Singled Out: Paige Kizer's Haze

Chicago-based singer/songwriter Paige Kizer is gearing up to release her new album, "Unconditional," this Friday (September 25th), and to celebrate we asked her to tell us about the single "Haze". Here is the story:

A few years ago, while I was house and dog-sitting, a friend of mine gave me a call and we were chatting about some feelings of uncertainty of the future. I distinctly remember her saying something along the lines of "I just don't know my direction" and we continued to chat. She later said, "honestly, I just have so many questions."

It was right then and there that I took out my phone notes app and wrote down those words. Once the call ended, I went straight to the piano to start creating. I took those words as inspiration to write the first line of "Haze"- "What's my direction, I have so many questions."

Once my own emotions and feelings started to come through, I was flowing freely with the creation of this song. I remember feeling like there was a bigger purpose to these words that I was writing than that of just what I was feeling. Then, almost a year later as I was putting together songs to bring to my band for this project specifically, I almost didn't have them work on "Haze." It wasn't until our choir arranger, Gracie Lubisky, went through the folder and told me how much that song touched her heart. I went back to it and knew it needed to come to life so that I could share it with others.

In working on this song with my band mates, the ending was influenced by their thoughts. I remember Tiago Ribeiro, my guitarist, specifically encouraging the free flow of lyrics to build it to its end. When I first wrote it, I had no intention of expanding the lyrics to go beyond the original chorus. I'm so grateful to my band mates who encouraged the ending you hear today, and for reminding me that this song's message is important: You are never alone.

We recorded this song in one take in the studio, live with no metronome. No drums. No extra vocals or harmonies. Just the one raw take. This was done with intent as I wanted it to feel authentic to the emotion. It's not flashy, but I hope its message comes through to those who listen.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more here

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