From her childhood in Lexington, MA to adulthood in Nashville, TN, Elisabeth Beckwitt has battled anxiety, depression, and addiction. Elisabeth pairs her clear, powerful voice with an unapologetically supportive attitude towards her tribe and weaves them together into relatable stories with encapsulating melodies that build an intimate connection with her audience. With her latest EP, 'Indigo,' Beckwitt is showing us the kind of life we can expect to find on the other side of recovery. You can catch Elisabeth playing shows locally in Nashville and touring regionally throughout 2019 to promote her upcoming releases.
“I have become so much stronger over the past few years and am finally embracing my power as a woman. A big part of that is letting myself get angry, something I have struggled with throughout my whole life. Anger is seen as a negative, but sometimes it is the fuel we need to start the fire. To make a change. To stop shaming ourselves for having a different version of womanhood. To embrace our own power. To stop blaming ourselves for someone else’s weakness.” - Elisabeth Beckwitt
Elisabeth’s brand new track “Lovely” is her launch into a more dark-pop aura. The opening bars are quite beautiful, the melody and the distant drone of distortion are mesmerizing. This ambiance is actually a total pleasure to witness as it kicks up. Then after about a minute, the peacefulness is interrupted by an injection of darkness and mild chaos. The energy levels are never quite the same, but the central thread reappears and remains constant. When the thicker beat hits, things fall into a totally new groove, and actually the track becomes even more energizing and immersive. Elizabeth’s vocals are hard-hitting and to the point, her empowering stance is contagious and motivating. It’s a superb way to highlight the power of music and the great effect atmospheric elements can have.
I highly recommend you give “Lovely” a listen here and read more with Elisabeth Beckwitt below!
Hi Elisabeth! For those who don’t know, how would you describe your sound and your approach to songwriting?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me! I am an indie-pop artist, and with each new project, my sound is changing and developing into something better. My producer, Jason “Fresh” Threm of TME, really stepped it up a level for this record and drew inspiration from the dark pop movement. We gathered so much momentum after the last project and had been co-writing all these truly deep and meaningful songs. I try to write "pop with integrity" and shine a light on the darker side of life, and it has been brilliant writing with a producer who appreciates that.
“Lovely” seems to have a diverse lyrical depth to it! What was the writing process like for this track?
Thank you! I have become so much stronger over the past few years and am finally embracing my power as a woman. A big part of that is letting myself get angry, something I have struggled with throughout my whole life. Tapping into my anger while writing this song was therapeutic for me. Anger is seen as a negative, but sometimes it is the fuel we need to start the fire. To make a change. To stop shaming ourselves for having a different version of womanhood. I came into the writing session for Lovely knowing that I needed to get my frustration at the world out through lyrics and song.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics? What do you hope your fans and new listeners take away from it?
So often women are talked about with adjectives like ‘pretty’ and ‘lovely’ instead of ‘brilliant’ and ‘powerful.’ It’s hard to feel like the movement is moving forward when someone is giving you two sides of themselves; telling you they support you while making you feel small. This song is calling out men who hide behind little comments and microaggressions instead of putting in the real work to value and appreciate women. This song oozes with power and is a representation of the entire women’s movement. “You call it progress then proceed to oppress...Is it our time yet?” With everything that’s been coming to light in recent years, there is an opportunity to progress and I think this song is my way of playing a small part in that.
Who or what would you say inspires you the most, creatively?
Social justice and emotional vulnerability. I think that’s what music is all about...exposing and processing the parts of ourselves that we label as “bad,” and helping others know that they are never alone. My last three EPs have really been my story. “Gray Again” was about the darker side of my recovery, “Indigo” was about celebrating my progress so far, and this new project is about living on the other side and learning to balance and maintain my mental health.
What are your main aspirations as an artist going forward?
To build a platform that inspires others to share their vulnerability and be comfortable in their own skin. Vulnerability makes us strong. Emotions are not weaknesses; whether it’s sadness or anger. There is so much more to us than what they see. You are Goddess and you are so much more than lovely. You are brilliant, powerful, strong, creative, loyal, worthy.
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