Lizzie Berchie captivates with new EP: Staying up for the ‘Night Shift’
One thing the UK excels at is producing top tier talent in droves. From Sinead Harnett to Sasha Keable, kwn to FLO and Kadeem Tyrell. The R&B cup is overflowing. But still, space continues to be made at the table for fresh talent to get a taste of the spoils, and Lizzie Berchie is making sure she reserves her spot.
The East London babe boasts a rich Ghanaian heritage. Facets of highlife music, one of Ghana’s most prominent exports, and jazz are prevalent in her songs. Neo-soul greats Erykah Badu, Cleo Sol and Jill Scott have lent their sound to Lizzie’s music, resulting in bodies of work that have been wholly ingrained in the hearts and minds of even the most hard to impress R&B connoisseurs.
Whilst the raw talent she possesses resembles that of an artist who is considered a veteran of the game, Lizzie has only been sharing her gift with the world since 2020. Starting off with a feature on Archie Weir’s ‘Stay A Little Longer (Baby)’, she boldly announced her arrival on the scene two years later with her debut single ‘Pass Time’, which was lauded as “one of the most effortless vocal performances of the year.” She then went on to appear as the opening act for Shae Universe, Pip Millett and Loyle Carner.
‘Night Shift’ is the third project from the songstress, and it’s arguably her most introspective jaunt yet. It encapsulates the duality of artists trying to make a name for themselves in the music world, whilst still having to navigate the expectations bestowed upon them as adults, grinding through the 9-5 and adopting a 5-9. Speaking on its inception, Lizzie said “it’ll take you on a journey of dark to light, dusk to dawn, vulnerability to joyfulness.”
It opens with intoxicating track ‘Pressure’. Her lustrous vocals seep through a jazz-infused melody, warming you in the same way the sun does as you step foot off a plane. It’s as if she’s opened the pages to her personal diary, where she divulges her innermost feelings and deepest desires - “tryna find reasons why I’m worth it” - and some gentle foreshadowing - “everything in this life will eventually align.”
Everyone knows that it wouldn’t truly be an R&B project without a moment to dive deep into your feelings. ‘Company’ is an ode to the lover girls and lover boys of the world. The perfect opportunity to show appreciation to your crush or significant other, and recite the words “I’ve fallen deep, I really really like your company” (God, when will it be my turn?). The mellow, piano-laden instrumental, produced by Yogic, emphasises Lizzie’s full-bodied tone. It’s a love song that deserves pride of place in a modern day rom-com.
‘Dance In Your Arms’ is one of the more upbeat tracks on the project. To me, it’s the closest you’ll get to experiencing the feeling of floating. Lightweight, breezy, with the softest backing vocals, but with added depth from the saxophone riffs dancing across the beat. It’s about placidity and being in the moment, something so important in a world as overstimulating as this one.
The EP comes to a close with ‘Happiness’, a track that brings all of the gospel vibes - “woke up this morning with a smile on my face, God knows I’ve been waiting for a brighter day” - and evidence of a full circle moment. She admits that she’s found her happiness, in a music video surrounded by her nearest and dearest. It’s bright, beautiful and bold. The light at the end of the tunnel, if you will.
Lizzie took a risk by quitting her full-time job to pursue her passion, taking a daunting plunge from a cliff and developing her wings on the way down. A voice equivalent to soul food - hearty and vibrant - and a presence that emits only the most positive light, she has stated her case for becoming the next big thing in R&B.
Listen to 'Night Shift’ below:
