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KelownaNow wants to get to know the hard working, up and coming artists who fill our city with music and we’re almost positive most of you do too!
Our Saturday Spotlight series that will feature a new, local act every other weekend, to better strengthen our scene and get to know the people behind the music.
Get to know: Liz Blair
Liz Blair has been performing throughout the Okanagan on her own, as well as accompanied by local musician Kyle Haynes, for the last six years. With a unique to the area hybrid of blues, rock and pop — Blair’s soulful voice is packed with pain and passion, giving her lyrics a visceral impact.
While Blair has been singing for as long as she can remember, she says she didn’t start taking her talents seriously until she was about 19 years old.
“I have just always sang but it wasn’t until I started going to jam sessions and meeting other musicians when I was about 19, that I started taking it seriously,” said Blair.
When it comes down to vocal inspirations Blair praises the talents of the powerhouse queens who came before her such as Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Lady Gaga, Ella Fitzgerald and Bessie Smith.
As for her lyrics, the words flow from past or present experiences as well as vulnerability, with ideas popping into her mind at any given moment.
“My mind is always going so anywhere I can just start writing, I will. Whether it be when I'm driving, in the studio, home or in public places,” she said.
Over the last six years, Blair has had the opportunity to perform for some incredible crowds. Her favorite though? The one that congregated for her set as direct support for the ‘Queen of Scream’ — Darby Mills.
“It was such a high energy show and so amazing! I was so nervous but it ended up being one of the most fun shows I’ve played,” she said.
“Usually it's hard to pinpoint one time, all the times I've been on stage in the past and present have been my favorite moments — I love interacting with the crowd, seeing smiling faces, sweaty dancing bodies and people singing along to every song at the top of their lungs.”
While opening up for one of the strongest voices in Canadian rock is no small achievement, Blair says her proudest accomplishment thus far is finding her LegionHQ family and creating her first EP.
“To write and record with LegionHQ Music Group has been an incredible achievement, I have met some of my best and lifelong friends through it and I got to put out my EP through [them] which I am so proud of,” she said.
However, her achievements are not stopping there. Blair often travels back and forth to Nashville to record and perform at various venues and will be jetting off to Chalabre, France to sing at a music festival.
As a member of the Okanagan music scene, Blair says her favourite part is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with fellow musicians.
“I love to hear what other people have to sing and write about — It is very inspiring to hear new voices and players,” she said.
You can keep up with Liz Blair this summer by following her on Facebook. You can also stream her music on Apple Music and Spotify.
If you know of a local band or musician the community needs to hear, nominate them for a Saturday Spotlight by sending an email to savannah@kelownanow.com
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