NZ Music Month: Lizzie Marvelly

To celebrate New Zealand Music Month entertainment reporter Adriana Weber spoke to five local musicians and bands about their careers.

Lizzie Marvelly, 24

Tell us a bit about your music career.

I've been in the music industry for eight years. I was signed at 17, released my first record when I was 18 and have been lucky enough to travel the world writing and performing.
What first motivated you to get involved with music?

I really couldn't stay out of it. It was sort of innate. I always wanted to be a singer. I used to watch Top of the Pops as a child and sing along into my hair brush. When I was in my teens I focused every bit of spare time on music, met some wonderful mentors along the way and have been head over heels in love with music ever since.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There have been many. Performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2008, the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 and at the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Filming the video for my new single My Own Hero a few weeks ago. I feel very fortunate to have had so many amazing experiences.

What was the most embarrassing moment you have had on stage or behind the scenes?

Probably being completely AWOL when Dame Malvina Major announced me at a concert a few years ago. Poor Dame Malvina had to make small talk while a manhunt was going on backstage. I was eventually located, having had a complete brain-melt and went on red-faced. Thank goodness Dame Malvina has a great sense of humour.

What does New Zealand Music Month mean to you?

It's a celebration of our amazingly talented musicians. I think that it is a vital part of the year, as it shines a light on both our incredible music history, and the bright future of New Zealand music.

Why is it important to celebrate home-grown artists?

Because New Zealand musicians are amazing. The number of times I've been on the dreaded Heathrow - Hong Kong - Auckland flight listening to Welcome Home by Dave Dobbyn and feeling so grateful to be heading home. New Zealand music is like a much-loved friend, it accompanies us through our lives, always understands and sympathises with how we feel. And now especially, seeing New Zealand music make such incredible leaps on the world stage, how can we not celebrate our artists?

What is the best thing about coming from Rotorua?

Te Ao Maori. I think that we are so lucky to have such a richly bicultural community. Especially in a musical sense; waiata is woven into almost every occasion.

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What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Practise your instrument as much as you can. Get involved with school and community bands, choirs, and productions and jam with your friends. Go to all of the free concerts, shows and festivals you can, and if you get a chance to talk to the musicians, go and have a chat. Take opportunities when they come to you, make opportunities when they don't, and always give your best performance. Music is about learning, having fun, creating and being brave. Also, be aware that a career in music is hard, hard work. But it's endlessly rewarding doing what you love.

What are your aspirations for the future?

To follow music to the end of the earth and back.