Project Description
Interview with
LISA CARUSO
by Vicky Hebbs
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Forced breaks from relapse in sickness, prolific writing, and to London and back again, Lisa Caruso has been relentless in her work toward the completion of a new set of songs that reflect the pause in time since her last releases took off. Now with brooding guitars, a tight and sometimes rip-roaring rhythm section reminiscent of a 90's childhood, and an utterly unique vocal that swims between an honest cry and a chilled shaken falsetto.
This singer/songwriter is an accomplished Artist ready for the taking. After dropping the acoustic for an electric and working with guitarist Benjamin Fletcher (Sarah Blasko, Marina and the Diamonds) on production in both the UK and in OZ, Lisa's new songs are a cathartic release of unflinching truths. She shares stories of prickly relations, arduous times, and finds strength in motion, with instrumentation giving the tunes a strong punch to boot.
Unafraid to explore the nonchalant brute in all of us, this intrepid born Sydney sider still remains the honest and boundless romantic who’s passion and delivery never leaves a set unhinged. Lisa Caruso drives a tight indie force with fury and affection, promising to only produce wholehearted, kick-ass music.
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How did you first get into music? When did it become a serious concern?
From singing at my dad’s (a drummer) new years gig at the age of three to then forming a pretty serious girl band in early High School. When I say serious, I mean entering local talent contests. Hah. I started playing guitar once the girl band finished up, and was writing songs toward the end of high school. I studied a Bachelor of Music in Performance, and yeh, just kept going. Music has always been my main focus.
What kind of music did you grow up on? What artists inspired you and which do you still look to now for ideas?
Mum loved The Carpenters. I fell in love with Karen’s voice, and I love the way the band told the story. You were either hit with super highs or pretty big lows. There’s a beautiful sincerity that I really admire. And growing up in the 90’s, I can’t ignore the girl band/boy band stage, but with thanks to my older sister, she introduced me to artists like PJ Harvey, and Cat Power. They’re still two of my favourites, and I still listen to their old and new albums often. I don’t think I necessarily ‘look’ for ideas. I like the thought of ideas evolving from happy listening.
It’s been a couple of years since you last released music, what’s been happening since then? How does it feel to be releasing new music again?
It has! I have been writing and have been pro-active behind the scenes, but there was also a period of time that I was unwell. I bought an electric guitar not long after the first EP which has been fun. My Fender Tele has definitely helped me to achieve an edgier sound. It feels great to be releasing music again.
How did you get into making music?
I started a band with some uni pals, we began weekly rehearsals where I would play them a new song, and yeh, started gigging from there.
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Has song writing always been a part of your life?
It has. I like that it encompasses a whole lot in one. Words, expression and instrument.
What does your song writing process look/sound like?
I usually just find a good part of the day pick up the guitar. Or sometimes I will just do it off the cuff. I generally write melody, lyrics, and chords all at the same time. Start with an idea and then just go from there. If it’s flowing, I stick to it, but if not, I’ll make sure to record it and come back to it some other time.
How has your song writing evolved since your last releases?
I feel like I can translate style a lot more now. They still have a cinematic kind of quality, just more spunk, and more grit. A kind of ‘controlled recklessness’. And the 90s and 60s influences that I love, I think that they come through too.
Your music has been described as ‘a window to [your] soul.’ How much of your own life and experiences do you pour into your writing? Is it ever difficult to know how much to share through your work?
Heh. Well I’ve always been okay with sharing. I’m a big sharer. So i guess that makes my songwriting what it is. I tend to go off a feeling, and then it ends up being exaggerated somewhat through the song. Or maybe it doesn’t and I really am that dramatic. ha. Songs are an expression that I think I do best with honesty. I don’t think I could perform them otherwise. Shake Baby Shake, the first single off your upcoming album, comes out November 9th. Can you share the origins or inspiration of the album?
They originate from my own experiences I have learnt of myself and others over the past couple of years; sickness, relationships, self-awareness. And musically, they’re inspired by 90s alternative artists I love to listen too. Them and music from the 60s which always leaves an impression on me. I above all wanted this album to express fully and remain unmasked.
Who or what inspired you to write the single, Shake Baby Shake?
‘Shake Baby Shake’ is about having an invisible illness. I have Crohn’s disease myself, and wrote it whilst I was going through a nasty relapse. It was one of those times where I just sat with my guitar and that’s what came out. There was a period where it was really getting to me that I couldn’t be at my best. It affected all areas of my life including my relationships and my music. I’m a realist, but I also consider myself an optimist, so I wanted to make sure that I expressed the two fully.
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.
If someone had never listened to Lisa Caruso before, what song of yours would you recommend if they could only listen to one?
Shake Baby Shake.
What direction in your career are you hoping to take with your latest release?
I’d love a team. I get tastes of having that extra support every now and then, but I am as independent as independent can be. Management, Booking Agent, Publishing company!? Who’s out there? hah. I’d love to play bigger shows and have my music reach more listeners.
Who have been your major indie or pop music influences?
PJ Harvey, Cat Power, Nick Cave, Radiohead, Feist, Martha Wainwright, is Leonard Cohen indie?
Are there any great indie musicians you’re loving at the moment that you’d like to share with us?
Aldous Harding rules. Her album “Party” is one I will not get sick of.
What’s next for you after this release? Will you be touring? Recording more new music perhaps?
Finishing the album and releasing a single or two more before it drops. And yes, more shows. Would love to get to some other Aussie states in the new year.
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If you could pick anyone in history to bring on tour with you, dead or alive, whom would you pick and why?
My answer might be different tomorrow. But right now I’ll say Jeff Buckley. Would be pretty awesome to witness his talent, and to see it in a bit of a 90s time capsule too.
What are your goals or aspirations for the next year or two in your career?
Release the album, make another, have songs heard around the world, and play on many stages.
Do you have any major goals or milestones for the longer-term future?
More of the above plus some collabs. I’d love to write and co-write for other Artists.
Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. Really corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?
Okay, a few might change tomorrow, but here goes:
Martha Wainwrights self titled – Influenced me to want to record music
Aldous Harding – Ultimate genuine artist
Fresh Coconut Water – Best pick me up and so tasty
Sashimi – Fresh, and I love a wasabi hit
My sister – You’ll have to meet her
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Tour Dates
.
Sunday 2nd December
The Golden Barley Hotel, Enmore
.
‘SHAKE BABY SHAKE’
SYDNEY LAUNCH PARTY
Saturday 8th December 2018
Petersham Bowling Club
Tickets
.
Thursday 13th December
Franks Wild Years, Thirroul
.
Connect with LISA CARUSO
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Soundcloud | Unearthed
.
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AMNPLIFY – DB
[your] soul.’ How much of your own life and experiences do you pour into your writing? Is it ever difficult to know how much to share through your work?
Heh. Well I’ve always been okay with sharing. I’m a big sharer. So i guess that makes my songwriting what it is. I tend to go off a feeling, and then it ends up being exaggerated somewhat through the song. Or maybe it doesn’t and I really am that dramatic. ha. Songs are an expression that I think I do best with honesty. I don’t think I could perform them otherwise.Shake Baby Shake, the first single off your upcoming album, comes out November 9th. Can you share the origins or inspiration of the album?
Who or what inspired you to write the single, Shake Baby Shake?
If someone had never listened to Lisa Caruso before, what song of yours would you recommend if they could only listen to one?
What direction in your career are you hoping to take with your latest release?
Who have been your major indie or pop music influences?
Are there any great indie musicians you’re loving at the moment that you’d like to share with us?
What’s next for you after this release? Will you be touring? Recording more new music perhaps?
If you could pick anyone in history to bring on tour with you, dead or alive, whom would you pick and why?
What are your goals or aspirations for the next year or two in your career?
Do you have any major goals or milestones for the longer-term future?
Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. Really corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?
Sunday 2nd December
‘SHAKE BABY SHAKE’
Thursday 13th December
Connect with LISA CARUSO
Heh. Well I’ve always been okay with sharing. I’m a big sharer. So i guess that makes my songwriting what it is. I tend to go off a feeling, and then it ends up being exaggerated somewhat through the song. Or maybe it doesn’t and I really am that dramatic. ha. Songs are an expression that I think I do best with honesty. I don’t think I could perform them otherwise.
Shake Baby Shake, the first single off your upcoming album, comes out November 9th. Can you share the origins or inspiration of the album?
They originate from my own experiences I have learnt of myself and others over the past couple of years; sickness, relationships, self-awareness. And musically, they’re inspired by 90s alternative artists I love to listen too. Them and music from the 60s which always leaves an impression on me. I above all wanted this album to express fully and remain unmasked.
Who or what inspired you to write the single, Shake Baby Shake?
‘Shake Baby Shake’ is about having an invisible illness. I have Crohn’s disease myself, and wrote it whilst I was going through a nasty relapse. It was one of those times where I just sat with my guitar and that’s what came out. There was a period where it was really getting to me that I couldn’t be at my best. It affected all areas of my life including my relationships and my music. I’m a realist, but I also consider myself an optimist, so I wanted to make sure that I expressed the two fully.
.
.
If someone had never listened to Lisa Caruso before, what song of yours would you recommend if they could only listen to one?
Shake Baby Shake.
What direction in your career are you hoping to take with your latest release?
I’d love a team. I get tastes of having that extra support every now and then, but I am as independent as independent can be. Management, Booking Agent, Publishing company!? Who’s out there? hah. I’d love to play bigger shows and have my music reach more listeners.
Who have been your major indie or pop music influences?
PJ Harvey, Cat Power, Nick Cave, Radiohead, Feist, Martha Wainwright, is Leonard Cohen indie?
Are there any great indie musicians you’re loving at the moment that you’d like to share with us?
Aldous Harding rules. Her album “Party” is one I will not get sick of.
What’s next for you after this release? Will you be touring? Recording more new music perhaps?
Finishing the album and releasing a single or two more before it drops. And yes, more shows. Would love to get to some other Aussie states in the new year.
.
.
If you could pick anyone in history to bring on tour with you, dead or alive, whom would you pick and why?
My answer might be different tomorrow. But right now I’ll say Jeff Buckley. Would be pretty awesome to witness his talent, and to see it in a bit of a 90s time capsule too.
What are your goals or aspirations for the next year or two in your career?
Release the album, make another, have songs heard around the world, and play on many stages.
Do you have any major goals or milestones for the longer-term future?
More of the above plus some collabs. I’d love to write and co-write for other Artists.
Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. Really corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?
Okay, a few might change tomorrow, but here goes:
Martha Wainwrights self titled – Influenced me to want to record music
Aldous Harding – Ultimate genuine artist
Fresh Coconut Water – Best pick me up and so tasty
Sashimi – Fresh, and I love a wasabi hit
My sister – You’ll have to meet her
.
.
Tour Dates
.
Sunday 2nd December
The Golden Barley Hotel, Enmore
.
‘SHAKE BABY SHAKE’
SYDNEY LAUNCH PARTY
Saturday 8th December 2018
Petersham Bowling Club
Tickets
.
Thursday 13th December
Franks Wild Years, Thirroul
.
Connect with LISA CARUSO
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Soundcloud | Unearthed
.
.
