Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Kwei is no stranger to the DIY side of the music industry. She’s just self-released her debut album The Girl You Left Behind and has built a dedicated live audience through sheer hard graft.
Her Nashville-tinged pop carries echoes of KT Tunstall, Sharleen Spiteri and Dido, and has already won praise from artist Sam Brown and songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith.
She assembled a cast of musicians to work with her both in the studio and in a live band, including drummer Alun Harries (Bee Gees, Tori Amos), and plays regularly at venues around the country, including Tony Moore’s renowned London club The Bedford.
We caught up with her mid-way through a short UK tour to find out more about Lisa’s songwriting and inspiration…
I first started writing music because…
of my need to express myself as a human being, i wanted to be able to share in the experience with other people. I have also loved music since i was a child, listening to records in my bedroom. Writing also helped to heal me through a very challenging period in my life.....
I have been making music since…
2003 really, my musical journey began with my desire to learn to play an instrument, so i went along to a group guitar class with my Dad who was also a great player, it was great Dad/Daughter time and really got me excited about Music.
My music is…
Beautiful, thought provoking, uplifting retro pop. All songs have been crafted with love and respect for music and the players involved. We made this record in the old skool way, in a real studio as a band, and took our time to make it the best it could be and give it everything we had!
You'll like me if you listen to...
Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, KT Tunstall, Bob Marley, Sade, Ani Difranco, Sarah Mclachlan and many more too!
My favourite venue is…
Bush Hall in Shepards Bush. It’s a real Victorian-style treat of a live room, with the most beautiful chandeliers. And it has the best vibe. I also love the Union Chapel for its intimacy and the Royal Albert Hall for its awesome acoustics and history!
Music is important because…
It brings people together. It’s a talking point allowing them to discuss topics we all face like love, family, politics, relationships. It also allows people to be set free from the bonds and stresses of everyday life. Music is uplifting, inspiring and educating.
My biggest inspiration is…
My family have given me the best start in life, which has given me the confidence to be who I am, be proud of myself and allow myself the opportunity to make my mark with my music. I am also massively inspired by artists such as Stevie Nicks and Bob Marley who have lived and breathed their music.
My dream collaboration would be…
Stevie Nicks or Kate Bush, Nile Rodgers or Paul Weller.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Take the Fire. This is my first single release from my debut album The Girl You Left Behind and is one of my favourites.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Playing my guitar and singing in my own vintage tea shop by the coast. I will always write and play music no matter what happens!
In 10 years time I want to be...
Writing still, collaborating with other artists, touring and eventually setting up a foundation for children called Music for Life.
Upcoming gigs
6 June - Jagz, Ascot
8 June - Headlining Treetops Picnic Party
www.lisakwei.co.uk
www.facebook.com/lisakwei
www.youtube.com/thelisakwei
Her Nashville-tinged pop carries echoes of KT Tunstall, Sharleen Spiteri and Dido, and has already won praise from artist Sam Brown and songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith.
She assembled a cast of musicians to work with her both in the studio and in a live band, including drummer Alun Harries (Bee Gees, Tori Amos), and plays regularly at venues around the country, including Tony Moore’s renowned London club The Bedford.
We caught up with her mid-way through a short UK tour to find out more about Lisa’s songwriting and inspiration…
I first started writing music because…
of my need to express myself as a human being, i wanted to be able to share in the experience with other people. I have also loved music since i was a child, listening to records in my bedroom. Writing also helped to heal me through a very challenging period in my life.....
I have been making music since…
2003 really, my musical journey began with my desire to learn to play an instrument, so i went along to a group guitar class with my Dad who was also a great player, it was great Dad/Daughter time and really got me excited about Music.
My music is…
Beautiful, thought provoking, uplifting retro pop. All songs have been crafted with love and respect for music and the players involved. We made this record in the old skool way, in a real studio as a band, and took our time to make it the best it could be and give it everything we had!
You'll like me if you listen to...
Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, KT Tunstall, Bob Marley, Sade, Ani Difranco, Sarah Mclachlan and many more too!
My favourite venue is…
Bush Hall in Shepards Bush. It’s a real Victorian-style treat of a live room, with the most beautiful chandeliers. And it has the best vibe. I also love the Union Chapel for its intimacy and the Royal Albert Hall for its awesome acoustics and history!
Music is important because…
It brings people together. It’s a talking point allowing them to discuss topics we all face like love, family, politics, relationships. It also allows people to be set free from the bonds and stresses of everyday life. Music is uplifting, inspiring and educating.
My biggest inspiration is…
My family have given me the best start in life, which has given me the confidence to be who I am, be proud of myself and allow myself the opportunity to make my mark with my music. I am also massively inspired by artists such as Stevie Nicks and Bob Marley who have lived and breathed their music.
My dream collaboration would be…
Stevie Nicks or Kate Bush, Nile Rodgers or Paul Weller.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Take the Fire. This is my first single release from my debut album The Girl You Left Behind and is one of my favourites.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Playing my guitar and singing in my own vintage tea shop by the coast. I will always write and play music no matter what happens!
In 10 years time I want to be...
Writing still, collaborating with other artists, touring and eventually setting up a foundation for children called Music for Life.
Upcoming gigs
6 June - Jagz, Ascot
8 June - Headlining Treetops Picnic Party
www.lisakwei.co.uk
www.facebook.com/lisakwei
www.youtube.com/thelisakwei