Eliza Spear Discusses “There Has To Be More” and the Future

Rising LA native Eliza Spear has been working to fine tune her writing style over the last couple years, diving into topics of young love and coming of age, and recently releasing a single titled “There Has To Be More.” Influenced by powerhouse musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, and The Dixie Chicks, Spear has crafted her own alternative pop sound coupled with authentic lyrics and beautiful instrumentation.

“There Has To Be More” centers around wanting something more in life and being ready to move on and find yourself, a feeling Spear experienced while living in bustling LA. It is a slow ballad with delicate vocals, starting off with soft piano and building into powerful drums and elegant string instruments. She released an accompanying music video for the single on February 6th. In the video, she is seen driving reluctantly through the streets, almost searching, and encounters a group of female ballet dancers performing on the concrete pavement. She eventually follows one, who leads her back to a room with a single piano. A simple but clever message— music at its core will get you back on track time and time again.

We recently caught up with Spear to talk about “There Has To Be More,” her musical influences, and what’s next for the young artist. Over the next year, we should expect additional songs and Spear putting in even more time to write. She hopes to one day tour Europe, and reminisces about her most memorable show to date. “I was about to play a solo set at a bar, and my friend Andrew High walked in, who happens to be an amazing drummer. I asked him to come up and play with me, but there wasn't a drum set or anything for him to play. However, I did find a cardboard box. We set up a microphone, and Andrew somehow made a cardboard box sound great.”

Check out the full interview below and be sure to follow Eliza Spear on all social accounts for the latest updates.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us over at Gehen Press. Tell us a little about the inspiration for your single, “There Has To Be More.”

I've always chased more. I've always wanted to leave LA and see more of the world and meet new people. So finding more has always been a theme with me. I took a gap year in between high school and college, and during that time period I realized how alone I felt in LA. I had lived there my whole life and I was so ready to leave. I wrote "There Has to Be More" in hopes of leaving and finding myself, which I feel like I've done, which is a nice feeling.

How was the recording process? What was that like?

The recording process was easy, it was the production process that was difficult. I moved to North Carolina to go to college after we recorded, so trying to find the right sound for the song between LA and NC was no easy effort. The song was produced by my friend Kyle Burke, and I wish I could count the amount of hours we spent on the phone together sharing ideas and wants for the song. He was extremely patient with me, I don't really know how he did it. I love Kyle, what a man.

What are some artists or bands that have influenced your writing and overall sound?

I was raised on The Dixie Chicks. Joni Mitchell and John Denver came into play when I was about 12. Then with modern influences like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, I started writing.

What has been your most memorable show so far? What made it so special?

My friend played a cardboard box with me on stage! I was about to play a solo set at a bar, and my friend Andrew High walked in, who happens to be an AMAZING drummer. I asked him to come up and play with me, but there wasn't a drum set or anything for him to play. However, I did find a cardboard box. We set up a microphone, and Andrew somehow made a cardboard box sound great. It was extremely spontaneous and it was my favorite performance I've ever done. Andrew and I plan to perform together more in the future, box included.

Tell us a little about your first track, “Gold.” How did it come together?

"Gold" is funny to think back on. I wrote it about a relationship that was so wrong in so many ways, but I wasn't ready to accept that. Funny old me. It was also the first song I professionally recorded. Luke Top produced it and played most of the instruments.

What advice would you give to someone starting out fresh in the music industry?

Acceptance and rejection come hand and hand. The passion within you for this art is much stronger than the insecurity that comes with being in this business. Tell yourself to keep going. If you think you're going to take over the world, you will.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My mom and dad, without a doubt. But I want to devote this interview to Andrew High, who has been a huge support, and is also a top notch, beautiful human.

Thinking about your previous hometown, what was it like growing up in LA for you?

LA is so crazy busy. It got to be a bit much for me about two years ago, and while it's the perfect place to be for the music business, it's quite the over stimulation. I feel like everyone comes to LA to chase something, whether that’s a dream or a person. LA does not stop, it's always going and moving, so it's nice for me to be in a smaller town in North Carolina. That being said, I have great friends and memories in LA that I think of constantly and miss everyday.

What are some of the best go-to places you’d recommend for someone visiting LA?

The Hotel Cafe! There is always a very impressive lineup of talent and it's in a nice spot in Hollywood that isn't too busy.

Is there any new music that you’ve been listening to recently?

I've been streaming Peabod's new album on repeat. The song "Steady" is done so well and gets me going each time.

Are there specific cities or venues that you cannot wait to get to?

I want to tour Europe! The ultimate dream is to travel the world. I just have to keep pushing for that goal.

What would you like to accomplish over the next year, 6 months? Where would you like to be as an artist?

So many new songs are coming out. I want to get to a million streams on Spotify and I want to focus on writing more. I've been putting a lot of time into the business side of things, and while I love that side, writing is so therapeutic to me, and it's easy for me to forget to sit down and write.

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