Priz Em On the Making Of “First Kiss”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "First Kiss" and the story it tells?
This is about wild on-again, off-again Rock n’ Roll relationship, but definitely not a sad song.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "First Kiss?"
The music and melody were written by Canadian Bruce Irvine, and British songwriter Tyla, both writers living in London England. Then I honed the melody and wrote the lyrics I live on an island in British Columbia, Canada so we work together online. The next step: I go into the studio in Vancouver with my producers Steve Smith and Anthony Anderson of SA TrackWorks to record. Steve and Anthony are multi-instrumentalists, so they produce and play all of the instruments, they are not just the producers, but Priz Em’s band. We have a lot of fun creating in the studio, I love working with them, they are incredible.
How do you feel "First Kiss" represents your artistic identity?
Pop/Rock is my heart, “First Kiss,” is a perfect expression of me musically. As a singer/entertainer, I performed jazz standards, pop classics, RnB and the blues on the road, that repertoire is basically classified as “Lobby-Lounge.” I worked in 5 star and 7 star hotels in Switzerland, Asia and the UAE, that was my day job. My musical taste is quite eclectic, so I was grateful to travel the world and sing, it was a wonderful experience, but I am very happy to finally settle down and focus on writing and recording my pop/rock and Americana material. I also write for a graphic novel “The World of Mega Centarri” /where Priz Em is a super sheroe. Priz Em’s world is fantasy but her music is very real.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I started as a lyricist. I wrote poetry most of my life, and I was asked by some musicians to put lyrics to their music, then I was invited to demo the songs. Their publisher heard my voice and asked me why I was not singing professionally, he said that my voice was unique and I should consider singing. I was sent off to a vocal coach, that is where it started. Things did not go the way we wanted it to go at that time with the band, but there was no turning back for me.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
My message to folks right now is to enjoy everything you can (without hurting anybody), while you can, and get lost in good music. Take time away from all the bad news.
