Interview with music producer Liz Aku

Belgian soul singer and highly gifted songwriter Liz Aku is about to release her fantastic full length LP, Ankhor on May 5th via Sonar Kollektiv. 

The album features a host of collaborators including hip-hop rooted Canadian producers Potatohead People, Rotterdam based Maximoe, and Mara TK from Electric Wire Hustle, who co-produced three of its tracks. We caught up to her while she was relaxing at the seaside after the release of her latest single ‘Seasons Change’, and she had this to say:

Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today? 

I’m doing great, looking forward to my trip to Indonesia next week. I’m in (desperate) need of sun rays, nature and no work 🙂 Today I had a relaxing day with my godson, we had a lovely walk at the seaside, he’s such a cutie

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?

My sound is soulful and warm. I like to sing over electronic beats with jazzy influences.  But I find it more interesting when people describe my sound.

What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?

1. Donny Hathaway Live
2. Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
3. Guru’s Jazzmataz Vol1.
4. Jamiroquai –  Return of The Space Cowboy
5 …. and everything by Stevie Wonder

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Electric Wire Hustle, Fatima, Emily King, Solange, Yussef Kamaal.  All really great artists that perfectly blend soul with electronica.


Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?

No, just my voice.

What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?

There’s a lot of music and a lot of ways to spread it. That’s also why it’s really hard to get noticed. It’s also  hard to earn some money with music if you’re not making mainstream music. But never give up, keep your spirit high, always follow your heart.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting your music together?

I just start writing. I play a chord and I start to sing what I feel, or I listen to a beat, improvise and then I cut it up into a structure.

What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?

A while back with my trio. We played a 2 hour gig and I was sick but my voice just came out. The gig was intimate and uplifting. I feel really blessed to be able to let my soul talk through my voice.

And the worst?

It was about fifteen years ago, we played at a school on a trailer. We had just started and the school bell rang. Everyone left except for 5 teachers.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be? 

Depressed.

If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, living or dead, who would it be? 

Donny Hathaway.

Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?

Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival is awesome!

Watch the video for Liz Aku’s single ‘Seasons Change’:

Liz Aku’s LP Ankhor will be out on May 5th via Sonar Kollektiv. Pre-order here.