Lisa Caruso
Keep an eye out on hot new talent Lisa Caruso who releases her second single My Romantic off her debut EP Take A Walk. Caruso’s voice and style of song writing is often compared to an impassioned Edith Piaf, the dream state of Mazzy Star, and of having the guts of Martha Wainwright. It’s exciting times ahead with plenty of things ahead as Lisa takes time out for Q&A with Across The Ocean.
What’s the latest for Lisa Caruso?
I just got informed that my second single My Romantic just got added to rotation on Double J which is really exciting! Second single to have that happen, so I am stoked 🙂
Is it an exciting time with a new single just out?
With news that it’s on the radio, yes, yes it is. Was a great launch we had a couple weeks back, and am now looking forward to more gigs coming up this month surrounding its release.
Are you very much hands on with the management of your music?
Yes definitely, I guess you have to be when you’re an independent as well as a solo artist. Managing your own music I’ve come to learn is a full time gig.
Is that a challenge with all the work that is required to try and break through?
Yes it is. You do learn a lot along the way and it in some way gets easier. Just gotta work out how to juggle everything and still have time to be the artist.
Are you able gauge how successful the release has been? What is success in your eyes?
Success for me is being happy with the final master of the song. How it is perceived in the industry and in the public is another thing. I always want to remain true to how I write music and what is created from beginning to end. Now I’m just over the moon that it’s also been received extremely well. So I’ll just keep riding this same wave.
How tough is it for any artist nowadays trying to get noticed?
To think how many people are actually doing it and putting music out there is nuts. So I’d say it’s definitely difficult. There’s a lot of talent and so half the struggle is getting noticed. I’d say a lot of the successful artists are also super smart and business savvy.
How would you describe your musical style?
Indie folk alternative? This question is always a struggle! Comparisons have been to Edith Piaf, Mazzy Star and Martha Wainright – are these the sorts of artists you look up to and seek inspiration?
Martha Wainwright’s been a huge inspiration. I was lucky enough to get the EP mastered by the lovely lady who did her first self-titled album. Her voice is incredible and I love how raw and honest her music is. I’m also a big fan of Mazzy Star. Love their sound and the simplicity in arrangements. It is all about tone and sentiment. And Edith Piaf, what a beauty. The Edith Piaf reference was made in comparing our vocals. I’ve always had a fast vibrato, and I can’t get away from a kind of longing expression and build in a vocal melody.
Is an album release far off?
I hope not! I’m writing every chance that I get and hope to record toward the end of the year. Perhaps another mini-album is on the horizon.
How do you think it will sound?
Intimate and real. After the last recording process. I can’t wait to be even more creative and expand on different ideas and sounds.
Have you learnt a lot about the studio process and are there valuable lessons you would take away for next time?
Yes definitely. I felt a little hopeless the first time round. I found it really difficult to relax and give a natural performance. Now the first time nerves are out of the way. I think it’ll be easy peasy, I hope.
What can music lovers expect at your shows?
A very good one! Playing live is where my band and I are at. The arrangements came first and so we’re super keen on delivering the songs at their best. I do love the drive and energy you get when not knowing to really expect at a live show.
Are you looking to tour more extensively around the country later in the year?
Yes I’d love too. I’ve only really played in Victoria other than New South Wales. That and to hopefully hop on some festivals in the not too distant future. I’ve love to plan an Australian tour for the next release. I just may need some help!
What’s next for Lisa Caruso?
More writing, arranging, demo-ing, playing and recording. Just more of everything. I’m planning a little trip to the States in July and so I’m sure I’ll gain even more inspiration and be ready and raring to go once I come back for some more releases.
Whether it is rummaging through vinyl at record stores such as Clarity and Title finding hidden gems to scouring the internet to find that album by the next big thing or chasing bands to get that elusive autograph and photo his passion is music all the way.
- Aversions Crown - January 27, 2017
- Sick Of It All - January 19, 2017
- Refused - January 11, 2017
