Elyza Tuan
"It's Not Pretty to Be Crazy"
- When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?
Being from the Philippines, my grandmother used to listen to Lea Salonga all the time, so I grew up seeing myself in her and the roles she played on stage. Coincidentally, my first show ever was Aladdin Jr in 4th grade. I was pretty much hooked after that.
- When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?
As far as I can remember, I’ve been writing in journals— diary entries, poems, stories, stream of consciousness. I wrote whatever I felt which eventually translated into singing once I discovered my musical creativity. I get inspiration from Sara Bareilles, Dodie, and Phoebe Bridgers (to name a few) who I fell in love with because of their beautiful lyrics.
- How do you describe your style/work?
Sometimes I feel like the song I’m writing is meant for a person and their guitar to be performed in their bedroom, and other times I feel like it’s a ballad meant to be performed on stage. I’m not sure what to call it all.
- What is most rewarding to you about writing music?
I find it really rewarding when I get the courage to say something through music that I couldn’t have said just talking. I love how empowering songwriting is.