Spotlight On... Lizzie Reid
Following the release of her latest EP, Undoing, we catch up with Glasgow singer-songwriter Lizzie Reid
We first came across the talents of Lizzie Reid circa 2018, as bassist for Glasgow rock outfit Crystal, better known now as Dead Pony. In 2021, Reid released Cubicle, her solo debut; a tender collection of folk songs with storytelling at its heart, the record went onto be shortlisted for the SAY Award that same year. Since then, Reid has kept herself busy, steadily releasing new music and “working with a lot with other musicians on their projects,” she tells us. “Gigging, touring, recording for the likes of Hamish Hawk, Jacob Alon, Lucia and The Best Boys and Katie Gregson-Macleod. It’s been a lot of fun experiencing artists in their element, and learning from how they work!”
Last week Reid released her latest EP, Undoing, exposing a harder exterior than we're used to on a Lizzie Reid record. Songs are darker, smudged around the edges as Reid refuses to sugarcoat things. Following the EP's release and ahead of a headline show at Glasgow's Cottiers this weekend, we catch up with Reid to find out more.
Musically, Undoing feels more hefty than your previous releases. What other artists were you listening to while writing Undoing that you pulled inspiration from?
I’ve always enjoyed listening to “hefty” music. In many ways I’d say rock music is my roots. Around the time of writing Undoing in particular, I was listening to a lot of PJ Harvey, The Kills, The Dead Weather, Sharon Van Etten, some Phoebe Bridgers was definitely in there, Alanis Morissette.
Alongside Hamish Hawk, who features on lead single Sweet Relief, who else was in the studio with you recording the EP and what was the process like?
When we recorded Undoing it was just me, Rod Jones (producer/manager), Andrew Pearson (guitar) and Gavin Lamont (drums). Honestly, the process was quick. We had three days in the studio and I recorded vocals for a couple of hours at home. It all happened so fast – but we got it done! All of them are just exceedingly good at what they do so I’m grateful to have had them involved.
How did you land on the title Undoing? What’s the meaning behind it, and what are some of the themes found across its four tracks?
In the song Wagon I sing the line, ‘You are too good at knowing how to use my undoing’. It’s a moment for me that sticks out on the record as being emotionally dark and heavy followed by a crashing release of the guitars. The word depicts emotional unravelling as well as mirroring the fact that people haven’t heard me make music like this before. I am undoing people’s expectations of me... perhaps.
I’d like to dig into something you said in the bio for Undoing: “I’ve spent time being soft. I’m taking that, and framing it differently.” Can you tell me a bit more about this new approach, how it differs from before and why you’ve decided to change things up?
Like all human beings, I am multifaceted. I’ve shown the soft side of me for quite a few years now. There’s always been more than that. I am at a point where I want to express the darker, harder-hitting side of me. There is still a vulnerability in that, it’s just dressed up in different clothes. It looks like taking up more space. Using my voice in ways I haven’t before. Trusting my voice. Trusting my instincts. Standing taller, without an apology, regardless of how many people are watching and who is in the room.
It feels like on Undoing you’re refusing to sugarcoat things, instead confronting them head-on, which I imagine has been quite freeing and cathartic. How have you found this new way of songwriting? And can we expect more of this “storm the streets in the pissing rain” approach in future?
Ha! Yes, definitely more storming the streets in the pissing rain! Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose. I want to enjoy expressing myself through music without fear. Doing this for a job is a privilege and life is too short to hide. Why not go all out, bare all and enjoy it?
Speaking of the future, what does the rest of the year have in store for you?
I am going on tour this year; 26 April to 2 May across the UK. After that I will be gearing up to release more music. A lot more music…
Undoing is out now; Lizzie Reid plays Cottiers, Glasgow, 26 Apr before touring the UK