Meet Lindsay Solo | Vocalist, Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Solo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My creative and artistic journey was one of self discovery and curiosity. Growing up, I would memorize and sing every Disney song imaginable. Around the age of 6, I sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” for my grandmother that brought her to tears although she rarely cried. A moment I will never forget while she was recording me on a vintage recorder. I started singing “The Lord’s Prayer” in church and discovered an unspeakable joy that came so naturally. I had moments of nervousness but used it to fuel what I felt was naturally given to me. After singing “Colors of the Wind” by Vanessa Williams in the 6th grade talent show, there was a turning point where I realized I felt most authentic when using my voice. Noticing how everyone felt afterward ignited more of the passion I already had. My family and friends were extremely encouraging around me and deep down, I truly felt that God wanted to use me for something greater beyond myself to inspire others with hope, joy, peace, and comfort. Music and the arts always moved me, even though I knew it would be a path filled with uncertainty. I would listen to different artists, and movie soundtracks completely in awe of the sweeping orchestral cinematic arrangements from each film and couldn’t get them out of my head. Many artists I grew up listening to inspired me to challenge myself and I started getting more curious. I began experimenting with songwriting as a way to express my deepest thoughts that were easier put to music. In college, I wanted to continue to focus on music and received my Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Opera from the University of Colorado, Boulder. At the time, a classical approach to music was offered within the degree and I ended up discovering another quality of my voice I didn’t realize I had nor was it very popular in the industry. I am the type of person who moves toward challenges and when I am passionate about something I want to see it through to see how far I can really go. Growing up as a competitive gymnast, I learned early on that having discipline, consistency, determination, balance and toughness are skills that you continue to use in every aspect of life and I applied them to my musical feats. Studying classical voice provided a strong foundation with technique while stretching me beyond all comfort zones. I chose to study abroad in Italy which opened so many doors that have continued to nurture my curiosity and appreciation of all creative aspects of music and art collectively. Moving to Los Angeles was a tough decision I made a few years ago to really focus all of my attention toward my dreams and goals as an artist, leaving everything I was familiar with in Colorado behind. I can say with confidence that although there have been many moments of struggle, I have experienced even more moments of success and open doors that never would have been possible had I stayed in my comfort zone. As I continue to pursue my dreams and goals, I have always wanted to make an impact on the world through my journey while also giving back. Music is universal, therefore I am able to connect with the hearts and minds of people around the world. For me, the intimacy, rawness and vulnerability music creates can eternalize and last forever. I hope to leave a positive legacy of tangible joy and continued inspiration, broadening the scope of healing around the world with my voice as the vessel and God at the helm. Pslam 100

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart in my artistic journey is my approach to use my voice authentically without the pressures of our current society as a whole and pursue a genre that is very classic and less “popular” yet finding ways to modernize and honor it through re-imagined arrangements and original ideas. I am most proud of being able to collaborate with musical artists that have inspired me as a child growing up and then working together on projects that have made an impact on my life and many others. Recently I fulfilled a dream of mine and was signed to an independent music label. Their investment in me as an artist and support with my vision including artistic freedom has always been a goal of mine. I just released “Love Reimagined,”an LP that focuses on re-imagined classics with intimate vocals and orchestral arrangements. I will release a Christmas album soon as well. Having a supportive team around you makes all the difference in taking you to the next level in your endeavors. I am proud of being able to have creative freedom as that is not always the case in this industry and exploring myself as an artist as I continue to move forward.

The path that led to where I am professionally was due to my ambitious nature and saving as much money as possible in Colorado to make the jump and move to Los Angeles to record my first EP. This was a big investment, and risk. I had been told no several times by investors that I sought out on my own but never gave up and continued to work long hours, and side jobs that allowed me to record in LA at a well known recording studio that I had always wanted to sing in. The EP took two full days with incredible professional musicians and producers/arrangers that I built relationships with and continue to work with today. By taking this leap of faith, I was able to create a music business card so to speak that established my brand and opened many of the doors I have chosen to walk through. This led to meeting talented musicians, artists, collaborative opportunities, live performances and my current label. I couldn’t have imagined any of this coming to fruition had I not made that investment in myself. My journey has been very organic, step by step and definitely not easy. I have overcome many challenges by never giving in to people pleasing and continuing to pour into myself as a creative knowing that resilience, consistency and determination is ultimately what leads to ultimate growth and forging new paths.

The lessons I have learned along the way include speaking up for yourself, realizing no one else knows what you need or want more than you do, keeping people around you that are supportive and strong in faith while also having others that might not agree with you initially and have a different way of thinking. All of this allows you to step out of your comfort zone more often and challenges you to see the world from all angles. I also have learned how important it is to have those around you that are more intelligent in business and in life. This is necessary for personal and professional growth and helps you be open to new ventures. Always uphold your values and never be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. Humility is your greatest leadership asset and allows dignity for a better world. We must realize that we all come from different walks of life and ultimately want to feel loved, respected, cherished and accepted for who we are. The more you listen the better you will become. Never stop learning, remember that someone somewhere in the world is praying for what you already have, be grateful, always. If you love someone, tell them, life is short.

If I can inspire even just one person, then I have done my job as an artist and hope it creates a never-ending ripple effect that echoes love. I want the world to know me as a singer/songwriter that creates timeless, uplifting music that delivers a positive message to the hearts and minds of people who are ultimately inspired to follow their own dreams. I live by the motto the more you give in life, the more you receive, I am passionate about ocean and environmental conservation, and I hope to spark new faith filled ideas, music, future projects, and collaborations that exemplify love for generations to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would have to visit the Broad Museum downtown, experience a live concert at the Disney Concert Hall with the LA Phil, tour the The Getty Museum, spend an evening at the Hollywood Bowl, and have dinner front row at the iconic Herb’s Jazz Vibrato Grill while listening to live musicians play the standards you know and love. I would also have to recommend stopping by Rockwell Tavern and Bar for drinks in Hollywood while listening to Jeff Goldblum live on keys with his talented band. Stopping for organic coffee at Kreation in West Hollywood plus an organic boost of nutrients from their smoothies, we would then head to the beach, in one of my favorite spots in Malibu near Pepperdine University. Enjoy a Mahi Mahi fish sandwich at the ‘Reel Inn’ or the best bread and garlic dipping sauce with the Avgolenomo greek soup at Taverna Tony’s restaurant. You really can’t pass up making a reservation at Nobu Sushi next to Soho House Malibu with the stunning views of the ocean that are unforgettable.

Last but not least if you haven’t visited the famous 90210 zip code around Rodeo Drive for shopping and photo ops then it’s a must and knowing me we would have to book a few fitness classes because you get the best of the best when it comes to a great workout with the top instructors in the country.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this Shoutout to my dear friend, incredible singer, songwriter, and producer, Kelsey Mira.

Website: www.lindsaysolo.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaysolo

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/lindsaysolo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindsaysolo

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/lindsaysolo

Image Credits
Max Abadian Wes Klein Kelly Fajack Brooke Mason