Proud to have called his own mini studio The Beatzzeria, Liam Brown, aka Pizzagirl, crafts songs with joyful eccentricity that send listeners into swoon-worthy dreams
There is an eclectic mix of young musicians and artists like Mellow Fellow, TOPS, Snail Mail on the rise, and some of them are calling their home-recorded tunes with glimmering synth sounds and aesthetically sad vocals – bedroom pop, aka lo-fi music. We recently interviewed Liverpool lo-fi pop musician Pizzagirl about the stories behind his latest release Season 2, the ups and downs of his day and his worst nightmare. (And, boy! His quirky sense of humour is something to fall in love with besides his music.)
Who is Pizzagirl?
Coming from Liverpool, Pizzagirl (real name Liam Brown) has quickly become an internet favourite thanks to his sick lo-fi tunes like Seabirds and Carseat. He recently released his latest EP named Season 2 via Heist or Hit on 30 November, 2018, and the musician has grown to be one of our fondest characters in the thriving lo-fi scene nowadays. Featuring six tracks, Season 2 is filled with mini kisses, heartbreaks, 80s fashion and funky dance moves.
Hi, Liam. Congrats on your EP release! Gymnasium and Kisses Xx are my top faves. Can you paint us a vivid picture of what the EP Season 2 is about?
Thank you for those lovely words, bless you. I’d like to think Season 2 is sort of a mix of all my musical and film loves and tastes rolled into one box set TV package! Some lyrics sound like flirting with their romanticism and the nostalgia, but I like to keep it pretty vague so people’s ears can make their own minds up.
Do you prefer writing songs fueled by sad love stories or self-loathing reverie? Or neither?
I think a nice blend of both. Sometimes I like to cruise down the lonely sad streets and see what people I pick up along the way, whether it be self-loathing sentiment or insecurity, they always seem to fit nicely in the sad landscape of a Pizzagirl melody. However, sometimes I venture into happier corners which usually produces some fun and less serious beats too.
What are the highs and lows in your typical day apart from acting exceptionally weird and making Instagram stories?
I’m usually just sitting in my Beatzzeria crafting some music and eating some speedy fast food! I’m not usually as weird at home alone in my bedroom, but I still like to post the occasional Instagram story from time to time there. A highlight of my day would probably be showering.
What do you love or dislike about your hometown Liverpool?
I love the colourful range of people you find in Liverpool. There’s always an interesting character or drunken argument going on when you walk through certain places or streets. I think it’s nice to mingle in other cities too, and take a break sometimes to realise what you missed when you come back. But overall I think it’s a pretty city.
Do you think that sense of humour of yours is an innate British thing?
I think it may be down to my fascination with American sitcoms and internet videos. I’ve always enjoyed the dry British humour but it feels cold and too dry sometimes. I like to look to my Western allies for some moist, unashamed humour!
What would be your worst nightmare?
Getting stuck in a lift with a stranger and no WiFi.
Ever thought about changing your hairstyle? Short spiky hair seems a bit too well-behaved for Pizzagirl.
I’ve messed with many hairstyles through the years from long to short, blonde to grey. I think the low maintenance short cut is fun and easy for now. But try me again in a few years when I have shoulder length pink hair.
With bedroom pop music getting more and more popular, are there any artists that you would like to hug and silently worship?
I’m a big admirer of many bedroom pop artists and not so silently! I’m big into people like Clairo and Joji and my local sweet home boy Brad Stank to list just a few. I’ve only hugged one though sadly…
Unlike the US, the UK or even the rest of Europe, bedroom pop is still slowly infiltrating the music scene in Asia (or Hong Kong where we’re based). Is there a chance that we can get a slice of Pizzagirl in real life soon?
If I get the chance to zoom to Hong Kong I’d snatch that up almost instantly. I’d love to play a rockin’ show for my foreign friends! Hopefully it might be sooner than you think if bedroom pop is on the RISE. My digital fingers are crossed.
Keep up-to-date with Pizzagirl’s latest release.