LVNMUZIQ

March 27, 2008

Urban folk is the operative phrase when it comes to describing the music of LVNMUZIQ. Liz Snavely (a.k.a. LVNMUZIQ) has a distinct vocal sound that can warm up the chilliest spring morning and her songs have a way of working their way under your skin and making themselves a part of your being. "River," on which she is joined by violinist Step DeJong, has a comforting flow, and the appearance of a harmonica on "Disappear" is a welcome addition. Snavely makes the void worth contemplating on "Contemplating the Void" and makes "Growing Pains" a painless experience. - Chicago Free Press / Chicago, IL / Gregg Shapiro

Liz Snavely of LVNMUZIQ is a lyric-based, toe-tappin’ urban folk singer, activist and lesbian from Grand Rapids, MI. Liz has performed many shows to benefit the LGBT community at various Pride Festivals, LGBT Resource Centers, Human Rights Campaign events, National Coming Out Day, National Day of Silence and World Aids Day.

She has performed and/or spoken at over 400 shows in 25 states since 2006. She has released 4 CDs and has 44 songs on iTunes. In 2008, she wrote and recorded the song, “Back Seat”, for the independent film documentary, Fagbug. Fagbug is a film that speaks out against hate crimes and raises awareness of gay rights. Tegan and Sara also have a song in the film.

She is currently working on her 5th CD, “Butterflies,” and is working with an A&R rep to get more of her music in films, TV shows and commercials.

She will be performing at The Network for their event entitled Renaissance Ruckus on April 27th, 2013 start- ing at 7:00pm. In the meantime, you can check her out at The Apartment Lounge on March 24th, 2013, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. You can also visit one of her websites:
www.sonicbids.com/lizsnavely
www.reverbnation.com/LVNMUZIQ - Network News / Grand Rapids, MI / Christina Wade

Interview with Liz Snavely of LVNMUZIQ
What made you come up with the name of your band? I
love music and chose the name because it is good advertising.
I wanted to make sure that my band name stood out on posters
or on my website, which is why I capitalized it. Plus I used IQ at
the end because I am a smart musician.
How many instruments can you play? When did you start
playing them? Djembe (Drum), guitar, and harmonica which I
like to practice while I drive. As a child I had a 70 year old
babysitter who taught me how to play piano. We would play
church hymns and Christmas music year round. I can read
chord charts but not individual notes. I actually learned how to
play music by reading and practicing Indigo Girl’s music books.
Do you have any pets? I have two cats, Olive and Whoopi.
They are my best friends. I miss them so much when I am on
the road touring.
What music do you like to listen to? I grew up on traditional
country music, but I listen to Pop, hip hop, and classic rock. I
would love to meet Adele or Eminem. It would be a dream
come true to open for Adele.
Things you love other than music? I love the outdoors, trail
hiking especially. Writing and poetry, and turning them into
songs.
Who are your celebrity crushes? Demi Moore and Rhianna.
Best advice ever given? My mom taught me so much, she
was such a warm hearted woman. Stand up for yourself, don’t
let people walk over you.
What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 player?
Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake and I have some Vanilla Ice,
Ice Ice Baby that I like to jam to.
What hidden talents do you have? I can juggle and I am a
hard core runner. I have ran in 8 marathons and 1 ultramarathon.
What do you think about when your performing? I try to
remember the emotions I felt when I was writing the song,
sometimes I do have a hard time focusing.
What are the five things you can’t live without? Music, Olive
and Whoppi (my cats), friends, outdoors, and love.
LVNMUZIQ starts the evenings entertainment at 7:30pm on
April 27th - Network News / Grand Rapids, MI / Christina Wade

The Apartment Lounge, one of the oldest pubs in the city, recently changed hands. This popular watering hole has long served the gay community, but also the theatre wing of our city. I know, I know -- even I have trouble telling them apart these days.

The biggest change since Bob Johnson took possession of this iconic establishment in the heart of downtown was not the freshly remodeled interior or even the fact that they now take credit cards. No, the biggest leap is that on Sunday, while you enjoy the Apartment Lounge's new Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, you will be able to hear live music from LVNMUZIQ.

Four-piece band LVNMUZIQ, fronted by singer-songwriter Liz Snavely, will take over this tiny space for a showcase of original music from one of the area's favorite folk singers.

"I don't play many bars these days as I have found that most of these types of venues want covers only," says Snavely, who has played more than 400 shows in 25 states since she began playing in 2006. "Most times, I am playing in a concert or theater setting, since people really enjoy hearing my poetry set to music."

Those who venture down to listen to LVNMUZIQ perform will be in for a treat because her song stylings remind me of the fragile and honest poetry of Joan Armatrading with bit of Toni Childs' forceful vocals.

And don't let Snavely's small frame fool you. She is a former Military officer and was recently part of a security detail for the Fortune Feimster & Friends show at Wealthy Theatre. What she lacks in size, she more than delivers with her commanding voice.

Among the highlights of her career, Snavely is proud of a song she wrote that became a key element to Erin Davies' documentary, Fagbug. The song "Backseat" references Rosa Parks, but is really about all of our struggles for equality, whether it be for people of color, women, ability, or sexual orientation. These struggles are not inseparable acts, but part of the journey to Snavely.

The Apartment has also recently added a female bartender to the staff and is hosting a women's night each and every Wednesday.

The Apartment Lounge is one of those rare gems in our city that, for the most part, remains timeless -- a true urban classic on the American cityscape. Here's hoping this little spot where the art of conversation lives between friends who gather downtown will continues long into the future.


Admission: Free - Rapid Growth Media / Grand Rapids, MI / Tommy Allen

"Contemplating The Void" from LVNMUZIQ is a gorgeous melody. It's full of intense vocals and tough, fem-rock chops. Deeply lyrical, the track plays part emo, part anthem. Another calling-card singer-songwriter track, "Endless Maze", is heartfelt in its contemplative notes; a must listen to truly get the personal art of this musically unique act. - A&R Select

January 12, 2009

Michigan singer-songwriter Liz Snavely quit a lucrative telecommunications job to pursue music. In so doing,she lost her three-bedroom house, forcing her to move into a one-room apartment.

"I couldn't pay the mortgage anymore," Snavely said during a telephone interview. "It was either quit paying or go back to corporate America. I just said I'll quit paying."

Two days before she was evicted, Snavely gave a concert at her house in front of 40 friends. She recorded the performance, which is slated to become a live CD this April.

"It's a memorial of my house that I lost," she said. "That's the only place I've ever done music. I wanted to make it a special evening."

Chippewa Valley music lovers can catch Snavely's live show Thursday at the Acoustic Cafe. Eau Claire musician Elizabeth Christianson of the folk band QuinnElizabeth will open.

Snavely, 42, specializes in toe-tapping urban folk. And those toes are on display during shows.

"It's not to be cool," she said of playing barefoot. "I get hot. I got to take those shoes off. I'd prefer to keep them on if I could. The bottom of my feet, I get these calluses. Sometimes I'm playing on some pretty hard surfaces. I've busted my feet open from pounding so hard."

When playing, Snavely feels as emotionally naked as her feet. She overcame her anxiety by participating in open mics and accepting encouragement from friends.

"Even though I was nervous and uncomfortable, I just kept booking shows," she said. "I can say I'm a lot more comfortable now, but there's not a show where I don't feel stage fright. I still feel very nervous. It's still a very vulnerable thing to do - put yourself out there and share your personal stories."

Snavely,who also performs as LVNMUZIQ, refers to songwriting as "free therapy."She grew up in foster homes and now sings about pain, love, abuse,abandonment and courage.

"(Songwriting)has helped me go through a lot of necessary healing in my life, having come from a pretty horrific background. It's helped save me. It's given me hope," she said. "People ask about my songs, and it gives me an opportunity to talk about it. I'm always able to release my emotions now. It's been real freeing."

Snavely,who has "MUZIQ" tattooed on her right forearm, always wanted to be a musician. In elementary school, she and a friend sang along to classic rock songs on the radio and designed album covers.

Snavely has written poetry most of her life, but she didn't teach herself to play the guitar until about six years ago.

"The words have always come real easy. To try to do something with music without any training whatsoever, that was challenging, very challenging," she said. "I figured that a lot more people would hear it that way instead of just writing poetry in my journal and keeping it to myself."

Two months after her 40th birthday, she quit her corporate job and devoted herself to music full time.

"As you get older you start becoming more sure of yourself," she said. "Too bad it took a little longer than I wanted, but I don't have any regrets. It happened when it was supposed to."

She released her first full-length album, "Orange Kiss," in 2006. Her newest disc, "Contemplating the Void," came out in March.

Snavely, who is gay, has three songs featured in the upcoming movie "Fagbug." The documentary follows a New York woman whose Volkswagen was vandalized because it displayed a rainbow sticker.

Snavely wrote the film's theme song, "Back Seat," which plays during the opening credits. The movie has been accepted into international film festivals and will premiere April 10 in Los Angeles.

The song is a step toward Snavely's ultimate goal of writing music for TV and movies, she said. Considering all she's overcome, Snavely isn't afraid to chase her dream.

"I'm pretty much willing to take any risk you can throw at me," she said."It's very rewarding when it works. It's still rewarding when it doesn't work too."

Espe can be reached at 833-9206 or troy.espe@ecpc.com. - Leader-Telegram / Eau Claire, WI / Troy Espe

February 25, 2010

Nobody in this town loves a homecoming concert better than I do, and for one night only, LVNMUZIQ returns to Grand Rapids to perform with a full band at Rocky's Bar & Grill.

LVNMUZIQ (pronounced Lovin'Music) is fronted by singer/songwriter Liz Snavely, who I got to know a little bit better in a darkroom, of all places. Since we both shared a background in the visual arts, crossing paths while we developed film and printed negatives only made sense.

It was only later in life that I would learn of her musical talent. The beauty of LVNMUZIQ songwriting is that she takes us on a wonderful journey down her personal path that we also find familiar.

On the song "River from her 2008 album "Contemplating the Void," Liz bares her soul about stepping out in the unknown. It would go on to become one of her most requested songs.

Fans of her urban folk style will tell you how the music connects with them on so many levels. LVNMUZIQ drifts somewhere between the dusty road lyrics of Tracy Chapman, with the soulful luster of Toni Childs.

This is one of those rare shows that pops into town with very little fanfare but is no less equally important than a headliner with a glittering name on the marquee. Music that cuts to the soul is always worth seeking out in our community, so don't miss this rare opportunity to be LVNMUZIQ.

Admission: $5.(Opening for LVNMUZIQ is Ask Me When and Gabrial James) - Rapid Growth Media / Grand Rapids, MI / Tommy Allen

April 5, 2007

Give Liz Snavely a break. Even "American Idol" contestants have ripped lyrics to shreds. What's worse, they've slipped-up in front of crowds exceeding those at a coffeehouse or bar, where Snavely typically performs. "I've forgotten words," the musician admits. "It used to really bother me; now I just make a joke about it." The Grand Rapids-based singer-songwriter can't imagine mustering the guts to perform in front of millions of people. Furthermore, she can't fathom flubbing a performance on the ratings-whore talent show. She laughs, "In that situation: Naughty! Naughty!" Snavely is far from naughty. The calorie-counter resists sugar-intense coffee drinks (she doesn't even know what a latte is) and she's tight with the elderly. After school, Snavely visited a 70-year-old lady. Not only did the woman babysit the budding musician, but also she taught her how to play some melodies and a slew of church hymns on the piano. In fifth grade, Snavely took her musicmaking tips and electronic organ to a nursing home down the street from her house – where she lived with her mother and two sisters – to play them some Christmas tunes. It didn't matter if it was December or the middle of summer, the elderly folks dug Snavely's holiday ditties. Some of the arthritic handed women rekindled their musical talents with Snavely. "They'd actually sound pretty good; a little gritty, but really good," she recalls in a quasi-Southern drawl. "I think for a moment they were really happy." Well, most of them. She couldn't escape the cranky ones. And it's hard to imagine Snavely – a chirpy, simple soul who likes her coffee with just cream – morphing into such a person. Her partner, Christina, is an architect and they live with three cats. When she hits the road for her most-expansive trek to date, The Out West Tour, she'll miss Luna, Whoopi and Mr. Bojangles. "One of the most difficult things about traveling is being away from my cats, as crazy as that sounds. I don't have any kids, so it's the next best thing." Second to her partner, of course. "Christina is number one, then the cats," she laughs. "Let's make that clear." When Snavely began making her rounds on the concert circuit, she'd tense up. She worked out anxiety kinks at open mics and while playing for a church band in Las Vegas. But she hasn't completely shaken her anxious ways. "It's not as bad, but it's kind of like being an athlete before a race: No matter how much you do it, you're always gonna be nervous." Since the release of "Orange Kiss," Snavely and her LVNMUZIQ (pronounced lovin' music, which is the name of her aggressive folk music duo) partner Greg (G-Tech) Lindauer have been jamming in various pubs, coffeehouses, house concerts, bookstores, at festivals and around bonfires at a friend's house in Lowell, Mich. "We don't do 'Kumbaya' or anything crazy like that," she laughs. The Out West Tour will take her through Oregon, California and Washington, much farther than the places she typically plays in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Not only does the tour's name carry a literal meaning, but also it signifies Snavely's ability to branch out as a musician. She's more comfy with her sound. And more importantly, with the stage. "I'm kind of coming out of that musical closet," she insists. Who lured her out of her shell? Her mother. "She never fully lived her life to her potential," Snavely says. "I just want people to know I didn't want to continue on the same path that she did." - Between The Lines / Livonia, MI / Chris Azzopardi

Oct 18, 2008

A talk on "What's Morally Wrong With Homosexuality?" by Dr. John Corvino and a concert by urban-folk artist Liz Snavely will be presented later this month at Western Michigan University.

The two events are free and open to the public, and being staged in conjunction with WMU's inaugural Student Leadership and Activist Development Conference, set for Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25. The deadline to register for the conference was Oct. 6.

Corvino, associate professor of philosophy at Wayne State University, is the conference's keynote speaker. He will talk at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Fetzer Center's Kirsch Auditorium. A reception will follow his presentation, which is being co-sponsored by the Kalamazoo Gay/Lesbian Resource Center, Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality, Kaleidoscope of Kalamazoo College and WMU Ethics Center.

The concert by Snavely, who performs under the name LVNMUZIQ, pronounced "love'n music," starts at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in the Bernhard Center on the Bronco Mall Center Stage. It is being co-sponsored by WMU's LBGT student services office and Student Entertainment Team.

Corvino is a writer, speaker and gay-rights advocate. He has written more than 100 articles and opinion pieces for academic journals, regional and national print media, and online sites such as 365gay.com, one of America's most read gay news sources.

Since 1992, Corvino has been asking audience members whether there is anything "wrong" with homosexuality. If the answer is yes, he challenges people to explain what is wrong and if the answer is no, he challenges them to explain what all the fuss is about.

Known as "the Gay Moralist," Corvino uses humor, sensitivity and intellectual rigor to examine and dismantle the most common arguments against homosexual conduct and encourage others to rethink some of the "easy assumptions" on both sides of the debate.

LVNMUZIQ is the brain child of singer-songwriter Liz Snavely of Grand Rapids, Mich. Earlier in the day of her WMU concert, she will appear live in the studio of WIDR, the University's student-run radio station.

Snavely is a former graphic designer who performs toe-tapping folk music with an urban, sometimes raw edge. She plays the harmonica and acoustic guitar, and has been described as a cross between Tracy Chapman and Grant Lee Phillips.

WMU's Student Leadership and Activist Development Conference is being organized by the WMU Division of Student Affairs and its Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services, with generous funding from the Arcus Gay and Lesbian Fund.

Students from WMU and across the Midwest have registered for the event, which seeks to develop their leadership and activist abilities by providing education and information that focuses on a variety of social-justice aspects of leadership and activism. The conference will feature interest sessions and workshops led by representatives from campus and community organizations, including such national groups as Advocates for Youth and the Center For Progressive Leadership.

Among the sessions and workshops being offered are: "WMU's Gender Identity Training Program: Train the Trainer"; "LBGT Students and Residence Life," which will focus on issues LBGT students living in residence halls face and how hall officials can facilitate a safe and welcoming environment; the "Disability Resource Center of Southwest Michigan," the message of which is providing an inclusive environment means including everyone; "From Values to Policy"; "Why Volunteer?"; "Practicing Collaborative Leadership"; and the youth-oriented "Redressing Homophobia in Communities of Color."

For more information about the Office of LBGT Student Services or its Student Leadership and Activist Development Conference, go to lbgt.wmich.edu or contact Sarah Strangle, WMU coordinator of LBGT student services, at lbgt-coordinator@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2123. - WMU News / Kalamazoo, MI / Jeanne Baron

December 11, 2008

You can't accuse Grand Rapids urban-folk musician Liz Snavely, who performs as LVNMUZIQ, of being half-hearted.

Two-and-a-half years ago she quit her job in telecommunication sales making almost $100,000 a year to pursue her dream of being a full-time musician. Her job made her "miserable," but music brought her release and joy. Last week, she had a concert at her home for a live CD recording due out sometime next year.

LVNMUZIQ, who will perform with vocalist/guitarist Gabrial James at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Foundry Hall with folk duo Nervous but Excited, said she decided to host the show shortly after she learned she'd lose her home, which she has owned since 2003, because she hasn't made a house payment in more than 12 months.

The concert was planned as a send-off to the home and another example that this music thing is for real. Although she's "barely squeaking by," she proved to herself she can make a living playing her own stuff.

"I don't condone not paying a house payment like I did for a year and a half, but I do condone pursuing your dream," she said prior to the concert.

LVNMUZIQ is from Elkhart, Ind., where she spent most of her childhood in foster care. Her father died when she was young and during what little interaction she had with her family she was told she was worthless. At age 42, she finally has the self-confidence to get up on stage and express herself.

"I wish I would've been able to do it sooner," she said.

A lot of people talk about chasing such dreams, but LVNMUZIQ is living it. She tries to encourage others to do the same.

"Just go for it. What do you have to lose? Your soul?" she said. "I think more people should do it. ... It's not impossible, because I'm doing it."

Some of that determination comes from her days as a runner. She's completed eight marathons and one ultra-marathon and has climbed 14,000 feet up a mountain in Colorado.

"I still have the same drive I have for getting first place in a race that I do with my music. ... I play music like I used to run," she said.

LVNMUZIQ, who released her latest full-length album, "Contemplating the Void," in March, said she will live simply. She's sold most of what she owns and will look to move into a small apartment. She'll also rely on help from friends and her partner, Deb, to get her through the transition. She quickly mentioned how integral their support has been, especially considering how little stability she had growing up.
"It makes a huge difference," she said.

One career-builder LVNMUZIQ is keeping her fingers crossed for is her work for the documentary, "Fagbug," a film by Erin Davies, of New York. After her Volkswagen Beetle was vandalized because it had a rainbow sticker on it, Davies went on a 58-day tour through the U.S. and Canada in the spray-painted car documenting reactions from people.

Three songs from LVNMUZIQ -- "Back Seat," "On the Radio" and "Orange Kiss" -- were featured on the soundtrack. The documentary has been picked up by film festivals in Connecticut and Egypt and is awaiting word sometime this month from the Sundance Film Festival.

In the same month she loses her home, she may receive a big boost from exposure at Sundance, held Jan. 15-25 in Park City, Utah.

She's hoping to get news from Sundance, "sooner rather than later. I'm getting nervous."

For more: www.lvnmuziq.com - Kalamazoo Gazette / Kalamazoo, MI / John Liberty

February 24, 2008

CD Review for "Contemplating the Void"

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A cross between Tracy Chapman and Grant Lee Phillips, urban-folk singer-songwriter Liz Snavely, aka LVNMUZIQ, creates compelling, sometimes-introspective, sometimes-fiery acoustic nuggets on her second full-length CD. A powerful talent! - The Grand Rapids Press / Grand Rapids, MI / John Sinkevics

January 4, 2007

Each time Grand Rapids-based folkie Liz Snavely takes the stage, it's a personal triumph.

Live performance doesn't come naturally for her -- she describes herself as possessing "major anxiety" about it.

"It's very uncomfortable for me to perform, but I also love it. Part of the anxiety is the excitement," Snavely said.

She's had a lot of practice conquering that feeling lately. Snavely has performed in Michigan and Indiana for years and is working to make a name for herself on a national level.

Strength in pain
Much of Snavely's music contains a subtext of internal struggle, of powerless people working through pain and showing their inner strength. Snavely, who spent much of her youth in the foster-care system around her hometown of Elkhart, Ind., understands those feelings.

"As a kid, I didn't have choices of where I lived, what I did or anything like that. I was controlled by the state, basically," Snavely said. "I knew during that time that what I was going to do was write music. That was going to be my healing or my release -- and it has been."

A couple of months ago, Snavely did what many artists dream of doing -- she quit her day job to focus on her craft full time.

"It's fantastic so far and very terrifying at the same time," she said.

Snavely writes all her material. While most of the songs are autobiographical, she said she tries to make them universal. "Something moves me to write -- it's usually something that happened in my life or to somebody I'm close to," Snavely said. "It just kind of turns out that most of the stuff that I do write, a lot of people can relate to."

Duo or solo
Snavely often works as one half of the folk music duo LVNMUZIQ -- pronounced 'loving music' -- but lately she's working on her own. She's losing her bass player Greg Lindauer in March, in part because he wants to start a family, and in part because it's easier financially to tour as a solo performer.

In April, she begins a seven-state swing on the West Coast. She released her first full-length recording, "Orange Kiss" in July. It was produced by Lance Eichler at Eastown Recording. "He's a real hard-core heavy-metal player, and that's what I wanted. I don't want to just be a folk singer," she said. "I like that, don't get me wrong. I love Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez and all that, but that's not me," she said. "I wanted to be a little edgier, so I wanted to get a little edgier dude."

Send e-mail to the author: weekend@grpress.com - The Grand Rapids Press / Grand Rapids, MI / Brian J Bowe

October 21, 2009

A childhood in which she constantly moved helped prepare Midwestern singer/songwriter Liz Snavely for the itinerant life of a musician. "I love to travel," said Snavely, "so that part is easy." Wiry and hyper, Snavely makes it all look easy, from teaching herself to play guitar to finding the ideal venue to jamming with the likes of Melissa Ferrick. Just a few hours before a recent Chicago performance with the 4 Women Only Showcase, Snavely grabbed a coffee in Andersonville, and talked with Windy City Times about her favorite tour stops and why she loves Eminem.

Windy City Times: You're a self-taught musician. How did you learn to play?

Liz Snavely: I got a guitar like 21 years ago that I would pick up every once in a while, but I was very much attention deficit disorder, undiagnosed, but I'm sure that's what it was. So, I didn't have the patience, until about six years ago, when I started playing more. I got a book on chords and learned how to pick a little more intricately rather than playing intricate chords, because that's what worked for me. I already had words cause I'm a poet, so eventually, I just kind of put words to music.

WCT: How long have you been writing poetry?

LS: Since I was old enough to write. I started off with little limericks, no I don't have any memorized, but I'm sure they were silly.

WCT: How do you go from writing poetry to songs?

LS: I consider myself a folk rapper. I don't rap whatsoever, but my words have that sort of flow like a rapper would in a song. Eminem is one of my favorites. His words flow really intricately, just like a poem. From there I try to find the grove.

WCT: Do you write every day?

LS: As dangerous as it may sound, I write when I'm driving, [ which is ] better than texting, I guess. I always have a notepad down to the side and thoughts come to me and I write them down. I don't write every day, but I think every day, I live every day—and that's part of the writing process.

WCT: You've played with some folk favorites, [ such as ] Pamela Means and the like. Any standout performing experiences?

LS: One of my best states is Utah, which is funny, but there's actually a large lesbian population there. I played with Melissa Ferrick and Edie Carey at The Women's Redrock Music Festival. I love doing festivals: The more people, the less nervous I am. Like, if I sit around in my living room and play for friends, I want to vomit—but get me in front of hundreds of thousands, my nerves go away.

WCT: Why?

LS: It's not as intimate. Even though I'm putting myself out there, it's still more revealing in a small room where you know everyone is paying attention. I play a lot of small shows, but I don't enjoy it nearly as much.

WCT: How do you deal with stage fright?

LS: I work through it every day. I'm terrified right now, but it's not a bad thing. I always tell people, you're nervous because you give a crap. I have a lot of anxiety issues. I can't change that, but I can't let it consume me. Since the music came along, I deal with my anxiety better, because I'm forced to calm myself down.

WCT: When did you start playing full-time?

LS: About three and a half years ago. To make my music happen, I move around a lot. I just moved from Grand Rapids to Louisville two days ago. I'll live in Louisville for three or four months, help some friends refinish their attic, live there for a while, and then move onto the next place.

WCT: What are your long-term career goals?

LS: I always want to tour in some capacity, but my ultimate goal is to write for film and TV. I've done that already for this independent film, Fagbug, which is out all over the country and might be on Logo TV soon. I've got three songs in it, including the main song, which I wrote specifically for the film.

WCT: How is writing for film different than writing for yourself?

LS: When you're writing for someone else, you're kind of doing an assignment. For the movie, it was "Hey, this is going to be about hate crimes against gays and lesbians, go read all these blogs and learn about the story and write a song about it." It's an opportunity to really shine, put out your best stuff. Whereas normally, I just write if I'm inspired. I don't like to be forced but, at the same time, I do like writing for movies; I like the challenge. And they end up being some of my best songs.

WCT: How did you become involved with the 4 Women Only showcase?

LS: I try to book Uncommon Ground a couple times a year, so I was on the Web site, saw Kat Fitzgerald was hosting the series and wrote her. I'm always researching, trying to find venues that are good for my kind of music.

WCT: What can we expect from the show?

LS: The same four women every Wednesday in October, playing half an hour apiece. If you want to get up and accompany someone else or vice versa, there's a chance. Usually by the last couple of shows you're all playing together—a good challenge for me b - Windy City Times / Chicago, IL / Sarah Terez Rosenblum

October 5, 2009

Artist LVNMUZIQ, aka Liz Snavely, always knew she wanted to be a full-time musician. In 2006, she turned her dream into a reality.

“It’s sad to me to see so many people live their entire lives in a job that they absolutely can’t stand. I was that person and I knew I needed to make a radical change. I needed to find my soul.” (LVNMUZIQ)

Jolie du Pre: What made you decide that "Open Mic Night" was a way to help you overcome your stage fright?

LVNMUZIQ: I used to visit Billy’s, a local blues bar in Grand Rapids, MI, on Monday nights to watch the open mic before I was comfortable to play in front of anyone, including my own girlfriend and my friends. I was terrified to step outside the comfort of my own living room and play in front of others, so I knew I had to face my fear. Playing open mic seemed like the most natural progression in the steps necessary to overcome my stage fright. I have always been really shy and had stage fright. The only way to overcome your fears is to face your fears. So one night, my friend, Laura, and I went to the open mic to play 3 songs. I was so nervous. Laura played lead guitar with me. During the 1st song, my first open mic ever, I broke a string. So I had to ask to use someone else’s guitar. But I got through it and was so proud that I had FINALLY taken the first step on my musical journey. I think open mics are the best way to practice in front of a live audience before you start booking your own shows. In addition to playing in front of others, you get to learn from others and see a variety of musicians perform. I still perform at open mics on some of my days off when I’m touring. It keeps me fresh and gives me that live practice in front of an audience of strangers. It’s always learning and growing experience.

Jolie du Pre: Can you describe what it felt like your first time up on stage?

LVNMUZIQ: Having been a competitive athlete most of my life, the feelings of performing on stage the first time were similar to the feelings I’ve had prior to a sporting event or race I’ve participated in. My first time on stage I remember my heart was pounding from the anxiety and the excitement. I couldn’t breathe. My stomach was upset. I was shaky and quivery and my face turned beat red. I knew the stage is where my body belonged, but I had to convince my mind of that. Despite the fear and the uncomfortable body emotions, I wanted to cry because I knew I had accomplished much by having taken the first step toward making music my full-time career. It was a HUGE step for me. Without taking this step, I would still be playing in my living room without an audience and no one would be hearing what I have to say through my music.

Jolie du Pre: What other obstacles have you had to overcome while learning the music business and trying to build a following?

LVNMUZIQ: I’ve had to overcome many obstacles. I’ve had to learn to eat, sleep, and breathe music, believe in myself, gain knowledge of the independent music world and other musicians, learn how to start my own business, make CDs, promote, advertise, book shows, etc. If I didn’t first believe in myself, I never could have begun this musical journey. I had to overcome major anxiety issues in order to perform in front of an audience of strangers and somehow form a connection with them before the show is over. I had to quit my full-time corporate job and somehow survive on way less income and I lost my house in the process. It takes lots of time to promote yourself properly for each show. I have to spend hours every day in front of the computer trying to get more folks to my shows. The economy has been a huge obstacle, however, I keep telling myself that if I can make it during these difficult economical times, then when the economy changes and becomes better, I will be okay and I will survive. I can’t afford to hire people to help me, so I have to lean on others or figure out a way to do everything myself. It’s really all been on-the-job-training on me. I’ve been learning by trial and error. And it’s been working so far for 3 ½ years. Now I can spend time focusing on trying to make it work even better.

Jolie du Pre: Have you found other artists to be supportive of you and your efforts?

LVNMUZIQ: I’ve definitely had moments of picking the brains of other successful independent musicians to see what they are doing that works and doesn’t work, but you can only lean on other artists so much. They are also very busy focusing on their own art. You have to find your own path – your own way. Local musicians that I have become friends with have shown vast support by playing with me at local shows and telling others about my music. I’ve also grown quite fond of bartering with other artists. I have a great friend who is an artist who has designed a few of my postcards and one of my CDs. In exchange for her art, I have written a song for her. So it’s a fair trade art for art. That has been some of the most benef - Chicago Lesbian Scene Examiner / Chicago, IL / Jolie du Pre