ENZI on the rise
Loveland artist releases single ‘Mad Chemistry’
ENZI, born Kenzie Culver, is crafting the sort of music that could easily climb to the top of the charts.
With an ethereal vocal tone that perfectly swirls within a sea of electronic samples and a fully backed band, she is starting to receive much recognition throughout the Front Range and beyond.
Earlier this month, she released “Mad Chemistr y,” a groove-inducing track listeners can’t help but snap along with. It’s a song built for heavy radio airplay.
Her sound appeals to pop sensibilities, yet also packs plenty of alt edge. While often referred to as a singer-songwriter, ENZI breaks this mold with ever y stage she takes.
With powerhouse vocals and a wardrobe of fringe and metallic, her aesthetic is way more “arena rock” than “coffeehouse.” Back in December 2019, the Loveland native opened for Fitz and the Tantrums and The Head and the Heart at Denver’s Mission Ballroom in the Rino District.
At times she captures the vibe of Ellie Goulding and at others she seems to channel the fire haired frontwoman of Paramore, Hayley Williams.
At the age of 4, she under went brain surger y and continues to do philanthropic work through Blue Star Connection — a program dedicated to providing access and ownership of musical instruments to children and young adults battling cancer and other illnesses.
Now, the rising star (a certified audio engineer) is studying music and songwriting at Belmont University in Tennessee.
We caught up with the creative — who splits her time between Northern Colorado and Nashville — to find out about the relatable backstory behind her new single, what early live shows had a profound effect on her and what Colorado-based artists she’ll always hold dear.
Times-call: Really loving the latest release, “Mad Chemistr y.” I’m curious, what inspired this single? Were you drawing from real-life experiences when you crafted this track?
ENZI: Thanks. I draw from real life experiences for most of my writing, although I do tend to exaggerate a bit… you know, for the drama . This single was inspired by this romanticized idea of someone in my head. I met them and I immediately thought we would be so perfect for each other. Maybe a bit arrogantly, I couldn’t help but list all the things we had in common, how cool we looked standing next to each other and all that but I had barely even met this person. Well, we hung out a bit, just as friends, and I end up meeting his girlfriend and I was a bit shocked to say the least. I had made up this thing between us all in my head and meeting her snapped me into reality.
Now this is where a bit of that exaggeration comes in. I actually do like his girlfriend, but in that moment I was shocked that my false reality was indeed false. In the end, she’s got the guy and I’ve got this song. A win-win, I would say
TC: How have you been spending your time during this pandemic? Would you say the downtime has actually given you more opportunities to be creative and make music?
E: The downtime has certainly given me a lot of space to just throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and before this, I felt that there was no room for mistakes, no time to experiment. While I still am where I am because of that past self, I think I’ve given myself more permission to slow down and discover music rather than just pump it out like a machine. Of course, I am also still a college student, so I’m balancing Belmont “Zoom” University and music, which presents its own challenges.
TC: Having grown up in Loveland, what are some Coloradobased musicians that you respect, admire and can’t get enough of?
E: Oh dear, there’s just too many to name. I have to say, first and foremost, the guys of Compass & Cavern. They are also my band when I play live shows and I just admire their work ethic and creativity. They are so passionate, incredibly intelligent, and I think they are so balanced in creativity and business. I’ve never had big brothers, but I would say they are totally family. I also love
Jack Roberts, a Denver-based producer. He is probably the most kind, brilliant and musically intelligent man you’ll ever meet and I just think he rocks.
TC: I imagine not being able to perform live lately is frustrating. Can we expect any livestreams from you in the coming months or more song releases?
E: Honestly, to go from opening the Mission Ballroom for The Head and The Heart and Fitz and the Tantrums to just sitting in my room with my always-slightly-out-of-tune guitar is definitely a bummer. I plan to release more music. I have been writing — a lot — and I feel like, if I can’t put a song I love out ASAP after I’ve written it, I might explode. So, there’s definitely more to expect there.
TC: Do you remember your first concert or some of the first shows that had a profound impact on your musical stylings?
E: I have seen a ver y strange, beautiful mix of bands live.
From Twenty One Pilots to Fall Out Boy, Weezer to Night Riots, and even Taylor Swift, all of them have immense impact on me. It’s honestly terrible — I can’t go to a concert without taking at least a few notes. I’m constantly analyzing the performance, how they transition from song to song. Taylor is an absolute boss at performing, but musically I really take inspiration from some of the more alternative bands. I honestly can’t pinpoint any one artist. I’m like a melting pot of all my favorites
TC: Lastly, with Halloween right around the corner, I have to ask, what are your plans? Are you dressing up?
E: Well… currently my school will suspend me if I go out and party, and of course, I’m trying to be the most responsible citizen by limiting my contact with too many people. I think I still will dress up. Halloween is my favorite holiday so I think it would be anticlimactic if I didn’t. I’ve been thinking as going as an astronaut based on a particular video game I’ve been obsessed with. If you know, you know.