Interview: Lisa Crawley

How did this all start, did you grow up loving music, singing. Was this always a dream for you?
I began recorder lessons when I was four years old after a family friend suggested it to my parents after hearing me sing along to something. I carried on with piano, clarinet and voice lessons and also got into acting and dance and wanted to pursue musical theatre but I also wanted to play in a rock band. I have done both of those things and now think I sit somewhere in the middle!

Who are your music inspirations/ do you look up to?
‍Hmmm, there are so many! But to name a few I’d say Nina Simone, The Beatles, Carole King, Feist, Elliott Smith, Lesley Gore, Jon Brion and Cat Power.

What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I’m a DIY, self managed artist and it’s up to me to book shows and create opportunities myself.  That and coming home to a really good snack.

You have just had a new song come out, Hurry Up and Wait. What's the story behind it?
‍It’s about being messed around by someone who deep down doesn’t know what they want. That and mixed signals, missed career opportunities, feeling like you just can’t get it right no matter how you try.

The production has a real nostalgic feel to it. Was that intentional?
Yes! I love early 2000’s indie bands and my producer Rob Kleiner does too so it’s a bit of a nod to that decade combined with some of my go-to instrumental layers - clarinet, omnichord and recorders (staying true to my four year old self)

You also just released Songs I Like But Did Not Write Vol. 2. That project has quite a backstory. Can you tell us about it?
‍I was told by a guy in LA that a specific song needed to be recorded for a TV show. After getting a bunch of money out of me to ‘cover costs’, he was very late to the session that never really existed but I had some studio time so busted out some covers that I like but have never played before and put it out as an EP.

You've been nominated for the APRA Silver Scroll four times. What does that recognition mean to you as a NZ artist who's now built her career overseas?
It’s an honour to be nominated for the Silver Scroll regardless of where you’re living. I’ve been playing in New Zealand venues since I was fourteen, firstly with my high school band, in cover bands and as a songwriter. I’ve also played keys and sung for a whole heap of kiwi artists and projects, TV shows etc, so I do feel like I put some really hard years into establishing myself in New Zealand. It’ll always be home, but I’ve gone where I felt like the best next step was for me in order to expand my career. A nomination for the Silver Scroll has always been a little nod to keep doing what I’m doing.

You've opened for some huge names: John Mayer, Suzanne Vega, Paul Weller. Who's left on your bucket list?
‍I’d love to open for Aimee Mann, Rufus Wainwright, Cat Power, Flyte, Regina Spektor, Stevie Nicks, Crowded House…and the list goes on!

You're playing Big Fan on June 18 with your full band. What can audiences expect?
‍A mix of old and new songs, a few special guests, definitely some oversharing, witty banter/bad jokes, and hearing some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians play my songs.

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
‍I’ll be heading back to LA to write my next album, and hopefully be back for the summer for some gigs and some BurgerFuel.

What would your ideal BF burger contain?
‍I’m obsessed with the Combustion Tofu but I also am a little fussy and allergic to avocado (which sucks as a vegetarian) so it would be tofu, the peanut sauce, aioli, vegan cheese, lots of tomato, lettuce and I’d throw a few kumara fries in there too. No pickles or onions!

Sound Check, Vibe Check

What is your go to song to Jam out to in the car? ‘Lovefool’ by the Cardigans

Who is your favourite artist at the moment? I’m loving the new Lily Allen album - lyrically,  it’s incredibly honest with great production to match.

One thing you can’t perform without? Nerves. No matter how many years I’ve played music for a living they still come for me.

One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? The National - I love their musical arrangements, Matt Berninger’s vocals and their melancholic songs sprinkled with a little glimpse of hope in them.

Go to BurgerFuel order? The Combustion Tofu with all my weird (and possibly annoying alterations), kumara fries with aioli and a diet coke.

Fire or Backfire?

Pickles in burgers - BACKFIRE!!!!!! (insert vomit emoji)

Crocs - BACKFIRE x 10000 - I have a music video where you can hear me say how I have a phobia of Crocs

Karaoke - If it’s under the right circumstances, fire!

BurgerFuel Aioli - FIRE!

Acoustic performances - FIRE

NZ Music Month - FIRE!

Festivals - FIRE

Singing in the shower - FIRE

Pineapple on pizza - BACKIRE

Supermarket in bare feet - ew/BACKFIRE

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Check out Lisa's newest album, Songs I like but didn't write, vol 2, and stay up to date with her HERE.