Meet Liz Vice
Gospel, Soul, and R&B singer/songwriter Liz Vice chats with Symphony Space’s Artistic Director, Andrew Byrne, about her music, faith, and vulnerability as an artist.
ANDREW BYRNE: HOW IMPORTANT IS STORYTELLING IN YOUR MUSIC?
Liz Vice: My story — what I’ve come from and been through — is literally the only reason I sing today. Songs are stories first. I embody the character of the song. It’s like one long counseling session in front of a live audience. “God, where are you? Are you real? What’s my purpose?”
AB: SPIRITUALITY IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR LIFE. HOW DOES FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR ART?
LV: I wouldn’t be a musician if it wasn’t for faith. The idea that I have this gift that affects people is beyond me. I sometimes feel like I’ve been given a platform to say, “Hey, there is a powerful Light in you and we — yes, we — can either do good together, or rip each other to shreds.” Music is one of those things, entities, that transcends language. One of my most favorite compliments was, “You almost made me believe in Jesus.” I will never forget that day.
AB: AMERICA HAS CHANGED IN MANY WAYS OVER THE LAST YEAR. WHAT IS THE ARTIST’S ROLE TODAY?
LV: My role is not to change the world. My role is to speak up when injustice shakes me to the core. My role as an artist is to create a space that feels like home — a safe space where all are invited to have a conversation, listen, and break boundaries — and to create an arena where people feel validated as humans.
AB: WHICH ARTIST/ART FORM HAS HAD A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?
LV: Movies! I’ve always been drawn to movies where women come together to protect and fight for each other. I love the characters that have “backdoored” their way into the viewer’s heart (a.k.a. the underdogs).
AB: WHAT WOULD MOST PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
LV: That I think about quitting every day! I laugh because it’s like choosing to be naked in front of strangers every time I sing. It’s a vulnerability that goes beyond being showy, beyond “look at me.” It’s more like a mic tap: “Is this thing on? I have something to say that’s been stirring in my spirit and my heart.” I don’t quit because I’m too curious. I want to see what happens in the end.
