Art within an artist

Erin Lizardo-Local Chico Indie Heroine

By Eden Draper

She is the whole package. Erin Lizardo has looks, talent, and the brain to make blonde sorority girls across town piss in their panties. She's easily one of Chico's "top eight" finest singer songwriters, if not number one.

Lizardo moved to small town Chico in 2003, majoring in graphic design and has since taken the local music scene by the crotch of its pants, giving it a run for its money. November 2 marked the debut of her album, which is in the process of being licensed, which will enable her songs to go on iTunes. It's the kind of spiritual sound that pushes you to stop and smell the roses; an important quality in the sound deemed "spiritual music."

"My music is a combination of past experiences and present situations in my life," said Lizardo. "They end up being romantically themed."

Lizardo's influences include the infamous Elliott Smith, whose life tragically ended in 2003, and the talented Sufjan Stevens and Damien Jurado. Remaining spiritual is imperative to the process of creating art and music, said Lizardo.

"I try not to be too influenced by other musicians but it's inevitable," said Lizardo.

"My music is a combination of past experiences and present situations in my life." -- Erin Lizardo

The music industry is responsible for turning out music that people find solace or some sort of comfort in just by listening. Lizardo's universal themes derive emotion that will register with anyone. Her strong yet childlike feminine voice and the addition

of her profound guitar skills are enough to make you a fan.

Not only does Lizardo write her own songs and deliver a fantastic live performance, she's an artist also. Music in itself is an art but sculpting is another art form that fulfills the need to create, said Lizardo. The 21-year-old grew up in a musically inclined family.

"Ever since I was a little girl there was always music in the background, and my parents are musicians," said Lizardo.

Lizardo is a beautiful addition to the local indie-music scene, her favorite venue being Cafe Coda, The Crux and various small singer/songwriter guilds. Lizardo, like many indie musicians doesn't mind whether there is a big audience. What matters to her is the overall energy.