COMMENTARY:
The more music I listen to, the more appreciation I have
for individualism. The mainstream urban music scene is
full of cookie-cutter replicas of platinum players. Everyone's
trying to ride the wave of the next big sound (i.e. Crunk).
I
truly appreciate artists that deliver there own style
and sound. Those that break away from the norm and reach
deep inside themselves to find their true purpose and
voice.
Lisala
is about GRIT SOUL! When Lisala first contacted me, I
assumed her sound to be a close replica to the other hundreds
of soul artists that reach
out to LSR.com every year. In her e-mail, she explained
that her "Grit Soul" was a marriage of soulful
and funk inspired vocal arrangements over a new futuristic
R&B production style. I was like......OK and......????
It
was a slow night...so I decided to visit Lisala's website
at www.lisala.com.
My first impression was that she was serious about what
she was doing. Her website was professional and clean.
It was clear that she was investing in herself and music
career. Her presentation sparked my curiosity..
QUICK
NOTE TO OTHER INDEPENDENT ARTISTS:
Stop being so cheap. Make an investment in yourself. Get
professional photos, a proper bio, a professional website,
etc. Many times you only have one time to make a good
impression. The best singer in the world may never get
his or her shot because they don't know how to present
themselves. Preparation is necessary. Presentation is
key.
Lisala
knows how to make a good impression. She doesn't come
off too strong, but spoon feeds you just enough to give
you a taste. And after you have a small taste, she knows
how to follow up with the full package.
As
I listened to her music samples, I could feel the individualism.
Lisala knows her voice and has found her purpose. After
a quick exchange of e-mails, I received her full length
CD and was pleasantly shocked. Lisala has the goods! Her
CD is packed with banging beats, strong vocals and real
lyrics.
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Tirrell
D. Whittley
Founder | CEO
LiquidSoulRadio.com |
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"Grit
Soul is here....."
She
sings the way folks used to-- from the soles of their
feet, from the down deep of their souls. The way somewhere,
in a church at the side of a red clay road, somebody is
still singing. Her voice is at once powerful and agile,
controlled and utterly unfettered. Lisala sings the song
you've been listening for.
A
vocalist, songwriter and producer, Lisala has developed
a futuristic R & B sound she calls ‘Grit Soul’
that is sanctified by lush motifs that call vocal pioneers
like Chaka Khan, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Clark Sisters
to mind. Her powerhouse pipes and innovative compositions
make for a listening experience that is both brand new and
old as earth. Her ear for complex vocal arrangements was
honed in her teen years as a member of an a cappella group
named Revelation, patterned after the legendary Sweet Honey
in the Rock.
Since
the year 2000, Lisala has lent her unforgettable styling's
to Burnt Sugar, an ensemble of 14+ musicians who perform
conduction- under the direction of Greg Tate. Burnt Sugar
is a recipient of the coveted Arts International grant in
2003 and has been featured on BET on Jazz, and Royal Festival
Hall in London, UK among others. Lisala has also performed
with NYC soul musicians Angela Johnson (of Cooly’s
Hot Box), Brian Jackson, Na2 and Tamar Kali. In 2001 Lisala
opened for Motown recording artist India.Arie for ImageNation’s
Film Festival, marking Lisala’s emergence as a solo
artist on the NYC underground music scene.
Lisala’s
debut solo CD entitled “Get It” was introduced
at a sold out performance at NYC club Joe’s Pub in
October 2003. With a blend of programmed and live tracks,
“Get It” features Lisala’s unique futuristic
sound rich in conversational rhythm and hypnotic melodies.
Get It” will pilot you into sonic outer space.
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