New Jersey based singer-songwriter and pianist, Eliza Arnone, has debuted the music video for her single “10 Feet,” which follows her debut full-length album, Red Coat, out in 2017. Red Coat was released when Arnone was a sophomore in high school, the album features original eight tracks consisting of Arnone’s youthful but wise perspective. She’s even received high respect from studio owner and music educator, Jody Joseph, of the Jody Joseph Bongiovi band, who has been her mentor and vocal coach for many years. 10 Feet was co-written by Jody Joseph and produced by Nick Piescor (Keith Egan).
We spoke with Arnone about her new music video for “10 Feet,” and working with her mentor and vocal coach, Jody Joseph, when her audience can expect another album, and our classic fun questions. Read on to discover insight into a fantastic new artist!
Congrats on your debut music video with “10 Feet”! Were you a part of the video’s conception and visuals? What was it like filming your first music video?
Eliza Arnone: Thank you so much! Yes I was a part of the video’s conception and visuals. The overall experience of it all was just surreal to me. I never expected in a million years that I would be filming my first music video ever. The entire process was really exhilarating and I was really thankful to be a part of it.
You’ve been working with your mentor and vocal coach, Jody Joseph, for several years now. How were you introduced to each other, and how would you describe his mentorship to you?
Eliza: My sister used to attend Jody when she was younger and she only in first grade. I remember my mom telling me the story about when Allie got into voice lessons. They were short lived however. But when I was about to enter sixth grade, my mom informed me that I would begin taking voice lessons with Jody. I never expected to learn so much from her in just a span of seven years. Jody has always been a good-natured person at heart. In a way, that helped me step outside of my comfort zone and open up a lot more. Jody is not just a mentor. She is a friend, and someone that I can talk to about the things that happen in my life. Jody introduced me to the world of music, and piqued an interest in me for creating my own music. I give her a lot of credit in general for pushing me to become the best artist that I can be. She helped me evolve into this gregarious empathetic young woman.
You released your debut album, Red Coat, in 2017. What was that experience like? How did you decide which songs would be on your debut?
Eliza: The experience as a whole is so surreal. I enjoyed every minute of it creating music for people to listen to. After creating music throughout my freshman year in high school, it was the first time that my music was going to be published. The moment it hit me was when I finished the final touches. At first I wanted to have this story for each song and make it seem like some sort of book. However, I wanted to make it realistic and relatable to people who are listening to it. I started off with writing “Red Coat”, the title song off of my album that talks about a friend’s betrayal. And then it followed with “Daisy”, an acoustic track emulating a message about one of my close friends. The rest of the songs just followed suit when the idea popped into my head. I made eight songs for my family and friends to hear. All of them have a special meaning to me and I am beyond appreciative for each and every one of them.
Do you plan to release another album or EP again in the near future?
Eliza: Fun fact, I am in the process of brewing up new music for a new album to be released next spring just before I graduate high school. This album incorporates darker material than the first. At this point I am digging deeper in regards to what topics should come to light in my new project. So far, I have written songs that go further than what I would ever think about. I am very excited to share the music that I’ve been brewing up with my fans. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.
What’s your writing process like; what inspires you to write words and music?
Eliza: It always starts with just analyzing things that happen in daily life. One minute it can be a crush, the next minute it could be about a break up or just a dedication to a family member. Anything that my eyes see in daily life whether it would be school or outside of it can just come full circle. It prompts me to write about things like that and climb into that person’s shoes.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been on your overall favorite so far?
Eliza: My first concert was Ariana Grande back in 2013. One of my friends at the time invited me to go see her since it was my first concert ever. Her mother was a member of Count Basie Theatre and got us VIP passes to meet her after the show. The concert overall was amazing, considering that it was my first ever concert. Out of the couple of concerts that I have attended, I would say that Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman Tour was my all time favorite concert. Her creativity in the sets were out of this world and at the time Ariana was one of my favorite artists and still is today.
What was your first album on CD or vinyl?
Eliza: My first album consisted of eight co-written original songs that hold a very special place in my heart. It took about a year to brew up these songs that have been inside my treasure chest of ideas. “Red Coat” has proven to be a development of me as a person throughout my life. It is essential for me to release all of the things that toppled in my mind for so long.
Which five artists would you not want to live without?
Eliza: Halsey has always been a very primary artist alongside Ariana Grande. Those two are so giving and warmhearted to their fans and to the community. It is such a beautiful thing to tell you the truth. Ed Sheeran also holds a close spot to my heart because of his brilliant lyrics and genial personality. Billie Eilish is considered unique with her storytelling in the songs that she composes. Khalid is a one of a kind artist with a unique voice and ability to effortlessly produce vocal runs. All five artists are so paramount to me and they all are noteworthy for what they can offer in the music industry.
Which artist would you really like to duet with?
Eliza: In all honesty, I would love to duet with Khalid or Tori Kelly. Their voices are so authentic and their lyrics are so meaningful to their perspective audiences. Both of them are vocally challenging in ways that push me to become a better vocalist.
Do you have a guilty music or entertainment pleasure?
Eliza: In some way I have a guilty music pleasure. There are some songs that certain people cannot stand to hear on the radio and I feel like I am the only person who enjoys them. Then next thing you know, I already have majority of the lyrics memorized. I have to hum the songs quietly so that people don’t have to hear songs that they can’t stand.
