Liz Larin - Bio

Liz Larin is not afraid to take chances with her music, and her live shows are no exception. This self-proclaimed "gadget-girl" uses loops and samples in her solo show, as well as her performances with her four-piece band. Larin's faith in the power of music to move and to heal is evident in the concert environment. Known for her potent and dynamic vocal style, Larin uses her voice as a broad range communication tool, sometimes delivering lyrics, other times as an instrument delivering an essential melodic motif.

The award-winning CDs "Wake Up, Start Dreaming," "The Story of O-Miz," and "Merry Wicked," recorded for imprint Bona Dea Music, have helped establish Liz Larin's reputation as a musical adventurer and a "real deal" artist. With an interest in electronic music composition inspired by the Detroit techno scene, her years as a jazz musician, combined beautifully with good 'ole rock sensibility, are evident in her latest releases: Stella 13 ("When Soul Becomes Symphony"), Luster Kraft ("Transmitter"), and Liz Larin's "Blue Circus Life." Part scientist, part composer, part performance artist, Liz Larin continues the experiment as she collects research for her new book and CD series on how music and sound affect the body.

The buzz surrounding Liz Larin and her music started naturally, underground, and now continues to build with live performances and Internet music sales, supported by a loyal fan base which began with international exposure from two CDs Liz released on Atlantic Records. Even though Liz's music is powerful and forthright, she is known for being a gentle soul who remains accessible to her fans through her website and through greetings at shows.

Liz Larin, a self-taught musician, has fond childhood memories of hearing Blue Note LPs at her grandmother's house, where she had early exposure to bebop with the music of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, and the cool jazz strains of Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck. At age 10, Liz started writing songs and teaching herself to play the guitar and piano. As a preteen she would ride her bike to a neighborhood music store, a popular hangout for musicians, where she was encouraged to play and sing her original music for the customers and staff. After taking a few guitar lessons there she was asked to join the teaching staff, becoming the youngest (and only female) guitar teacher at age 15. "They took me under their collective wing and encouraged me to pursue my passion for all things musical," she recalls. A professional by the age of 12 as a performer of religious music, and with rock band experience in high school, Larin decided to pursue a musical career and was soon signed to Atlantic Records. The result: an opportunity to work with legendary producer Rupert Hine (Duncan Sheik, Howard Jones, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks), who flew Liz and her band to England to record an album that became a critics' favorite. Next, a solo CD co-produced by Ben Grosse (Filter, Ben Folds, Vertical Horizon, Marilyn Manson) for Atlantic records, which further extended Larin's reputation as an unparalleled songwriter, vocalist, and performer. Larin's first CD for Bona Dea Music, "Merry Wicked," was co-produced by Scott Spock (Korn, Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff).

Liz Larin is gracious when asked how she feels about making the coveted list of illustrious female artists who have recorded for Atlantic Records (including Tori Amos, Poe, Stevie Nicks, Jewel, Toby Lightman, and of course Aretha Franklin), but she says the best is still to come. With good instincts, Liz is taking the road less traveled - she has opted for the indie label route, which provides maximum flexibility in a changing world, more creative control, and more direct contact with a growing fan base. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking music as the adventure continues with this kinetic recording artist.