh. I knew pretty early on I wanted to write a Bacharach inspired song with a soft soul/Bossa nova feel to it and I think the genre fitted the lyrics really nicely.
2. Your recent album ‘A Good Woman’ received great critical praise - can you tell us a little bit about the creative process behind it?
I’m so pleased with how well it’s been received. It was a really playful and fun album to write from start to finish. It’s the first time I’ve worked with a producer throughout the entire process, and I learnt so much about mixing and arrangements from Oscar de Jong. I had small snippets of ideas for the songs which came to me whilst I was in London but getting into the studio in Leiden, NL we managed to create this cohesive sound which felt really new and exciting.
3. You originally left Body of Mine off the album - why did you decide to release it now?
I always loved Body Of Mine and it felt really hard choosing which songs should be on the main album. Thematically it didn’t quite work with the rest of the album, but I’m really pleased it's having a little moment now.
4. Do the lyrics on melodies usually come first?
It changes from song to song really. Body Of Mine was definitely lyrics first, then the chorus hook and the music came later.
5. You’re playing some festivals in the UK & Europe this Summer - and have announced another date at Jazz Cafe on 5th September in London - what can we expect from the live shows?
A lot of tomfoolery. No in all seriousness there’s a lot of passion on that stage. I’m lucky to have a phenomenal band with me and the sound is huge. This album really felt like we wanted to take people on a journey – somewhere a bit spacey and magical.
6. If you could be remembered for anything other than your music - what would it be?
My immense silliness and my extremely nerdy model train collection
7. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
We look nothing like one another but I think Jessie Buckley is sensational.
8. If you could play one album by another artist for the rest of your life - what would it be and why?
Oof, I think it might have to be something like Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles, it never loses its charm and I feel like I pick up something new from it every time.
