Published: May 6, 2009 7:46 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
Liz Menezes
Liz Menezes
Liz Menezes is bringing her sexy Latin flavor to the music industry. She is making a big splash with her fusion of Pop, ROCK, and Latin music into one of the hottest sounds currently out. If you are a big fan of strong soulful vocals mixed with Latin flavor and funky beats, then you will flip over Liz Menezes' music. In this recent spotlight with Liz Menezes, the sexy Latin goddess talks music with our Webzine. Here is what developed.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Liz Menezes?
Liz Menezes: 2008 was a year to fine tune what is now my sound, what makes my sound different, and what I want my fans to take away from each experience when they see me and hear my music.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Liz Menezes: It was an exciting 2008 as the fans spoke thru their votes on Famecast. Famecast is an online competition in which fans vote for their favorite upcoming new artist. I was voted as the winner in the Latin category. This was very dear to my heart because it confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing that fans were receiving my hard work in a positive way.
I began writing and selecting songs for my upcoming CD, the creative process is such a great journey, there is nothing better than putting pen to paper and speaking to your fans thru song.
I also began working with my now manager Maria Elena Guerriero from MEG Media, who has taken my career to a new level. Her guidance has been invaluable!
Isaac: Describe the Latin music scene in New York City.
Liz Menezes: I feel that there is a new and better phase of Latin Music emerging in New York City. The Latin scene is becoming alive again and the audience is more accepting of Latin artists who are bringing a new merging of pop, rock, and funk even. It's an exciting time and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Isaac: What has been your favorite venue to perform at and why?
Liz Menezes: I would not say I have a favorite but that all have given me the opportunity to reach the fans, and I'm so grateful.
Isaac: You originally began playing classical piano at the age of ten as well as singing in church. How do you think this humble beginning helped you to become the artist that you are today?
Liz Menezes: Singing in church and playing classical piano were I would say the foundation and the beginning of my love affair with music. I discovered my voice in church, and playing the piano introduced me to harmony, how notes and changes work; my ears were trained tremendously.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Liz Menezes: There are so many where to start hehehe!!! Let's see, in the English market: Alanis Morrisette, Tori Amos, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey (in the beginning of her career), in the Spanish market Shakira, Julieta Venegas, Laura Pausini, , this is not the whole list but we could go on forever so I had to cut it short.
I love to listen to these artist b/c each of them brings their own style they translate life in such a special way and their music speaks to me. I describe my music this way, my music is not your typical love story but a storybook of songs that truly reach home, my inspiration is life and people. "Music is a way of communication, of reaching out to people!"
Isaac: You are working on your first solo album. Let's talk about what you feel you will bring as a solo artist to the music industry?
Liz Menezes: What I feel I will bring is a fresh new look and sound to the Latin scene. It will be a merging of pop, rock, acoustic and funk elements. I feel the Latin music scene is open to receive a new face and new sound to entice the audience.
My music will be medicine to the soul.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Liz Menezes: This again is a hard question I would have to say Shakira. She has been an inspiration to me for many years. She is a true story teller and her music has such passion. If I ever have the pleasure to work with her, the outcome would be incredible!
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your fusing of Latin and Pop music into your style?
Liz Menezes: The feedback I always receive is: "Where can I find your album and purchase it"? "Is it available"? , "You and your band sound great"!
I have met great and faithful fans along this journey. There is nothing like interacting with an audience it makes me feel alive.
Isaac: What can fans expect from Liz Menezes in 2009?
Liz Menezes: Fans can look forward to my CD!, shows, interview's etc. all that good stuff. Watch out, I'm coming woo hoo!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Liz Menezes: The first shout out goes to God who gave me the gift of song, to my family, my rock without their constant support this would not be possible, I love you! My faithful fans thank you soooo much for your support! You guys rock!!!! To my manager Maria Elena Guerriero thank you for believing in me!
Isaac: Final words from Liz Menezes?
Liz Menezes: Final words hummm, I would say to all who have a dream whatever it may be, go for it, make it happen. I love to sing and make music it has been my passion since I can remember and I wanted to share it with the world. I'm going for it and it's happening!
