Kim Izzard
Interview conducted May 12, 2021
By Dan Locke
Kim Izzard writes the songs with a clear direction and vision and invites talented musicians to collaborate musically and play in the support band. Kim gigs with a support band and names any musicians that have contributed to each track, as a songwriter she endeavours to create music with a really fun and unique sound placing emphasis on strong stories, lyrics and melodies.
What is your upbringing?
My Dad was a music lover with a great hi-fi and sound speaker set playing everything from Beatles, Pink Floyd to Radiohead.
I always had an avid interest in music from a young age, singing in choirs and at church, playing the recorder, drums, and clarinet.
How did you discover music?
My Grandad (father’s dad) played and conducted a brass band and sang in a male voice choir and my school invested heavily in music and the arts.
How did you start to write music?
I wrote my first song at 11. It’s started ‘I’ve got music inside of me it influences my every move, every time I brush my teeth I start to feel a real good rhythm. Then progressed when I joined my first rock band at 17 and still have all my original scribblings.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I bought it from Argos with my first job at 17 and then gave it to my cousin who was taking up guitar. I have given three guitars away as gifts to aid people’s progress and learning.
What is your guitar of choice now?
Gibson Les Paul
Describe your music.
Catchy strong melodies with a driving rhythm, music you can have a party to/dance to.
What was your first performance at like?
Awful, in the beginning, you have to overcome nerves and hone your skill, in the earlier days it is truly terrifying but the adrenaline keeps you putting yourself back out there and eventually you get comfortable from trial and error and practice.
Tell me about your Standup Challenge? How is your comedy?
This was for charity and raised a £1,000 – I am much better at singing than comedy! It was bizarre speaking to an audience instead of singing.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
PRS for music and MCPRS
What makes a good songwriter?
Your lyrics can mean different things to different people. The ability to combine people’s ideas with your own to enhance the song.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
It was a bit angry called ‘i want you to go away’ no it was too much angry teenager vibes. 🙂
What is the process of writing your music?
I write the song and melody first with lyrics – it comes naturally together, then i work out the beats per minute by natural r (as i use to play the drums) so I can do that. Then I arrange and invite musicians to write the music around the melody. I am very involved with drum fills and bass rhythms and synths etc to create the vibe of the song.
Tell me about the creation of your song “Falling”?
Luke Dalton came up with a wonderful keyboard idea and I just started singing the verse and we sat together and worked out the chorus, I think I sang the chorus first and then he developed the keyboard. My visions can be quite intense and it can be an intense process when creating a song with me.
Tell me the backstory about your single “One way to Live”, which comes out April 30th?
I wrote this in my 20s sitting in a pub once but never was happy with the music arranged for it. I started working with a producer in Kenilworth and he helped me create my ideal drums bass and guitar. I then finished the song with Jay Shredder at Shredder Live Lounge Studios in Kidderminster. Jay has a brilliant vocal set up and it really brings my vocals to life. I recorded two melody lines that blend into the final vocal sound. Having studied sound engineering I was able to input with the mix and master and effects.
How was it to heard your single played on the BBC?
It was absolutely amazing – it is one of those things you always dream of and aim for and when it happens it is also surreal. Such a proud moment.
Tell me about the recording of the video?
I recorded with Jay at Shredder live lounge, we were struggling with a venue because of covid restrictions, I saw the wall and realized it would be a good background. I wanted an action hero to feel and a positive vibe feels so we had words appearing on the wall at the beginning. It was loads of fun to film. We used a drone for the running shot and experimented with smoke bombs but as it was a windy day could only use the red smoke scenes. It turned out really good the video I am very pleased.
Tell me about your debut album: “Life’s Journey“? What is your favorite track on your album?
The album is due out Sept 2021 and my favourite track is ‘feeling hot’
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Fine, it is a great way for people to enjoy your music. I did quite well with falling and as long as you build your audience and people stream and enjoy your songs it gives everyone a chance of earning.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
This is true! I did not think of it like that!
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital, I understand vinyl and the allure but i prefer the experimentation and accuracy of digital (being a sound engineer)
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Roxette – it must have been love – I just remember how powerful the melody was and haunting the music was and the performance/video very captivating.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
No, I don’t think it will affect music after everyone has the vaccine. People will always be creative and find a way to stream live shows etc.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I subscribed to a dance website called steezy and go on long walks most days to get fresh air. I feel outdoors is very important for mental health and wellbeing.
Tell me about what products you are selling on your website. Because all I see are bakery pots?
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
That was why I was setting up the shop, there are now t-shirts on there.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Amazon and Spotify and Youtube will play a big part in the retaining of fans in this case.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
It is but I do not agree with it and would not entertain it. It is ridiculous and is sharks and vultures preying on the more vulnerable. You should get there for talent not money. It is a bad practice.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sounds ace.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
Sadly, I have never been able to afford to do music as a career. I could have played covers etc to earn money however I preferred to write original material which as you know is very hard to establish a following and earn money from.
What is your happy place?
Being outside in the sun with family and friends, on a boat or having a BBQ.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I have yet to explore this.
How is your acting coming alone?
Just a hobby, I am more a musician. Having studied performing arts, I also present a lot of interviews and shows and also have worked as a public speaker for many years for a children’s charity, so my skills lend themselves to good causes.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I am really enjoying this new single release ‘one way to live’ and very excited about the album. Covid encouraged me to complete the album and go for it – since being restricted with playing I wanted to be ready for 2022 to play at gigs.
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