Herizen channels her darker side on new EP DEMON
We spoke with Miami-born and raised musician and actress Herizen to discuss her brand new EP DEMON, staying inspired during the pandemic, and her very diverse musical influences. Also released today, is the visual for the EP’s title track, which you can check out here.
Though you might know Herizen from her roles in the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down” or USA Networks “Dare Me”, she’s simultaneously established herself as a seriously talented recording artist. Since 2018, the Cuban-Jamaican musician has released a string of highly praised releases including her debut EP, the uber mesmerizing Come Over To My House, as well as with collabs with Major Lazer and Australian producer, What’s So Not.
Herizen’s latest release, DEMON distills her now signature grunge, rock-pop sound over four mesmerizing singles. With her hauntingly raw lyricism layered over an edgy, industrial-pop sonic backdrop, the EP has a dark, melancholy vibe with a 2020 retrospect.
Keep reading to find out more about Herizen and stream her new EP DEMON here.
You wrote and co-produced the DEMON EP. How did you get started writing and making music?
Well music has always been a part of my life, I grew up watching my dad perform, and write music on pieces of loose-leaf in the backyard, it always fascinated me and it inspired me to do the same thing with my life.
What inspired the EP name?
A few things influenced it but I think the main one was how I feel right now, and where I am mentally in this part of my life… feels like my demons are coming for me- and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
DEMON has a darker, grungier vibe than your first full length project Come Over To My House. Can you tell us about the evolution of your sound?
Well in a few words, I was really happy when I wrote “come over to my house” and now I’m back to the way I’ve always been hahaha melancholy and drawn to my darkness, and the rest of the world too.
Which musical acts would you say have influenced you the most?
That’s always a hard one hahah because I honestly have so, so many and I like all different types of music, but I guess with this EP and my recent music these are some… Nirvana, Lil Peep, Mazy Star, Kid Cudi, and Grimes lol writing that down looks insane, because they’re all so different but it makes sense in my head haha.
How have you been keeping inspired during the pandemic?
Yes of course I have to, I do really miss meeting new artists and collaborating of course, but it’s been nice having my mind quiet to finish my project and not get distracted with new music because I do that a lot hahaha.
Speaking of inspiration, tell us about your typical songwriting process. Do you get ideas from your own life experiences?
Yes everything I write is about my personal life and what I’ve been going through with a few exceptions. Those songs sometimes just come out of nowhere and a lot of the time, I’m like surprised by myself because I don’t even relate to the lyrics.
How would you say being born and raised in Miami has influenced you?
I think I have a certain type of East coast rhythm to some of my music, and a sexy melodic tone.. that’s definitely from Miami haha, but most of my influence comes from the music I listen to and the way I was raised.
I loved the “Range Rover” video’s dark and cinematic vibes. What inspired the creative direction behind it?
Honestly from my time as an actor, I’ve fallen in love with directing and the cinematic way of filming things, the process is an art form that I’m more drawn to now, and darkness is beautiful.
If you could collaborate with any artist or producer in the future, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with James Blake. I think he’s one of the most talented producers/artists, I feel like I’m being taken out of reality for those few minutes and each of his projects bring something new, I honestly think he’s just incredible and I love it all.
When you’re not making music, how would you describe yourself?
I would say I’m pretty similar, just less introverted and a bit on the fence.
What’s next for Herizen?
There’s a lot, stay tuned.
