Interview: Paige Kizer
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Paige Kizer talks to Louder Than The Music about her new single "Your Voice", her upcoming new album, and what inspires her music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up in a musical family, where my dad plays the drums and my mom plays piano. So, we all took up instruments from fourth grade, and I chose the alto saxophone and spent years studying under Micki Marolf of Dubuque, Iowa. When I was a senior in high school, I was involved in musical theatre but discovered my love for songwriting and made a somewhat last-minute decision to major in music in college instead of theatre. While attending Columbia College Chicago I first learned what it was like recording my original work and was determined to continue getting my songs crafted into recordings to release.
Tell us about your new single 'Your Voice' and what the inspiration behind it was?
In October of 2023 my Aunt Donna was hosting a women’s day conference about “finding your voice”. She asked me to come as a speaker, but also as a songwriter for the day. Everyone took a piece of paper and wrote what it meant to them to find their voice. I took these into the church sanctuary and wrote “Your Voice” in about an hour and a half. Then, at the end of the day, I played this newly written song for all the women in attendance. After that, I knew I needed to do something more with this song, so with the help of my incredible band, we made it into what it is today.
That song is taken from your upcoming new album, what more can you tell us about the album?
Our upcoming album titled “Unconditional” is a compilation of songs that have spiritual undertones and an overall message of hope. The title track was written alongside my dear friend Sophie Hafer and is about the unconditional love we have from God. But the beauty is that it can also be about the unconditional love we feel in our day to day lives, whether that be from a partner, parent, or friend. All of the songs delve into different emotions that come with being human but always knowing that we are loved and there is light.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
As simple as it sounds, I just want people to know that no matter how hard and dark everything can feel, there is always hope. And, that it is okay to feel doubt or uncertainty, because without those how can one truly work on their relationship with God and growing their faith?
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I would describe our style as Singer-Songwriter with some Soul and Folk. Some of my biggest influences from a singer-songwriter standpoint would be Lauren Daigle and Adele.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with Lauren Daigle. I truly admire her work, and how her songs are interpretive and can cross the line between spiritual and secular music.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I would define success in my career by my connection with others through music. Whenever someone tells me how a song I wrote made them feel, I feel like I’ve won the lottery.
What is your favorite album of all time?
21 by Adele.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Rescue by Lauren Daigle.
What does the next year hold for you?
I hope this next year holds lots of live musical performing for me. That is where I feel the most like myself, and also the most connected to others. I also hope that with the release of our album we find more human connection.
