With her new album out now on Sonar Kollektiv, Belgian soul singer-songwriter Liz Aku takes on our quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
Music chose me 🙂
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Travelling.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When you’re cold just put on an extra sweater. Simple as that!
What’s the next big thing?
Augmented reality.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A TRACK'S FINISHED? Sometimes it never is...
Best club experience?
I prefer a good concert.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
It was also the shortest: cookie packager… I went home after two hours.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
Sometimes it never is… But trust your gut feeling.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
That was a while ago, but I have a part-time job vocal coaching and I just love it!
Which song do you wish you wrote?
This version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superwoman’ by Donny Hathaway.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Easiest is to work hard.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I’m happy about all my tracks.
Recommend us a film.
What or who is underrated?
Free hugs.
What or who is overrated?
Taylor Swift.
What are you addicted to?
Love and sushi.
What do you lust over?
Nutella.
What is your greatest regret?
I’ve made my share of mistakes, I have no regrets. Always learning.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Yoga.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
We played at a school on a semi-trailer. The bell rang when we started playing, and only five teachers were left watching the concert.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
All good music comes from collaboration
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Trust your feeling.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Melody Gardot – ‘My One And Only Thrill’.
How do you relax?
Music, sun, sea and rosé wine.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
My Apollo Twin sound card, it’s the bomb!
Art or money?
Art.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
What would be a strange place to write?
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That there is STILL not enough money to pay the artists.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Of course Sonar Kollektiv for believing in me as an artist and supporting me in so many ways.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Letting go…
What’s your motto?
Always stay positive!
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Listen to the whisper and practise!
Liz Aku’s Ankhor LP is out now on Sonar Kollektiv. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.