Lisa Firestone
Orlando, Florida, United States
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
From The Orlando Sentinel, Sunday July 7, 2002
Five Questions With . . . Lisa Firestone, musician/songwriter
How would you describe your music?
A friend of mine coined it perfectly I think: inner-world music -- most deeply influenced by Sara McLachlan, Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell and Peter Gabriel. I'm a Los Angelina at heart, which only means I'm unpredictably eclectic.
You used to work in the film and music industry. Why did you decide to leave?
That's an easy one! While I firmly believe there are no mistakes in the universe, those years were about as uncreative and stagnant as I¹ve experienced. I¹ve never fully understood pop culture, so trying to fit in with the people who apply creativity based on profit and trend became a killjoy to my self-expression.
Where do you do most of your songwriting?
I've always been clear that the songs are not really "mine," but that they come through me; I'm just a conduit. Clearly "the little muse" does like to present herself at the most inopportune moments typically when I'm driving in traffic, the little ones are bickering in the back seat, and the trusty companion voice recorder has dead batteries.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
For some reason, I find myself wondering what a day in the life of Madonna would look like. I think there's something especially appealing about a 24-hour housekeeper, cook and nanny, with a complete multi-million-dollar recording studio accessible at any time.
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
Well, that childbirth thing was quite a deal! Truly, though, the greatest compliment I ever receive is acknowledgment for being a good mother while honoring my passion to create music - Orlando Sentinel
Discography
"Be the Hope" - Lisa's response to the demand for an uplifting cd with a spiritual focus. 13 songs about love of God, family...even divorce is held in a positive light in this powerful reflection on higher love.
"Gravity" - Lisa's 2nd cd is an eclectic 15 song compilation that encompasses all styles: powerful rock ballads, playful jazzy anecdotes, prayerful - and carnal - confessions.
"Lisa Firestone" - her debut collection of 6 songs put her talent on the map instantly when 2 songs were selected for commercial TV use, and another won, "Most Spiritual/Soulful Song" in 2000.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
A Songwriter's Showcase of America award winner for 3 consecutive years, including Best Solo Pianist of 2003, Lisa Firestone is a natural writer and performer. Powerful lyrical messages come through an emotive delivery that sets the room on fire. Vulnerable confessions, humorous stories, and soulful ballads all find cohesion through Lisa's heavenly vocals. Songs of love and passion are intertwined with subtle messages of peace in a dynamic, knock-out performance.
Among the venues where Lisa has appeared are the House of Blues and the Hard Rock Velvet Sessions. She has played alongside internationally-reknown authors, Neal Donald Walsch and Doreen Virtue, and was recently featured by the city of Casselberry before 1,000 people. Lisa also plays concerts regularly at new thought churches, refining her set to her family and peace-centered songs. She has led retreats, performed in festivals, and delivers as much power in large outdoor events as to intimate houseparties.
A native Los Angelina, Lisa was classically-trained since age five, and graduated from UCLA and Musician's Institute (KIT). She moved to Florida in 97 and has released 3 self-produced cd's while raising two-small children. Songwriters Showcase of America also awarded her "best one line lyric" in 2002 and "Most soulful/spiritual song" in 2001. Her writing credits include commercials and documentary scoring. Orange TV currently has a one hour feature running on Lisa in her hometown Orlando, Florida.
Lisa plays solo and with her band behind her, bringing subtle spiritual messages to all subjects... childbirth, divorce ..even chocolate. Described as "magnetic" and "with energy that is contagious," Lisa's songs weave through the life of an evolving woman, passionately embracing all emotions -- what she calls "the whole tamale".
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