Set the challenge of writing a song from the perspective of another character, Lisa Grace is still amused that she somehow ended up writing from the perspective of a tree. Not just any old tree, rather one that is keen to be able to move and get on with its life – but of course is obliged to stay put. Stay is the name of her song and it was included on NZ On Air Music‘s NewTracks compilation this November. Lisa Grace is a new name but she comes from a family of considerable vocal pedigree.

What’s your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

My full name is Lisa Grace Hawkins. I‘m a singer-songwriter, I play guitar and a little bit of piano.

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

I started vocal lessons in high school with Julia Booth, she’s amazing! She helped me build confidence in my vocal ability, and being a part of the school productions each year helped my confidence in performing. I was also writing a lot during my teen years and performed an original for the first time at the Year 10 talent show, which was a cool moment.

Any previous projects we might know you from?

In the past, I’ve performed at various events, often with my sister Anna Hawkins but this is my first solo project!

What’s the background of how this Lisa Grace project came to be?

I’ve always had the desire to make a career in music. I’d say it mostly came from writing my own songs early on. It felt natural that I would eventually want to release them and create a brand that felt authentic to me.

Is anyone else directly involved?

I’ve appreciated the support from Parachute Music and Jane De Jong, my mentor during my time there. They did a great job of fostering me as an artist. In the past year, I’ve been mentored by Sonny Southon from Music Seeds, as well as offering great advice about the business of music, there’s been a big focus on wellbeing, which is really important in this industry and has been really benificial.

What made you decide to go with Lisa Grace as your artist name?

Surprisingly, it took a little while to finally settle on Lisa Grace. I threw around a couple ideas but ended up using my first and middle name. It created a slight separation from myself but still felt authentic to me.

How has your writing evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

I’ve always written with guitar or piano, so naturally had quite an acoustic feel, which I love but I’ve always known I wanted to explore a produced sound. Learning to make my own demos as well as working with producers, particularly Abigail Knudson (artist name Missy), who produced my debut single, really opened the door for me to express the vision I’ve had sonically for my music. Songwriting-wise, continuing to grow in my life experiences will always have an impact in the subjects I write about.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

As part of the Parachute artist development I got to be part of their annual song week, being in a room filled with so many talented creatives was a highlight alone, then to work with some of them was amazing! The last day of that week we created a song I really love with Edyonbeats and Rosetta Lopa from A.R.T. It’s something I’m looking forward to sharing when the time comes.

What makes Stay stand out for you as a single?

The song is an expression of the difficult things we face throughout life. I feel it’s possibly a message people relate to, especially off the back of lockdown, everyone’s had to battle with their life being on hold. Aside from that I’m sure we all face times where life isn’t going to plan. It felt like the right first release, and almost a way to close that chapter of feeling trapped in fear and move towards releasing all the music I’m excited to share.

What’s the story behind Stay?

Jane gave us a prompt to write as if we were another character. I somehow ended up writing from the perspective of a tree. Not really sure why, it’s not usually my approach to songwriting! This tree has a dream to move but could only stay, it watches people go by and gets lonely when it’s dark as everyone leaves. That was the imagery in my head but quickly I realised the song was about my own experience feeling like I stay in one place, stuck in a cycle of fear watching everyone else pursue their dreams and not living up to my own expectations.
The imagery of a tree ended up adding another layer of meaning to Stay as I thought about the strength a tree possesses from where it stands.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

“Losing patience I don’t understand conflicting behaviours when I’m trying to mend.”

Who did you write/record/produce the single with and where? 

After writing the song, I worked with producer/artist Abigail Knudson, we had three sessions at Parachute Music. Abi was great to work with and likes to make samples with sounds in the room, the hi-hats in the second verse were made with chopsticks after we had sushi for lunch.

I had heaps of harmonies I wanted to add from my demo, she was very patient with me to re-record them all and her vocal production was awesome, pushing me to try different things with my voice and get the intended emotion for the song. I enjoyed her approach to making music and appreciated it was such a fun and collaborative process.

What would you like listeners to take away from listening to Stay?

I hope they feel understood, if they relate to the message of the song. I’d love it to be a reminder there’s no timeline on success, don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come in your own development, doing your best not to compare that to anyone else’s journey. Where you’re at now is okay.

How do you generally work out what song would make a good single?

Being open to trusted people’s advice is always good, but ultimately whatever you feel proud of and excited to put out. As soon as Stay came out I started to question my next single choice, but quickly my friends reminded me to trust my gut.

Who else is in your team?

Currently, I am doing all the grunt work myself, but it was awesome to have Abi on board as the producer and Crystal shooting and directing the video. I have a great mentor Sonny Southon from Music Seeds, Parachute Music is always ready to give advice. Also, my music friends have been really good to bounce ideas off. My community is my team at the moment. I’m lucky to have such supportive people around me.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? 

Yes. I am working on a collaboration with my good friend Kyla Greening to release in the near future, who’s just put out her second single Promises. Also I have more music to share in 2023.

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

• Chris Bates – They Don’t Know A Thing About Me
• Kyla Greening – Rich Girl
• Aidan Fine – Gold

Have any previous NZOA applications not gained funding or been included on NewTracks? 

Being my first release I’m fairly new to the funding process. I don’t quite meet all the criteria just yet but it’s great to have clear steps to aim for. My advice would be to keep moving towards your goals, adopt a growth mindset, create what you love with what you have.

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

I’m loving Georgia Lines’ Intros, a cool artist as well as a genuine person. I really enjoy her fun down to earth approach to highlighting local artists.