We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Danaë. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I write about my everyday experiences and emotions, so in order for me to be creative, I draw inspiration from life itself. Whether you’re traveling and exploring new places or going to a house party, creativity is all around. As creatives, we feel pressure to work nonstop which tends to lead to declining social invitations and missing out on life experiences. I was fighting this for years, but eventually I realized that living life wasn’t a distraction at all.
I also love collaborating with other artists and creatives. Another common struggle is thinking we need to do everything alone. Working with others gives you new perspectives, innovative ideas, but also challenges you to explore other possibilities. It pushes me out of my comfort zone, and fuels my creativity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Filipino-American dark pop artist and songwriter from Southern California. Over the years, I’ve developed my sound drawing inspiration from the late ’90s and Y2K pop era. I’ve always been able to turn to music when I felt alone or didn’t know how to process my emotions, and aim to provide the same friendship to my fans with my music.
In 2021, I hit a huge milestone in my career when my single, “Weigh Me Down,” was nominated for Song of the Year at the Wavy Awards. The following year, I was honored to be selected for the GRAMMY NEXT program by the Recording Academy for my contributions to music.
This year, I started releasing singles that will be featured on my upcoming EP set in 2024. Among these is a cinematic pop ballad, “i’m not sure what to do,” and an intense cinematic pop nightmare called “Kill The Killer.” In August, “i’m not sure what to do” received a nomination for Song of the Year at The Wavy Awards. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share more next year.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My grandpa lived by the three P’s: persistence, patience, and perseverance, and I’ve come to realize how these three principles work together. They’ve taught me valuable lessons when facing rejection, learning to trust the process, and the importance of celebrating small wins.
For those early in their careers, I would strongly advise to focus on building a community. While individual relationships can be valuable, growing a supportive and like-minded community is even more crucial. It’s easy to get caught up by industry trends, but your authenticity and uniqueness shine more when you’re part of a vibrant community. Not only do these connections provide support, but they also help you discover your place in this industry surrounded by those who genuinely understand your vision and uplift your voice.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past year, my most significant area of growth has been on a spiritual level. A couple of friends recommended I read “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, and these books played a huge role in this transformation.
“The Artist’s Way” helped me unlock my creative potential and deepen my spiritual connection to my art. The practice of morning pages and artist dates allowed me to explore my creative process more, contributing to my self-discovery. “Big Magic” introduced me to a mystical and transformative aspect of creativity. It offered insights on embracing fear, taking risks, and inviting inspiration, further strengthening my spiritual connection to my art. Both books taught me the importance of letting go and placing trust in the Universe.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lisadanae.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/lisadanaemusic
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/lisadanaemusic
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisadanae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/lisadanae
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yeqvyJgMHdQ4E3DwEs32N?si=0c04HSqnRk2QABqnONGSnQ
Image Credits
Anna Azarov Ward 8 Studios Kris Florence
