Lisa Kwei
Watch out for Lisa Kwei this summer as she returns with her new single Take The Fire, which is lifted from the new album The Girl You Left Behind.
We caught up with the singer-songwriter to chat about the new track, the upcoming album and what lies ahead.
- You are about to release you new single Take The Fire so what can fans expect from the new track?
A powerful, beautiful, track about relationship struggles and how you can emerge stronger, more inspired and more confident.
- For those who are coming to your music for the first time with this track how would you describe your sound?
Retro, Acoustic, Classy, Singer/songwriter Pop
- How have you found the response to the track so far?
Absolutely amazing, people have commented on how they think they vocal is beautiful and evocative and how strong the track is. Also they have felt refreshed by my sound which is very real and organic.
- The likes of Alum Harries (drums) and Phil Smith (guitar) both contribute to the track so how did you find working with them?
They are both great musicians and amazing at their individual Instruments. Alun Harries is a Pro and a great player.
He in particular brought so much to this record and my whole album, without him this record would not have been possible. He is an awesome Musical Director!
- Take The Fire is lifted from the new album The Girl You Left Behind so how does this single introduce us to the rest of the record?
I chose it as the first track because it combines all the best parts of me as a writer, singer, musician. It has a proper story to be told, in fact the track wrote itself and very quickly!
It has all the light and dark shades of which we are all made of as people and is accessible to all kinds.
It combines emotion, power, melody, harmony and a fat drum and bass section.... Which is what I really love!
- What do you hope this album says about you as an artist?
That I am a true soul a true writer and lover of music. I am happy to be real, share my experience as a human being which is what we all ultimately share with each other.
I also hope that it says I am a very serious writer, I take pride in my work and I am not a one-trick pony.
- Who has served as producer on the record?
Alun Harries, Myself and Mark Sugden-Best
- Did you have a hand in the production side? If so how important is for you to throw yourself into that side of making a record?
I sat in the studio for 6 months plus night and day during both the recording process and the production side of making the record.
The production is as important as the songwriting in conveying your message in the song and how you would like people to hear your sound. I loved the production side and became a better musician through being such a key part of that process.
- You have also written the tracks on the album so what inspires you to put pen to paper?
Human beings, the Magic of being human! Life experiences that turn you around, change you as a person and shape your lifeline. Also how the World works so beautifully and how it doesn't work in the same way.
Freedom of the mind also inspires me to write, I have a whole other land/place that I go to when I write that I want to share with people.
- Where did your love of music start? And what artists were you listening to as you were growing up?
My love of music started as soon as I was old enough to know what music was. Initially I just wanted to dance, whenever I heard a great song I just wanted to move my feet and express myself.
This grew into a passion for playing the guitar which in turn grew into a passion for singing and songwriting. Growing up I listened to so many different greats such as Joni Mitchell/Fleetwood Mac from my Mum, Fats Domino/Chuck Berry/Marty Wilde from my Dad, Cameo/Soul II Soul/ Loose Ends from my elder brother and Garage, House, Hip-hop from my other brother who were both DJ's at one time or another.
I also listened to the Top 40 and loved bands like Simple Minds, Simply Red, The Waterboys, Madonna (early days), Kate Bush, to name but a few! I could go on forever about great bands and artists I've loved over my lifetime!
- How do you feel those artists have influenced the music that you are making now?
In a major way, Joni and Stevie Nicks are women with amazing songwriting ability, beauty, power, magic and are one-offs, I aspire to be viewed in the same way with my music.
They inspired me to take chances, be true to myself and what comes out! Rock n Roll inspired me to have fun with music and make people feel good.
Simple Minds and Waterboys - Celtic Pop sounds made me want to get a spiritual deep feeling connection with my music and that sounds can create amazing emotions.
Hip-hop and Soul inspired me to be the best vocalist I can possibly be and to always try and get my point across so that lyric likers can get something from your delivery.
- The album release is just around the corner so have you any live shows coming up over the summer?
Yes I play the album regularly in and around London and the South West. All my gig dates will be on my website www.lisakwei.co.uk which will have the most up to date gig list.
I love playing live and will be doing about 20 dates across the Summer. I am hoping to play in Monte Carlo late summer too.
- Have you had the chance to play these tracks to a live audience yet? And how are they being received?
Yes I have been playing my album live for a few months now and audiences have received it amazingly.
It still humbles me that every time I play live people want to buy my album and love what they hear. I hope this will continue for a long time!
- You have been compared to the likes of Dido and KT Tunstall so what do you think of those comparisons?
Amazing and very cool. KT Tunstall in particular has been an inspiration and a sister that has made me realise that you don't need to sell sex, or a random idea to be able to sell a great song.
She is real, beautiful and a great musician, I am honoured to be thought of in her company!
- Finally what is next for you?
To grow my fan base worldwide, sell more albums both physical and download, play more festivals and London venues, to work with promoters and finally I would really like a record deal/publishing deal with a cool label that thinks outside the box and one that will create a long-term relationship with me both as an Artist and a Songwriter.
In essence my music is everything to me, so Bring it On!
Lisa Kwei - Take The Fire is released 22nd July.