Interview with Lisa Humber
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Interview with Lisa Humber
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Music has always chased me. I started playing at a very young age with weekly piano and voice lessons through the Royal Conservatory of Music. I’d say my journey to get to this point has been unique having walked away from music in my early 20’s to pursue other endeavors. It was during the pandemic in a period of major uncertainty that I turned to creating my own original music for solace and stability. If I hadn’t gotten into songwriting I think I’d be singing in the shower doing my best Madonna impression.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
My day job involves executing and collaborating in the theatre arts which means I spend a lot of my time listening to stories. Theatre is really just storytelling with fancy sets and costumes. I’m an avid listener, reader and daydreamer … I get lost in possibility. My creativity stems from the words that I hear and the stories that I want to tell.
How long have you been making music?
Songs have always existed in my head but I’ve been making music seriously since the fall of 2020.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I am based out of Toronto, Ontario. I am a child free woman with a successful career living in a major urban center and even though my experience isn’t unique, I don’t feel as though people talk about the loneliness of trying to have it all, trying to make decisions based on their wants and the societal lens of what women should be. My music reflects the experience of balancing that fact and the longing for more.
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
I have not played a live show as of yet; however, in the blue skies’ version of my life, my ideal live show consists of an amazing band, incredible sound, a room full of loved ones and a platform to share my stories.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
It would be filled with an eclectic mix of female identifying artists that I really respect such as, Joni Mitchell, Jenny Lewis, Adele, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, LP, Coeur De Pirate, Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile and Haim. I could go on but you get the idea.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Just do it. Don’t worry about how you’re going to do it or what people may think. Don’t wait, don’t ask what if. Just do it.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
This is tricky since all of my songs hold a special place but if I had to narrow it down to just one, I’d say “Shades of Grey” is a song that really means a lot to me. It was inspired by the vitriol and fake news that we are bombarded with on a daily basis. This song is an anthem for the times and a rallying cry to fight back. I really hope that the song inspires people to dig deeper and ask questions.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
I’m working with the amazing producer/musician, Justin Abedin. Generally, the creative process stems from a kernel of a song idea that I’ll bring to him and then we develop it together. There is a lot of collaboration in my music and he is definitely the musical brains behind the project.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
I want people to know that they aren’t alone. We all feel joy, disdain, sadness, longing, confusion, love and hope.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
My debut EP “The Space Between” recently came out and I am hoping that it resonates with as many people as possible and that they just keep hitting repeat on their listening devices.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
Yes! Get in touch. You can find me on all the socials @lisahumber or lisahumber.com