FEATURE: Spotlight: Eva Lazarus — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

PHOTO CREDIT: Domas Zinkevicius

Eva Lazarus

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LAST year was a productive and successful one…

IMAGE CREDIT: Daniel Córdoba García

for the multi-talented songwriter, Eva Lazarus. My first exposure to the Bristol musician was her track, Bad News. That song looked at the tough times when the lovers were split; the fact the heroine is a bit of trouble but, when they are together, they can be really good (for one another). The song has that laid-back vibe and a mix of Reggae and Soul. Garage, Bass and Pop fuse and infect the music: the lyrics and vocals weave together and create something stunningly vibrant. The chilled-out bliss and tranquil-chill contrasts against the fierce undertones and strident beats. The concoctions get into the head and blood; the song stays in the mind and leaves a sweet taste on the tongue. That track compelled me to get more involved with Eva Lazarus and, through this year, I have been following her developments. Amsterdam was released late last year and features a hook-up with Mungo’s Hi Fi. Other moments from the young songwriter – Live My Life and Bad Gyal – see the heroine shift and shape. The voice remains in the realms of Reggae, Drums and Bass and Soul; able to go from classic sounds to a more urban, retro versions. Backed by urgent production, racing compositions and solid support; the young songwriter retained her personality and core but stretched her talents into new areas. It is amazing to see, over the course of a few songs, the way she can mutate and inspire.

The songs, especially last years, show how far she has come. Eva Lazarus is a name who is getting into the minds of some rather big sources. She has the backing of national radio and media but, as we head through 2018; it seems this will be her year to strike. There is more material coming and, following a successful E.P. campaign; it appears she will be busy and in full attack-mode. I am compelled to see what comes and whether the songs she has already recorded make its way through. Amsterdam and Bad News have similar undertones but are different songs. Each has that devilish grin and sense of the bad girl coming good; wanting to be better and not having any stress in her life. Amsterdam’s sweet-leaf swagger puts me in mind of a smoky and acrid room with no cares and some cool Reggae playing on the stereo – even if the singer had a different idea for the song. Eva Lazarus shows she can work with other producers/talent and people are responding to that! The big-voiced, big-haired talent is an M.C./songwriter who spans genres from Hip-Hop and Jungle to Soul. There is no escaping the fact eyes will turn her way and, with it, hearts will melt.

Having played Glastonbury and BoomTown; performing to record crowds and smashed the local scene – we have an E.P., collaborations with Sam Binga and Zed Bias coming; more airplay and exposure to go with it all. The backing crew, ‘The Afronaughts’, remind me, in a way, of Bob Marley – a modern-day Wailers, perhaps. Instead, we have a very modern-focused musician who wants to get the people dancing and take away the cares. That is a rare thing to find in music. You get some artists who have that agenda but for most; one feels there is a more success/money-driven motive. I have been looking around at the artists who can change things this year; add their own mark and provide music something magical. Eva Lazarus has the soulfulness of Amy Winehouse and the modern Reggae chops of Damien Marley; the flair of the strongest Rock band – the sexiness of the most impassioned Jazz singer. That rich musical heritage, understanding and upbringing stirs in the pot and fires an insatiable, heady smoke that filtrates and dominates. I urge everyone to get involved with her social media and take a look at how far she has come. I have concentrated on her recent work but the music of Eva Lazarus extends beyond that. The Bristol favourite has played around the country and, with her team behind her, has the potential to embark on worldwide gigs.

The stunning confidence and ability to step into any lyrical or musical territory is a talent most musicians would kill for. The themes look at the ups and downs of love; the good-girl-gone-bad and cheating boys; the need to kick-back and indulge once in a while. Above all is the need to embrace love and focus on the positives. Even when Eva Lazarus is looking at scarred relationships and the perils of fidelity; there is an abiding hopefulness and energy. I am pumped to see what the E.P. contains and, as we go deeper into 2018; how many dates will Eva Lazarus get? She will play Bristol but one feels a U.S. tour would be in order. The sort of music she is throwing out has a huge potential and I can imagine American audiences would eat it up. Whatever her plans is; do not bet against the Bad News creator riding high with the best and brightest of 2018. These are exciting and great times for her. I have seen her develop and grow in stature; get those great reviews and spins from D.J.s. The hard work ethic of Eva Lazarus means she played big festivals and smaller venues alike. Tongues are wagging and there is a feeling of expectation in the air. A lot of songwriters might not be able to live up to the hype. When it comes to Eva Lazarus; she will see those rising hopes and meet them with…