Nashville Watch Out For Lizzie Cates

Nevada native, Lizzie Cates, has known she wanted to be a country star ever since kindergarten. Lizzie went “all in” with her music when she made the destined move to Nashville three and half years ago. Heavily influenced by her family, her grandma was the one that told her, “If you wanna be a country singer, you gotta be in Nashville.” Having already played iconic venues such as The Bluebird Cafe and being compared to Artist of the Decade, Taylor Swift, Lizzie Cates is here to stay. Lizzie released her first EP “Such A Mess” in April of 2019. Her newest single “I Like The Way” showcases her natural ability to bring lightheartedness, love and a positive energy that keeps fans coming back for more. 

On her 5th birthday, she received a pink sparkly guitar. That was the beginning of it all for Lizzie. She would write her own lyrics to karaoke tracks and perform the songs for anyone that would listen. When she was 12, she taught herself how to play guitar. After attending a Brad Paisley concert in which a curly haired blonde 16-year-old girl named Taylor Swift opened, she realized she had never related more to someone. Lizzie then began to spend her entire days learning how to play and write so she could write songs about her life just like Taylor. While Taylor and The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) were Lizzie’s biggest influences growing up, she has also drawn on influences outside of country music like Boys like Girls, Better Than Ezra, Bryan Adams and Phil Collins. 

When Lizzie Cates performs live, she is also often compared to The Chicks’ Natalie Maines and Kelsea Ballerini. It’s her catchy hooks, silly personality and extreme honesty that make her so relatable. “My album ‘Such a Mess’ was so honest and told my story of first moving to Nashville. I think my new music still has that honesty and vulnerability but I feel like I have grown. These new songs definitely have a lot of metaphors. I think my music showcases me in a real light and makes people feel less alone” says Lizzie. 

Lizzie’s Nashville journey has had tremendous support from family and friends. She has the most supportive best friend back home in Reno, and they have been best friends since the 3rd grade. Her co-writing friends in Nashville are so important to her because they constantly challenge her and provide her with the honest feedback that she is searching for. “You need that especially if you want to be in the music world” says Lizzie on the essential qualities of a supportive tribe. Her tribe also includes her artist manager, Willie Kay from WKG Entertainment and marketing/PR team, Publicity Nation. 

Lizzie’s future in country music will continue to include songwriting no matter what. “I’m not sure if it will be for me and my own artist path or for other artists. Maybe both. I love playing my own music and being on stage, but when it comes down to it, songwriting is where my heart is at.” Her advice to new artists is to always write from the heart and to not force yourself to write a story that isn't you. The songs that always make it come from a place of soul and heart. Her adventurous upbringing hiking in Lake Tahoe leads her to say, “Learn as much as you can! Don’t ever be comfortable. You can ride out a sound only for so long. I always say to experiment a little. Don’t be afraid to take chances with your music.” Lizzie is an avid supporter of female artists. She even says, “I actually listen to way more female country artists than males.” She agrees with us that women have so much to say and work so extremely hard for their place in the industry. 

You can stream Lizzie Cates on all music platforms by searching “Lizzie Cates.” Find clips of her music on her Instagram @lizziecatesmusic. All links are on her website www.lizziecatesmusic.com. ​

​Author: Haley Moloney