Artist: Elizabeth and the Catapult
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Latest Album: Keepsake
Personal Nickname: EZ (but never Liz or Lizzy!)
What rituals do you have, either in the studio or before a show?
I get very nervous for some reason before every show, no matter how big or small, still to this day. I do this thing in the bathroom before getting on stage where I kind of “shake it all out.” Try to let all my bundled nerves let loose.
If you had to write a mission statement for your career, what would it be?
Work your ass off, but have fun. There’s no point in doing something that doesn’t bring you great joy. Write your butt off and then, when it’s time to share, remember it’s about sharing, not just showing.
What’s the toughest time you ever had writing a song?
I once wrote a song that took two years to finish. I’d come back to it every couple months and completely rewrite both the lyrics and the music — same theme, same idea, completely different song. It ended up on my latest album (FINALLY). It’s called “Mea Culpa.”
Since food and music go so well together, what would be your dream pairing of a meal and a musician?
I’d love to have some jambalaya or a giant sushi dinner with Stevie Wonder (two of my favorite meals).
What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?
Favorite memory from being on stage was performing with my band at Carnegie Hall as part of a Rufus Wainwright festival and taking a picture of the audience in the middle of a song.
