The Artist Explains: Lisa Heller - '18'
LA singer-songwriter Lisa Heller has just released her new track ’18’, which is the latest single off her upcoming EP ‘Is Anyone Listening?’ - set to be released the 15th July. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey Lisa, how are you? So your track ’18’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Hi, I'm great, how are you doing? So excited this track is out. I wrote "18" over Facetime with two of my writing friends, Meghan Williams and Cheska Zaide, when I was back in my hometown. I think I was feeling nostalgic revisiting my hometown and passing by the elementary school playground. So much has changed even since a few years ago, and definitely since I was in elementary school. It's kind of funny to think that you're the king of the world the summer before college, when you feel like you've outgrown your hometown. I wanted to create a song that added more perspective as an adult now looking back on that moment.
Where was the track recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
"18" was recorded in my bedroom in my apartment in LA. Will McCoy helped to produce the track from Nashville, and he even stayed on Facetime while I recorded the vocals. For the cover art, I really wanted to capture the essence of growing up and continuing to have a young spirit even as an adult. Originally I wanted to find a merry-go-round but they are actually outlawed now in LA?? We could have more fun and danger as 90's kids haha. So I ended up borrowing my friend's 2 sizes too big roller skates and that's how we created the Spotify Canvas and cover art. Then I created the lyric video with my friend and collaborator Cheska Zaide, where we incorporated the skating videos and pictures from Santa Monica Pier. All in all, this song was the epitome of a collaboration in quarantine from start to finish.
There is a lot of childhood nostalgia in this track - so what are your fondest childhood memories?
Some of my best childhood memories are when I was in my first few years of elementary school. I clearly remember playing soccer with all of the boys and not having a care in the world. I definitely had a bit of a bumpier road later on at the end of middle school and into high school, dealing with some anxiety and depression, so I really treasure those younger years.
What music did you listen to?
I've always been drawn towards emotionally-driven music. My parents shared some of their favorites with me like Five For Fighting, Dave Matthews, the first albums of Coldplay, and The Fray. Even as a 6-year-old my mom said that I would always ask her to change the station to her music over the very pop-centric 2000's radio. The Fray's "You Found Me" was especially on repeat, and I was also drawn towards female songwriters like Christina Perri and Sara Bareilles as I found my own taste in music.
Now the track is out there, what next for you?
Next I am excited to be releasing one more single followed by a 6-song EP called "is anyone listening?". We are also working on a potential tour for once the pandemic lifts in the fall, and I am already starting to record more music. I am so excited for what the next year has in store- I feel like I've finally found my sound and who I want to be as a musician, and I'm excited to have this music be heard!