Raise your voice: Freshman overcomes stage fright and gives powerful performances

By: Samantha Hayden

Posted: 2/24/09

Some musicians are born ready to perform, thriving under the spotlight in their preschool performances. And then there's Liz Lewis.

With a bold swagger and an unlimited voice, it is hard to imagine that Lewis was ever intimidated by a crowd. Yet Lewis needed to overcome a serious confidence boost to become the Funk 'n' Waffles fixture she is now.

Singing in public was not always easy for the freshman painting and English and textual studies major, who struggled through her middle school and high school singing careers. Songwriting, which she did in private, was not a problem. But Lewis said her live singing was a gradual progression that has just recently reached a plateau.

Lewis' premier came in sixth grade at her school's annual talent show, after Lewis composed her first song with two close friends. The topic was one that haunts every middle school girl.

"It was about boys," Lewis said. "We were in sixth grade. What else would it be about?"

Although Lewis describes her initial performance as a disaster, it did give her the confidence to continue writing song lyrics and performing in front of large crowds. Coming from a family of music lovers and talented friends really encouraged her to perform. Lewis forced herself to enter high school talent and variety shows.

As a sophomore, she became a finalist in an upperclassman variety show. The performance was both nerve-rattling and amazing, she said. It was her first performance in front of a group of older peers, a pressure that Lewis quickly overcame once the performance began.

These were the shows that gave her the courage to perform on stage today.

"My capabilities progressively grew until senior year when I could finally perform in front of others," Lewis said.

Now in college, Lewis is solidifying her place on the Syracuse music scene with weekly performances at Funk 'n' Waffles.

But don't expect to hear her crooning out pop ballads or love songs. Instead, Lewis fiercely tackles the soul genre and jams on the piano with bluesy ballads every Wednesday evening at the little waffle house where she feels most comfortable.

"Everything inspires me… I feel like a lot of my songs touch on personal hardships and growth," Lewis said. "My songs aren't exactly the peppiest beats to listen to, but the lyrics and the melodies are more about reflecting on one's life and where you stand in the world."

Fans have equated Lewis' sound to the likes of Norah Jones and Alicia Keys - both impressive comparisons. Lewis also strums on the guitar occasionally, and she is currently enrolled in guitar lessons on campus to polish her instrumental ability for Open Mic Night.

Lewis has come a long way since she began performing, and she says she will never stop writing lyrics or playing music. Though she describes her musical career as a hobby, she does not limit her dreams.

"I wouldn't mind performing at the House of Blues, becoming ridiculously famous and retiring on my own island before the age of 40," she said.

shayden@syr.edu