Izra Fitch
Nova Scotia singer/songwriter Izra Fitch has just
released her latest single, The Hollywood Kids. Recently we spoke her about her
passion for her profession.
When and why did you start playing music?
It really started when I was a teenager. I grew up
as a fairly reserved and observant person, with a really dramatic way of
thinking underneath. Maybe it was from watching movies or feeling like an
underdog or being raised by artists. In any case, I felt things deeply. Those
first teenage heartbreaks and initial bouts of mental illness tied in with
hormones, paved the way for me to put it into noise. Writing songs - and singing
them – became a real outlet for those feelings.
Are they the same reasons you do it today?
Absolutely. Although where I used to compose solely
for myself, I now love the opportunity to share songs with an audience that can
relate to them. Each song comes from a very personal place, and I try to ensure
that they can be felt universally.
What are the challenges involved with the vocation?
As a young woman in the entertainment industry, the
sexism or harassment that can come with having a very public persona has been
my main mountain to climb. It happens in every profession, but the pairing of
nightlife, new towns and bar crowds can make it difficult. I developed a tough
skin quickly; developing ways to feel secure when performing in new towns, and letting
audiences know that they can always reach out to me or my bandmates if they
feel uncomfortable in a venue. Planning well, and having excellent bandmates
really helps.
What are the rewards?
The rewards come from making people feel something.
Looking out from the stage and seeing the audience dancing or listening
intently. Bandmates jumping around on stage doing what they love. Feeling like
I have a calling, especially one that heals me in my personal life so much. All
of these feelings are what make this career so much more than the challenges it
comes with. I truly, truly adore it.
How have you evolved as an artist over time?
I have become way more comfortable with showing my
authentic self. At the beginning, I was very focused on keeping everything so
professional that there was little personality or vulnerability in there. I
thought too much about what to say, speak up about, or how I was appearing. Now
I like to go more with my gut. We naturally gravitate towards realness, and I
am letting my fears go and inviting my audience in a bit more.
How would you describe your sound/style today?
I describe my sound and style as vulnerability
being thrown into the spotlight. I aim to keep a rawness and honesty in it,
while incorporating the shiny parts of indie-pop music that make that
vulnerability stand out.
Who have been some core Influences?
Lorde’s music. She hits the feeling in her songs in
a very intense and lush way with a fresh pop sound - I love that newness. Lady
Gaga is also a huge artistic motivator for me - her confidence in her ability
to do what she wants creatively, and to overcome trauma and build art out of it.
I really admire confidence and resilience in artists.
Finding my team. I worked with Dreaming Out Loud
Records on The Hollywood Kids, and I am lucky to say that. For the
past year I have been orchestrating this career alone - a lot of late nights
and early mornings trying to balance the creative and business elements, while
working day jobs and being in other bands. To have an experienced group of
people backing me up with this debut single has been a huge highlight and
career step for me.
Is your creative process more
"inspirational" or "perspirational"?
It always starts with an inspiration from my own
life, and then it turns into an obsession to capture that feeling and give it a
sound and energy that fits – that is when it becomes perspirational; I write
for days until the feeling is loud and clear.
What makes a good song?
When it touches the emotions; a blend of honest,
new lyrics with the right musical vibe to back it up. That’s what creates the
whole package and leaves someone with a strong feeling.
What makes a good live show?
Attentiveness to the audience is what makes a
stand-out live show. That’s the ticket. Speaking to the crowd in between songs
and after shows and showing trust through words. Keeping a lot of momentum on
stage visually is really exciting for people too. As an avid show-goer myself,
I love when an artist makes you feel like you are in the experience together.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
Like most of us, I have had to find a new routine
and lifestyle to stay healthy - and sane. A busy life turned into one without a
schedule very quickly, so I worked on building new habits. Reaching out to the
important people in my life has been vital for me. I’ve recently been composing
music again and that feels familiar and beautiful. And getting sun is key. There
are some excellent shows on Netflix too, though!
What are your thoughts on the current state of Nova
Scotia's music scene?
The artists here always find a way to adapt.
There’s no doubt that most of us are more than a little heartbroken about
losing the ability to play live. But I am seeing resilience in a lot of my
favorite artists in what they are still able to create and share. Everyone
continues to create, just in a new, pandemic-friendly fashion.
What's on your agenda for the rest of 2020?
I am writing my second single! With the
experience of releasing the first track, I can go at the next one with a little
more gusto…I want to build a powerful visual element around this one. I can’t
wait to work on it, and do this all over again.
