10 Questions - Liz Liew, Chi2
Published 4 May 2009
We ask Liz Liew about her career highlights, creative influences and where she might be in 5 years time.
'''Ten Questions'''
'''Name:''' Liz Liew, Chi2
'''Role:''' Co-composer, co-performer
'''Showcase Performance:''' SONG OF THE FISHERMAN
'''1.Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
Sometimes when I’m least expecting it and often when I’m relaxing – when I’m painting, enjoying a gig, on the train, even when I’m doing the washing up! I often find more inspiration in other artforms than my particular genre (east west fusion style).
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
There have been so many! With my band Chi2 I think our launch Monkey King show at the Bernie Grants Centre was memorable - so much work had gone into that production and it was good to finally do the show! Further afield Chi2 tours in the South East Asia were great and our headline slot at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Canada was a great gig to do.
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
Tricky one! I’ve been fortunate to have performed all around the world with my band Chi2 as well as other bands. I would say I’d love to play in the States with my band and our Song of the Fisherman project as I would like to see what audiences there make of our East West fusion music, from our British perspective. We haven’t as yet played our music to American audiences. I do think there’s a market out there - the ABC’s (American Born Chinese) especially would hopefully find our music really interesting and unique.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
I think that collaborating with other musicians and producers has helped me push my creative boundaries.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
There have been so many memorable moments and I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing what I enjoy doing. One highlight would be touring our Monkey King Beijing Opera inspired project last summer in the UK. Also I love touring with other bands – memorable tours include Gnarls Barkley (and dressing up in mad costumes), Lamb and also around the world with Moby (highlights would be playing the grand piano at the Nobel Peace Prize, Slane Castle etc). I
’ve just found out that I’ve been shortlisted for the Ten Outstanding Chinese Young Persons in the UK Big Ben Awards (yes a bit of a long title!)… Of course I won’t win but it’s nice to be nominated in the first place!
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
Hard to say. I can’t think of anyone in particular. I would like to work with some more ‘pop/mainstream’ producers on my own stuff and see how that would sound. Perhaps Royksopp / Radiohead beats with Chi2 melodies?!
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had?'''
The one I have now as a freelance musician and composer! I feel privileged to be doing what I love doing and just about making ends meet!
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
More composition maybe veering into writing music for TV and film, that type of thing. Also hope to be touring more shows in SE Asia, US/Canada, and Europe. What I do now but on a much larger scale!
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
The buzz of playing music live on stage to a captive audience and gauging their response instantly!
'''10. What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
Funding seems to have been cut drastically across the board for venues and festivals so consequently as a musician it’s been less busy on the gigs front since the recession hit. However, things seem to have picked up since and our UK Monkey King tour has been booked for the Autumn.
View more details about their [http://decibelpas.com/en/showcase/performance/62 performance]
