Entertainment : Vinton native Moen celebrates release of first album

Liz Moen and her band will celebrate her debut release Jan. 22 at The Mill in Iowa City.

Vinton native and 2012 Vinton-Shellsburg High School graduate Liz Moen is celebrating the release of her first album. She and her band will be playing songs Liz wrote at a party at The Mill in Iowa City on Jan. 22.

"I've been playing covers around Iowa City for some time and finally, this semester I got the courage to be vulnerable and write my own lyrics." says Liz, the daughter of Sam and Jennie Moen of rural Vinton.

"Melodies have always been easy to write, but lyrics always scared me," says Liz.

Yet, she adds, "Once I started I couldn't stop."

Liz met the musicians that accompany her -- the drummer, bassist, and guitarist through the music scene In Iowa City.

"We all met one night and played a handful of my songs," she recalls. "Right away it sounded the way I envisioned the songs to be with a full band."

Liz describes her band:

"We are at times very folk, if not a hint of old, Wille Nelson-like country, others a more soft folk, and others more soul and rock. Just depends on the song really. I'm inspired by all genres so we just kind of go with whatever we are feeling as we play."

They recorded eight of Liz's songs at a studio, Flat Black Studios, in Lone Tree where part of the recording session was recorded and on video.

"We've played a few shows this December and have had a great response from audiences. We are having a debut album release party/show at The Mill on Friday, January 22."

Liz, who often played at Vinton events while she was in high school, invites residents of her home town to join her at the debut party.

"I haven't been in Vinton for some time, and it's been hard keeping in touch with people, but if people are interested they should come down for the show. It'll be a good time, and The Mill has great food and drinks. My opener, Sean Tyler, is another wonderful acoustic singer-songwriter around town as well," she says.

Doors open at 8:00, and cover charge is $7. See the event Facebook page HERE.

See Liz singing "Easier Said Than Done" below:

[VIDEO]