Hey Tucson, have you heard the buzz about Lizzie Oakwood? If you haven’t listened to her, then you are in for a treat. She is an up-and-coming native Tucson folk musician. Lucky for me, I had the opportunity to interview the sweet and talented Lizzie Oakwood. I’m excited to share all the wonderful things I’ve learned about Lizzie and her band.

From a young age, Lizzie had always known she wanted to make music, she states that she has been singing ever since she could talk. Then in the seventh grade She formed a small band with some friends. She told me that as soon as she started making music with others, she knew in her heart that was exactly where she belonged. Her passion for music kept growing and in 2024 Lizzie started to get serious about her music career. Outside of making her own music she also teaches vocal, guitar, and bass lessons here in Tucson. Music is intertwined into every aspect of her life and is always on her mind. Lizzie plays the guitar, piano, bass, banjo, and she is actively learning how to play the drums. Luckily, she doesn’t have to play all these instruments herself. Her band is made up of a group of talented people who help create a distinctive sound. Her biggest inspiration is the band The Lumineers. She saw them play live in 2025 and this magical experience changed her, as she felt the love wafting from the music. She aims to create the same experience for her audience. In addition, both Hayley Hendricks and Mazzy Star also inspire Lizzie’s sound.

Lizzie Oakwood’s band ranges from 4 core members, to 7 when the entire ensemble is present. The member of her band that she’s known the longest is Ben. They met in high school and became best friends. Ben covers all the bases by playing guitar, bass, and harmonica. Her drummer, Kyle, brings the fun dad energy to the band. She met him while he was the drummer for one of her favorite local bands. She asked Kyle to fill in for a show. After that experience, he decided to stay as the band’s drummer. Alec is the main bassist, she met him while participating in the Tucson Rock Lottery. They instantly clicked, and both realized they could make great music together. Peter, her amazing fiddle player, she met through a mutual friend. A couple of special guests who occasionally join the band when they are able, include her banjo player Ziggy, and her friend Ruby Joe. Ruby helps with backup vocals and harmonizes beautifully with Lizzie. Everyone in the band is quite passionate about their love for music. For example, her banjo player Ziggy when he is available, will make a 4-hour drive just to play in the band.

When making music, Ben, Alec, and Lizzie are always honest and open with each other. They are able to all work together to create something beautiful. Lizzie brings her lyrics and chord ideas, then Kyle will write his drum beats. Alec will then add a twang tune with his country style bass. Ben then adds his own unique style of guitar. Lizzie appreciates how smart and talented everyone is, she also states that, “Sometimes Bands are a little tricky. It’s kind of like a big polycule relationship. I know that Ben, Kyle and Alec are all in, for better or worse.”

Lizzie and her band recently came out with their first album called “Coated in her Dust”. The theme of the album is very “nature-focused”. She writes to remind people that life is all about exploring and giving back to mother nature. Lizzie loves the outdoors and wants to paint a picture of nature’s magic to her listeners. Her inspiration for “Coated in her Dust” is based off an experience Lizzie had when she went on a nature excursion with a group of friends. This experience was so moving to her; she realized that being in nature is her version of church. This event shaped her first album. Lizzie’s genre is ever evolving but her songs are mainly folk-rock. Her favorite song off the new album is “The Spider or the Hawk”. She loves it because it has a dissonant sound that includes violin and nature noises. You can Listen for the birdsong in the background. She feels that everyone’s creativity really showed up in the song. Creating things in the studio with a big group can pose its difficulties at times. However, the creative process ultimately becomes a bonding experience for everyone involved.

With the release of “Coated in her Dust”, Lizzie and her band went on their first DIY tour playing all over the west coast. Her favorite part about performing live is the audience. Music is such an intimate thing for Lizzie that sometimes when she’s performing, she states that she can feel the audience taking in and reciprocating the music. She loves that she can feel a mutual energy exchange in the room. She describes this experience as “Other-worldly.” Before a performance, the band members always exchange hugs and start with their chant, “Loose and colorful.” On stage, they just want to be loose and colorful. Lizzie’s number one supporters are Alec, Kyle and Ben. Lizzie explained to me how extremely grateful she is for Alec since he is always there to support her when she is feeling unmotivated. He has helped her achieve her creative goals. She is appreciative for all the support she has from everyone but wants to make note that she wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the support of her lovely mother.

Lizzie believes that everyone should take advantage of the generosity that comes from the Tucson music scene. She feels lucky to be in a place with so much talent and kindness! She wants to highlight that the artists involved in the Tucson music scene are very supportive of each other. Tucson is special, compared to other music scenes that she has experienced. Some honorable mentions of supporting bands that have helped Lizzie along the way are New Misphora, and a former band called Orchadia. Lizzie’s goal now and in the near future is that her band will be able to headline the Tucson Folk Festival. Lizzie tells me that if she could choose to open for any artist in the future, it would be her favorite band, the Lumineers. 

Now what can you look forward to from Lizzie Oakwood and her band this year? Lizzie is always working on her music and is hoping to release some singles towards the end of the year. In the meantime, you can show your support by going to her local shows, and streaming “Coated in her Dust” on all streaming platforms! Hopefully you take the time to listen and experience the all the unique sounds Lizzie, and her band have created for you.

Article written by: Sara Ramirez

Co-editor: Maya Ramirez