There is a current of old world tension and modern angst captured in the music of King Lizzard and that energy, as embodied in his debut radio single ‘Dawn Of A New Age’ has got listeners enthralled. It's time the world learned more about this intriguing alternative rock / electronica artist.
Some artists try to scale their way to the top of the music industry by personal flamboyance (or inscrutability). Others work the business like hardened politicians and hope that money and fame will redeem whatever compromises are made along the way. But a very few can do it by a golden amalgamation of originality, musicianship and talent. King Lizzard is such an artist. Hailing from Las Vegas, King Lizzard has been fast attracting recognition and honors, and one recent critic's account of his award-winning work probably explains why: ‘This collection of intensely original tracks by the King Lizzard offers a feast of feverish lyrics and valiantly exerted instrumental interludes that is destined to become a classic.’ You can hear the authenticity in every chord and riff of his new alternative rock / electronica single, which undoubtedly explains its rapid ascent up the charts. Independent reporter Lily Clark recently caught up with King Lizzard to talk about his history, musical influences and exciting plans for the future.
LILY: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
KING LIZZARD: Smashing my guitar over someone’s head in a bar brawl. Ah, the good old days.
LILY: Your song ’Dawn Of A New Age’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
KING LIZZARD: Unfortunately I haven’t heard it yet.
LILY: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
KING LIZZARD: It’s an homage to the grand scale epic singles that Yes, Rush and ELP used to do. The backstory of the album, EPICK, is of a space traveler named Mr. MUGI (Musical User Godlike Interface) that brings sound and music to a dead planet: Earth. Near the end of Mr. MUGI’s life he writes one last song, ‘Dawn of a New Age: The Last Song,’ before he flat lines and becomes pure electronica energy called Digitalis. ‘Dawn of a New Age’ encompasses the birth of music, and demonstrates the emergence of madrigals, classical, blues, rock and electronica.
LILY: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
KING LIZZARD: Like most artists I come from an abused past full of violence and loss. That’s what drives a musician. We all have the “Hey look at me!” mentality that wants universal love but is afraid to be intimate.
LILY: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
KING LIZZARD: Like putting a oceanful of crazy in a thimble of normal. I can be very fun-loving and zany, I can also be a manipulative bastard that would explain the ever changing roster of band mates. I know what I want and won’t compromise.
LILY: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
KING LIZZARD: As a child I never got high marks under “works well with others.”
LILY: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
KING LIZZARD: My father’s side of the family is pure music. My father wrote songs for Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb and Jimmy Dickens as well as having played with Patsy Cline. My mother’s side had a few accomplished pianists.
LILY: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
KING LIZZARD: Most rewarding: A great live performance. Most challenging: Overcoming negative responses to your creations.
LILY: Who are your role models in music?
KING LIZZARD: As a child I loved the Monkees and Paul Revere and the Raiders. As a teen Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. However, when I heard Yes’ “Roundabout” I said “That’s what I want to do!” I was gob smacked by their virtuosity and complexity.
LILY: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
KING LIZZARD: Opening for Cheap Trick in front of 60,000 people. Rock is meant for stadiums.
LILY: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
KING LIZZARD: You will always want music to be your friend, but it won’t. Sadly, it will rape you and brutalize you every chance it gets. You have to get tough and make the determination that if this is the road you want to travel it will be glorious and it will be brutal. Use that love-hate relationship to fuel greatness. Be unique. Savor the good, learn from the bad, and stay the course.
LILY: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
KING LIZZARD: I have a few projects I’m working on. My work is always eclectic, which is why I’m tagged as an Experimental Artist, or an Art Rocker. I have no genre. I may do an album of madrigals, or I may do a folk album, an electronica album or an album full of surf guitar. I ride the beast called music and it takes me where it wants to go.
LILY: That is quite exciting, congratulations! Thank you for taking the time to let me get to know you a little better. Good luck with your new projects!
http://www.kinglizzard.com
