LOUD & CLEAR
“Pulling my love around, my mind says aloud…
but loud & clear’s unheard, guilty pleasures you’d say…”
This wouldn’t be a ‘soulful series’ without the presence of Lisa Shaw. Hers is the voice that revives the clubs, yet softens the scene. Her music, timeless. Her voice, haunting. Her song ‘Matter of Time’ still reveals nuances to me each time I listen to it, and continues to inspire me. Her unique sound draws from diverse range of styles, from Depeche Mode to Prince, but is truly unmistakable and becoming more and more refined. Her repertoire of songs is dynamic and fluid, passionate and introspective.
The last time I interviewed Shaw was after the release of her debut album Cherry, in 2005. Since then she’s been on tour for the album, on tour with Miguel Migs for his album Those Things, and is featured on Andy Caldwell’s album Universal Truth. Originally from Toronto, Shaw’s talent has graced us for years but like many things great, they are gradually recognized by the masses. I had a few simple ‘I wonder…’ questions for Shaw and was able to catch up with her amidst her hectic schedule.
Staffeen Thompson: How has the success of your album ‘Cherry’, and touring for yours and Miguel Migs’ album ‘Those Things’, inspired your work?
Lisa Shaw: The response to both pieces of work has been really wonderful. It’s inspiring enough to go back into the studio and write more.
ST: You’ve collaborated with many creative DJ/producers, and are featured on many of their albums, how does the creative process work? Do you specify the tracks or do you both ‘go with the flow’?
LS: In most cases the producer will send me a track (or tracks), and I’ll listen and vibe them out. I usually can hear an idea/melody or concept right away and then we take it from there. I have a writing partner Dave Warrin who is the producer of my next album. We also write together for other producer albums.
ST: Which DJ/producers would you still like to work with?
LS: There are a few producers who I would love to work with. I really like LCD Sound System. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a while and love their new album.
ST: I recall a couple of years ago you mentioned Eric Stamile’s CD, and his band 5RW. I have 3 of his tracks, remixes including Aya’s, Gaelle’s and yours, are you planning to work with him also?
LS: He’s working on it and YES! I am going to work with him. Actually trying to do a track with him for my next album and talking about doing a whole project with him. I think he is so talented!
ST: The music landscape seems to be constantly changing, and it seems as though musicians/singers are almost required to adapt to new technology/promotional tools, do you think you’ve adapted well?
LS: It’s not so much adapting for me as keeping up with it. With Myspace which has basically taken the place of my website, I can spend hours on the computer answering emails, updating pics and music. If I miss a week or two it’s hard to catch up!
ST: Also, with technology often influencing how Artists make music, have you found it has changed your creative process?
LS: No, actually it’s become easier to get my musical ideas down. I’ve always been a little bit of tech nerd and had my own setup at home. There are a few programs out there that are user-friendly like Protools LE. I can get my ideas down while I’m traveling which is great!!
ST: How do you feel about the current state of the music industry?
LS: It’s pretty bad right now! It’s nothing like it used to be, that’s for sure. There are so many distribution companies, labels and record stores closing that it makes it hard for not only the Indy label, but the majors too. The closing of Tower Records was a real loss for us because that was our biggest selling market. Rumor has it that the Virgin Mega store in union square is closing too. Everything is being sold on the now and there aren’t enough hard copy sales. I’m a big supporter of owning the hard copy of the CD. Besides the novelty of reading the liner notes and lyrics, the music sounds much better than the crappy Mp4’s that it’s converted too. Vinyl sounds the best really and lasts forever.
ST: Do you enjoy performing/touring in Canada and abroad, and how is it different from the U.S?
LS: I love playing in Canada! Besides playing in my hometown of Toronto, Vancouver is one of my favorites! I’m there about 2 to 3 times a year. There’s big support there for this style of music. It’s not that different from playing in the US. The only difference is that I am Canadian and it feels really good playing for my peeps.
ST: What’s the one thing you’d like to change about the way music is made, received and promoted?
LS: I wish people demanded and supported buying music from music stores. If they only really listened to the difference in quality of what they download, they would be amazed!!
ST: What project(s) are you currently working on, are you able to share?
LS: I am just finishing up my next album that which is to be released around May on Salted Records. I have some new singles coming out as well! One is called “All Night High” and the other is called “Here I Am” with Fred Everything on Om Records.
ST: How have you “mastered your craft” as a singer?
LS: Not as disciplined as I should be really, but we all tend to be a little hard on ourselves. I think as I’ve matured, so has my voice. I’ve become more comfortable with myself, and what my voice can do. I’ve taught myself how to be free and to let my voice go especially live. You’d be surprised what happens when you focus and let it go – and I mean that with anything not just singing.
ST: Are you planning any shows for Toronto?
LS: As for shows, I have no plans for Toronto yet but we’re working on it.
ST: What’s in your ipod now?
LS: I actually lost my iPod and just replaced it with the iPhone. I haven’t put anything on it except music from my upcoming album.
ST: I love the line, “guilty pleasures, you’d say…” from ‘Matter of Time’. What is your favourite guilty pleasure?
LS: Hmm!! Do I dare say? There’s a few actually, but let me be conservative and say I am a shoe H&*^%r!!
ST: Thank you so much for speaking with me…
LS: You’re welcome!
While continuing to sing with Miguel Migs, Shaw promises more singles and another album scheduled for release in May 2008. She’s also started a band called ‘Pedal Pusher’, and are planning a Canadian tour this year sometime.
Visit: www.myspace.com/lisashaw
and www.myspace.com/petalpushermusic
debunkd+groove 