Interview – Lisa Nicole

Castlegar, British Columbia is the home of Canadian Country Music’s up and coming sweetheart Lisa Nicole. Lisa grew up hunting and fishing and loving country music. Tomorrow (September 6, 2016) she releases her sophomore EP entitled Come Find Me. Considering she is quite the rookie within the music scene, the amount of industry support that she has is astounding. Be sure to take a listen to her work, this talented lady has what it takes. Canadian Beats had the chance to catch up with her to talk life and music.

Tell me about your songwriting process, what inspires you? 

When it comes to the songwriting stage, I usually find some chords that fit together, then move on to a melody and then add words. If it’s a scheduled write, I have my list of lyrics and titles I can pull from.

One of my tricks for titles is I’ll take a title of any song like “Church Bells” for instance and try to write 5 titles with one of each word. For example, “We Went to Church”, “Sunday Church”, “Church and Cheerios” – anything that comes to my mind!

At the end of the day, I’m inspired by my own personal experiences. The music I sing represents my own life, whether it’s a song I’ve written on my own or a song that someone else has written that speaks to my own experiences.

What has been the most challenging song you have written and recorded, and why?

“Mad About It” – This song, unfortunately, came from a personal experience of being cheated on. The good news is I wrote a great song!

It was challenging to write because I didn’t want it to be too close to many of Miranda Lambert’s songs. Because she is such a big influence on me, our styles can be similar. Miranda has already covered the kerosene, shotgun, burning down your house crazy girl songs – which I love! I tried to write the same kind of topic, but with my own approach.

I think what is unique about this song is the hook at the end of the chorus, the “ma-a-a-d about it”. You can hear it on the EP!

Come Find Me is your second EP, was anything easier this time around?

There were easier parts and more difficult parts about the process this time.

Because I’ve gone through it, I understand how to self-release a lot better and to have a better handle on what needs to be done.

The difficult parts are mostly from doing new things, but they have all been rewarding! I added a lot more to my list that needed to be done after completing the EP! Anything from social media pushes to show bookings and being more creative with how to promote the EP. Whether I’m making t-shirts or planning out driving schedules, I’m constantly doing something!

I also hired an amazing publicist for this tour, which has given me new opportunities to share my story and my music with the media. I am grateful to have his help!

Your next single “Come Find Me” is the title track on this EP, what was the inspiration behind the song?

This song comes from yet again, a real life experience. I went through a point in my life where I was going through a bittersweet break-up. At the time I thought there was still hope and that maybe now just wasn’t the right time. We would tell each other that, to make it easier to let go. It was still hard, but this song explains exactly how I felt at that point in my life.

How does it feel to be backed by such a competitive industry with honours like two Kootenay Music awards, two noms at the 2015 BCCMAs and even a showcase at the 2013 CCMAs?

It’s an amazing feeling. What’s great is being recognized for your hard work, in a little or big way. I work very hard. I am self-managed and book all my own tours. Winning the Artist Development Project last year was also a big recognition of my hard work paying off. At the end of the day, I love to sing, so being nominated for anything is an honour and a sign to keep going.

What do you want listeners to take away from this EP? 

I want them to hear the stories in each song and relate to them in their own ways. When I write, I take my experiences and mold them into a story that’s relatable. I also want to gain more fans through this EP because I’m really proud of everything about it!

What can we expect from Lisa Nicole next?

When I come back home for the BC portion of my tour, I will be doing an EP release party in my hometown of Castlegar at The Element on October 1st. I will be playing the show with my “band family” as I call them. I have played with them since I was 15 and it’s going to be a special night. The rest of October will include some more shows and the BCCMA Awards! After that, I will be releasing my second single, which is the title track from my EP, “Come Find Me”. Watch for it and a new music video with my favourite director Cliff Hokanson!

Here at Canadian Beats we life to compose a few “just for fun” questions to allow your fans and listeners to get to know you better…ready!?…

If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?

I would most likely be pursuing fitness as either a competitive body-builder (bikini style). Or I’d be combining music and cooking into a TV show. The Singing Chef? I have always prided myself on having a healthy diet and lifestyle. You’ll find me in the gym about 5 times a week and on hikes as much as possible. At home, I cook very healthy! I’m always searching for new ways to live and eat right, so I have an Instagram account @LisaNicoleFitness to share and trade ideas for health and fitness. Come Find Me! See what I did there?

What are 3 things (non-music related) that you can’t live without?

The gym. My kitchen. My shakes!

I’m at my best on stage when I’m at my best as a person, so working out and keeping a healthy diet are what keep me going.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

In high school, I was in the Miss Castlegar Pageant! I didn’t win the whole thing, but I did win the talent portion if you can believe it! Haha!

Who is the most played Canadian artist on your playlist? 

Shania Twain! And then Justin Bieber! I also love “Leave Your Light On” by my buddy Chris Buck.

What is your biggest guilty pleasure? 

I have three! Homemade whipped cream, natural peanut butter, and peanut butter cups! 

And last but not least, is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Thank you for being there for me! Whether it’s seeing my shows and loving my music, following my journey on my social media and website (LisaNicoleMusic.com), it really means the world to me. Every fan counts. Thank you! I love hearing from you! Please let me know what your favorite songs are from my new EP!

Connect with Lisa Nicole:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram