No need to cry over spilled milk today. Instead, Izza is spilling the tea on her new single “Crying In Silver Lake.” The LA native has seen and heard her share of what she regard as “Hollywood culture” – people glamorizing as many aspects of their life as possible. It’s unrealistic, and it can affect others whether they realize it or not. That being said, Izza has chosen to actively create music that reflects the realities of life.
One of those realities is having your heart broken. While many will try to push the emotions aside, “Crying In Silver Lake” encourages listeners to just confront the feeling head on. Here’s what Izza had to say about the track, her musical background, and more!
What was the moment that truly kicked off your musical journey?
Since I was a kid, I have always been musically inclined whether that be playing piano and guitar or singing in a rock band in elementary school. My parents love music and I grew up going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and Staples Center as well as watching artist documentaries on MTV and VH1 Top 20 Countdown. Once I discovered songwriting in 5th grade from my band teacher, I started writing my own music. I loved listening to and playing music, but once I realized I could create and write my own ideas into songs, I knew I wanted to make music for the rest of my life.
Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up?
Growing up, I would look up to female artists like Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, and Fergie. I loved their sense of fashion, attitude, and demeanor on stage, and their overall sound. These women to me were fearless and unapologetic, something that I admired. As a kid, I would feel voiceless at times because of my age or gender, so seeing these women perform gave me hope that I could be as strong and fierce as them one day. As I got older, I started to gain huge admiration and respect for Kanye West and his overall journey as an artist. His ability to create innovative music that is authentic to himself is something that I look up to as an artist and fan. I respect artists who truly pour themselves into their projects and that is something Kanye does every single time he releases a body of work.
“Crying In Silver Lake” shows us how you’ve come to terms with heartbreak being a part of life. Are there any pieces of advice you’d have to offer anyone currently finding themselves in such a position?
The best piece of advice I could give someone is actually a piece of advice my Dad gave me. He told me “no matter what, everything will be okay.” I have used this piece of advice in all aspects of my life whether that be with music, friends, business, or relationships. Everything always seems amplified in the moment and it is easy to let your emotions take over. After a break-up, it seems impossible to find another person to love again. However, with time and healing, you usually find a way to pick yourself back up. The hardest part is always in the moment, but just know that everything usually works out. Knowing that makes me not worry or dwell on heartbreak.
How has living in LA provided inspiration for your work?
LA is an instrumental part of who I am as a person and artist. The city is ingrained in my personality and an essential part of my artistry. I have grown up in LA and have experienced the city in a variety of lenses from living in different areas to meeting diverse groups of people. There is always something new and exciting to experience in LA and I have so many memories from my childhood and current adulthood. It is easy for me to gain inspiration for my work because I just take my everyday interactions and turn them into songs.
How has your music shaped your perception of the world around you?
Creating music has made me better understand myself, but also the people and things around me. My music has made me realize that the world is not black and white. There are layers to people and relationships can be complex. Writing about my experiences with friends, boyfriends, and people, in general, has made me understand that there is no “obvious” answer or “right” thing to do. Knowing that life is not a “yes or no” question can be frustrating at times, but it has put things into perspective for me.
What was your favorite part about creating “Crying In Silver Lake”?
Writing “Crying In Silver Lake” was extremely therapeutic because I had been holding on to my feelings of hopelessness and sadness and I finally felt like I was able to let out all of this bottled-up energy that had been living inside of me. My favorite part was just being able to write my genuine feelings into lyrics. There is no greater feeling of liberation than to be able to tell your truth. I felt like I was hiding an emotional side of me for so long in order to appear strong, however, I was able to find strength in being vulnerable.
If you could place “Crying In Silver Lake” in a commercial for any product, what would it be for?
Umbrellas! There’s a line in the song that says “It don’t rain in LA,” so I think that would be perfectly ironic.
Listen to “Crying In Silver Lake” below! Also, be sure to give Izza a high five on Instagram and Twitter @izzaroze.
