With “Signal Lost” out now, we took some time to hear from Hazelize. Read below to learn more about Hazelize, the story behind “Signal Lost,” and what’s to come.

Hi Hazelize! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

Hi! Thank you for having me. I actually came up with my artist name together with my sister — she’s the person who believes in me the most. My eyes are hazel in the sunlight, and that color has always felt like me: warm, moody, somewhere between light and dark. We wanted something personal, but also unique, and Hazelize sounded perfect — it’s pronounced like hazel eyes, but written in a way that makes it its own thing. It felt like the right mix of emotion and identity — it just felt like me.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m originally from Caserta, in the south of Italy, but I’m based in Rome now. Caserta is where I grew up — it’s home, it’s family. Rome, instead, is where I started to find myself as an artist. There’s something about the city — its chaos, its beauty, its contradictions — that constantly inspires me to write.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

Music has always been the way that I make sense of things. I started writing songs when I was younger, mostly to put my feelings somewhere safe. At first it was just a secret — my way of coping, of breathing. Then, I realized that what I was writing wasn’t just for me. It could speak to people who felt the same, who didn’t know how to say it out loud. That’s when I decided to really go for it — because music didn’t just save me, it gave me purpose.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I’d describe my sound as emotional pop — intimate, but cinematic at the same time. It’s the kind of music you play when you feel too much and don’t know where to put it. My biggest inspirations are Taylor Swift for her storytelling, Gracie Abrams for her vulnerability, Lorde for her emotional depth, and Elisa and Mia Martini for the honesty and elegance that shaped Italian music. I try to blend those worlds — honesty, softness, and depth — into something that feels authentically mine.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I love drawing — it’s another way for me to express things I can’t always put into words. I also play videogames and watch a lot of TV shows; they help me switch off and get inspired at the same time. All those little worlds, sounds, and stories end up feeding my imagination. Creativity, for me, starts when I slow down enough to really listen.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

I grew up listening to a lot of Italian artists, and Mia Martini has always been a huge inspiration for me — her voice carried so much truth and pain. Elisa too, for her depth and the way she blends emotion with elegance. On the international side, I’d say Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Lorde. I love how they each turn vulnerability into strength, making you feel seen even in your quietest moments. That’s exactly what I hope to do with my music.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Releasing my first single. It was such a personal moment — not about numbers or charts, but about finally sharing a piece of myself with the world. For so long, my songs lived only in my notes and my head. Hearing them come to life, and realizing that someone out there could feel what I felt while writing, was surreal. It made me proud not just as an artist, but as a person who finally stopped hiding.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

I’ve learned that perfection is the enemy of emotion. The more I tried to make everything sound flawless, the more I lost the feeling behind it. Now I let things be a little messy, because that’s where the truth lives. I’ve also learned to trust my voice — both literally and metaphorically. Music taught me that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness; it’s what connects us the most.

Now onto your release, ‘Signal Lost.’ What inspired this song? What is ‘Signal Lost’ about?

‘Signal Lost’ was born from that moment when two people stop understanding each other — when words are still being said, but nothing is really heard anymore. It’s about emotional distance, about loving someone who feels close and far at the same time. I wrote it thinking about how silence can be louder than arguments, and how sometimes love fades quietly, like losing connection in the middle of a call.

What was the creative process like when making ‘Signal Lost?’

It actually started with a line I wrote on my phone: ‘I speak in lowercase, you answer in silence.’ That sentence said everything I couldn’t — the feeling of trying to reach someone who’s already gone, even if they’re still there. From that line, the whole song unfolded. I built it around that quiet kind of heartbreak, where nothing dramatic happens, but everything changes. Sonically, I wanted it to sound like a call that keeps cutting off — fragile, distant, but still full of emotion.

How long did it take to complete ‘Signal Lost?’

It took a few weeks, mostly because I kept rewriting the lyrics until they felt honest enough. I didn’t want to force anything — I needed to let the song breathe and find its own pace. Once I stopped overthinking and just followed the emotion, everything fell into place naturally.

What is your favorite lyric in ‘Signal Lost’ and why?

‘A glass between us cracks mid-sentence.’

That’s my favorite line because it captures the exact moment when everything starts to fall apart — not with shouting, but with something small and fragile breaking between two people. It’s the image of a love that can’t hold the weight of silence anymore. I love how something so visual can say so much without explaining anything.

What message or messages do you hope fans take away from ‘Signal Lost’ and your music in general?

I want people to feel understood. My songs are for those who overthink, who love deeply, and who often stay quiet about it. Signal Lost is about the kind of silence that hurts more than words ever could — but it’s also about accepting that not every connection can be saved. I hope it reminds people that feeling too much isn’t a flaw; it’s what makes us human.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I’m currently trying to build a band, which is honestly one of the hardest but most exciting things I’ve ever done. I want to bring my songs to life on stage and share that energy with real people. And yes — my next single is coming out on October 24. It’s one of my most personal songs yet, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

Where can we follow you on social media?

You can find me everywhere as @hazelizemusicspot:

https://www.instagram.com/hazelizemusicspot

https://www.tiktok.com/@hazelizemusicspot

https://youtube.com/@hazelize_official

Come say hi — I love meeting new people through my music and hearing what my songs mean to them.

Before you go, let’s ask you something off topic. What’s your favorite comfort food?

Definitely pasta. It’s simple, warm, and feels like home — no matter where I am or what’s going on, a plate of pasta instantly makes everything better.

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!