My Denver: 20 Questions For Lizzie Huffman
Who are you:
Lizzie Huffman - Guitars and Vocals
Phillip Peterson - Producer, Strings, Percussion, etc.
Years In Denver:
Just hit six months today!
Current Neighborhood:
Capitol Hill
Current Gig:
Musician/Artist at Suburban Home Records.
Instrument you play:
Guitar, among faking other things. I honestly think of my voice as my ultimate instrument.
What brought you to Denver?
I spent 18 years in Seattle and almost 3 between San Francisco and East Oakland while I was attending design school. I moved to Denver after being laid off my clothing design position on the east side of Seattle, my lead designer calling me from the back of an NYC taxi cab telling me to "pursue your music, it seems to be the thing you want to do." I had been working with Suburban Home Records for about two years, in fact, I came to Denver five times in eight months to perform and travel all over Colorado. I thought to myself one day, "Damn, I am 22 years old and not tied down to a thing. I should do this now as a 'career'." Six weeks later my little Ford was packed, I had about $1,200 to my name and just drove until I hit Colorado. I live in a box and sleep on an air mattress, but I have literally never been happier. Happiness is the ultimate measure of success as far as I am concerned.
What do you love most about Denver?
The sunshine, really. I ride my bike and walk almost everywhere, something not as easily done in Seattle the rain. Craft beer has become a hobby of mine and I love supporting neighborhood breweries. I could honestly list dozens of things I adore about Denver, but it really boils down to how welcoming and kind people are here, from all walks of life; healthy, happy, and constantly smiling. In six short months, I truly feel at home here. Oh! And those little Cheba Chew goodies y'all got, I can dig those.
What is it like being an artist in Denver?
It has been a really smooth transition moving to Denver, with all of my thanks to Suburban Home Records and the artists/bands I have met within the last year. I feel very supported by the community and find constant inspiration in this state. I grew up in a "family" of Seattle musicians and artists, it shaped the person I am today and I am forever grateful for that. I feel that sense of community here very strongly. The "scene" wouldn't thrive the way it does without that family-esque bond we all share. It's incredibly special and I am proud to be a part of it.
What are your 3 local meals you can't live without?
I don't say this for brownie points with Pete Turner [owner of Illegal Pete’s franchise], but I am a sucker for Illegal Pete's. I eat there a few times a week and have gotten to know the staff like best friends. Sputnik on Broadway is another favorite of mine -- I love the Ethiopian sliders with their jalapeno dip! And their Bloody Marys are the best in Denver too, if you ask me. Growing up in Seattle, I had access to some of the freshest fish on the West Coast. Go Fish on Broadway is the closest thing to Seattle sushi I have found here and they serve one of my all time favorite wines, Chateau St. Michelle's reisling, from Woodinville, WA where I went to high school.
Favorite Colorado beer (craft beer, banquet or silver bullets, no judgement)?
Copper Kettle Brewing Company is a very small neighborhood brewery on the border of Aurora and Denver. They just won a gold metal at Great American Beer Fest for their Mexican Chocolate Stout. It's spicy and bittersweet and strong. Delicious! They are getting to know me well over there, which doesn't hurt when you're running a frequent tab.
Tell us about your new album.
I started recording the Pretty Old Soul EP when I was 20 and returned home from design school. I am very proud of this record because I had the opportunity to co-produce it with Phillip Peterson (Tennis Pro/Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground) in his humble basement studio, The House of Breaking Glass. Phil is the mad scientist of the production world, it is a joy and an honor to work with him. This was the first time I really had creative control in the studio, after my brother, Kirk Huffman (Gatsby's American Dream/Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground/Wild Orchid Children) produced and arranged my first record, "Lizzie Huffman and Her Brother Band." I have a great deal of respect for Kirk, but I really wanted this record to be 100% me. I feel like I found my own and original sound with this record, at least for now. I grew a lot as a songwriter between the ages of 16 and 21 as well (and learned a handful of valuable life lessons) and I know it's showcased on this EP.
How does the songwriting process work?
Songwriting feels completely natural to me. My mother studied opera in college and had a love for jazz music while I was growing up. I know my gift of melody was passed down from her, as well as watching my oldest brother play music his entire life. I remember owning my first guitar which I received as a gift for my 11th birthday. It was a smurf-blue dreadnought Alvarez my parents picked up for $180. Within an hour, my brother had taught me a chord progression which I turned into a simple song. I won't forget the look on my parents' face after performing it for them. Less than a year later, I was recording my first demos with Casey Bates, who's worked with Portugal. The Man and MxPx among others. I am not sure how it works, unfortunately. I know God gave me a gift. All my songs are strongly driven by emotions, it's the ultimate therapy for me. I guess my songwriting process is as simple as writing a letter, or a journal entry -- do it while you feel it.
Favorite Pubs/Bars?
I am sure these spots are not secrets to the rest of Denver, but Park Tavern on 11th in Capitol Hill is my Sunday morning football spot. Their chicken nachos are killer (for bar food). Pub on Penn on 13th is great on Wednesday nights, they have $5 all-you-can-eat wings. I recommend the gator rub! I like hitting the 1UP in LoDo on weekday afternoons for some pinball and Street Fighter II. Their happy hour is decent and they have Olympia beer in a can, but I avoid that place like the plague on the weekends. I spend entirely way too much time in the Great Divide tap room, they are always pouring me free beer. It's hard not to make a pit stop on my way home with that handsome man behind the bar.
What are your favorite music venues to play in Denver?
3 Kings Tavern and Hi Dive are my favorite venues in town. The staff at those places are becoming like family.
What is on your weekend must-do lists?
Bike rides, beer, and live music. Life is good.
Take your iPod and hit shuffle, give us the first 5 songs that play, no cheating:
1. "Still On My Brain" -- Justin Timberlake (The Neptunes produced this record, one of the best pop records ever made in my book.)
2. "Amazing Grace" -- Joan Baez
3. "Elevator (Me & You)" -- Outkast
4. "Guitarmy" -- The Blood Brothers
5. "Ready or Not" -- The Fugees
Mustaches or beards?
Beards, I am a sucker for them.
Michael Angelo Batio 4-neck guitars for quadruple-axe-attacks or guitars shaped like actual axes?
Actual axes. Metal.
What's next?
I'll be playing an album release show for "Pretty Old Soul" on Friday, Nov. 4th at Hi-Dive and "Pretty Old Soul" will be in stores on November 15th. Hoping to travel most of next year playing music. Going to start recording new material next month. Funny how I finally get one record out and I have a whole new one written already...
In a word, Denver is...
Alluring.
Listen To Lizzie Huffman's Songs:
Lizzie Huffman - Pretty Old Soul Streaming Player by Suburban Home Records
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The Huffington Post By Matt Ferner First Posted: 10/13/2011 2:20 pm Updated: 01/30/2012 2:15 pm