We are delighted to share that former student Elizabeth Holden, performing under the name ‘Liza Xenia,’ has released her first single ‘Boyfriend.’ You can listen to her single here.

We caught up with her this week and were so thrilled to hear about how her musical life at the Abbey inspired her and shaped her aspirations:

Elizabeth, congratulations on your new single! Tell us a bit about your musical life at The Abbey.

The Music Department was a big part of my school life; I started Music lessons in year 2! The support of my Music teachers is really what took me from viewing songwriting as a hobby to a tangible career option. My favourite experience at The Abbey was the Sixth Form rock band my friends and I formed in Year 12. That was the first time I got to perform my songs with a live band, it was also just really fun. It was that same year that the Recording Studio was built, and I got the amazing opportunity to test it out first. That studio experience really helped me with what to expect when recording my songs professionally.

What made you decide to pursue singing/songwriting as a career?

Singing has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I just always came back to songwriting growing up. I remember sitting in the Textiles department before my A-Level deadline, and instead of sewing I was jotting down lyrics. Seeing as it distracted from my studies so much it only made sense to find a course where I could give it my full attention at university. I’m very much a believer that if you don’t try you’ll never know, and I love songwriting so much that I think if I chose any other career path I’d always be thinking “what if?”

Tell us a bit about the course you’re undertaking at the moment.

I’m studying songwriting in London and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve learnt so much about songcraft as well as myself as an artist and what kind of music I want to make. I’ve gotten to meet and work with so many talented people and of course had the opportunity to start releasing music!

What was the inspiration behind ‘Boyfriend?’

‘Boyfriend’ was inspired by the true story of my last relationship. However, I like to view it more as a story of independence and coming to terms with the fact that if a relationship isn’t right for you, then being single, aka ‘being your own boyfriend,’ can be the best option. I do think that my growing sense of independence, especially as a woman, was instilled in me by the school.

Thank you and best of luck with your course and future career!