Interview with The Voice’s Liz Davis, Part I

Living in Nashville and working within the music industry, it’s not uncommon that I meet, befriend or work with a lot of the artists who I end up featuring on this site. Over the next few months, I will be rolling out a ton of new content allowing you more personal introductions and access to the hottest emerging acts in music. This first artist is no exception. Earlier this week in a local Music City coffee shop, I got the chance to sit down with Liz Davis, the feisty country crooner who showcased her powerful pipes on this season’s hit NBC series The Voice.  Read part one of my interview with the up-and-coming country starlet below and check back soon for part two.

Interview with Liz Davis
Chris Vetrano: You recently appeared as a contestant on Team Blake on NBC’s The Voice, but what most people may not remember is that you first appeared on – and won! – the MTV series P.Diddy’s Starmaker. Tell me a little about your experience between that series and this year’s appearance on The Voice.

Liz Davis: On Starmaker I had just turned 21 years old. The thing about that show was it was based on REAL reality television. I was living in a house with a whole bunch of different types of artists, which can create some drama… What I loved about The Voice is that it’s more about the artistry. It focused on me as an artist rather than the behind-the-scenes.

Things didn’t really work out with Starmaker, but some things just don’t work out. I have no regrets – it was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about myself and myself as an artist. It also gave me the experience I needed for [The Voice]. I’m 25 years old now and I knew that this time around I needed to prove myself as a great country artist. That’s why I did this show was to focus on me as an artist.

Chris: When you started your blind audition, it appeared as though you were immediately gunning for Team Blake Shelton. You seemed to sing directly to his chair. And that was clear when you chose him over Christina Aguilera or Adam Levine, who also turned their chairs during your performance. Other than sharing a love for the genre, what was it about Shelton that drew you to his team?

Liz: I’ve watched the seasons prior to mine and I just love the way he relates to his team. He comes across as real, honest and down-to-earth. Some good advice I had gotten before the Blind Audition from the coach I was assigned to before the blind audition round said to me, “Liz, put all of your energy into the back of that chair. He will feel it and will have no other choice but to turn around.” And even though it was the last second, he did.  To this day [Blake] says, “I know you were burning a hole in the back of my chair. I felt it.”

I love Christina and Adam, but I have to say I picked the right choice.

Chris: Being on a show like The Voice there tends to be a kinship among the contestants and many of them become great friends. Was there a contestant that you were closest to and do you have a memorable moment in which you became friends?

Liz: Gracia Harrison – she’s 18 years old and a country artist as well– I feel like I took her under my wing like a little sister. And then when we were put up against each other [in the Battle Round], I was heartbroken. It was the one person I did not want to be up against, but she’s great.

When Gracia left, me and Cassadee [Pope] were attached at the hip. I remember when I was eliminated in the Top 20 Round she went backstage and was just crying. I was like, “Do not be upset for me, I am so happy for you”. We’re just really close. I still talk to her everyday. I think she’s gonna win the whole thing!

Chris: Your voice is very rich and soulful; your performance of Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” showcased it beautifully. You also sang with a lot of Miranda Lambert-type attitude on other songs. Which do you prefer and what can fans expect on the Liz Davis album?

Liz: It comes natural to me to bring the attitude, but no matter what type of music, one thing I can say is that it’s going to come from an honest place. I would never sing something I would never say.

And as far as Independence Day, the house still burns down. There’s still a fire in that song, so I have no problem singing it. [Laughs]

Chris: As of this week, there are only 4 contestants left on this season of The Voice. I think I know the answer to this next questions, but if you could sway America’s vote, who would/should win: Cassadee Pope, Terry McDermott, Nicholas David, or Trevin Hunte?

Liz: At this point, they’re all amazing. What it ultimately comes down to is who has the fans. Who is America gonna vote for? And as far as iTunes sales, Cassadee is right up there. She’s been number one for like a week straight. I really have no doubt – she’s definitely gonna win.

Chris: I think I saw you acting up on Twitter last night over Amanda Brown’s departure. Did you feel she should have gone all the way?

Liz: Absolutely. Amanda Brown is flawless. Not to mention she’s an amazing woman. She’s well rounded, sweet and when she gets on that stage, she lights it on fire. I was shocked. I did not see it coming. How could she see it coming? I mean, I was.. but I guess it comes down to the fans… I was just shocked and so I had to say something on Twitter.

Chris: Now it’s just CeeLo Green and Blake left in the competition. It should be interesting.

Liz: Oh my gosh, Adam’s gonna hate that! That’s so funny!

Check back on Monday for part two from my interview with Liz Davis. In the meantime, be sure to head over to iTunes to pick up Davis’ performances from The Voice.