Meet Lisa Crawley | Songwriter & Musician

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

Hi Lisa, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor and common theme for the success I’ve had so far in my career is seeking out opportunities myself rather than wait for anything to come to me.

When I was six, I wrote a letter to the teacher asking to be put up a year at school, and another letter that I really wanted the lead role in the school play. I used to grab the newspaper as a kid and looking for audition notices and convinced my parents to take me to things (which they graciously agreed to!)

I got older, emailed promotors and bands to ask if I could open up for them, tracked down agencies who were getting artists songs on movies and TV, and most recently, after not hearing anything after auditioning for my dream role in a musical, reached out to the director again and managed to score the part!

Since moving to LA in 2020 (right before everything shut down) I began to look for auditions, build contacts, make a point of connecting with people as much as possible, and keep a strong mindset throughout the pandemic. Moving across the world and setting up a life here was incredibly humbling and character building, and through ongoing persistence, am now playing at some of my dream venues and have gotten to perform with some of my heroes, and I believe thats due to taking risks, not giving up and knowing if I didn’t put myself out there, nothing would happen and I’d be left saying ‘what if’!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am originally from from the ever so beautiful New Zealand which is a fantastic country and an amazing place to grow up, however a lot of us have grown up with ‘tall poppy syndrome’ (a term that refers to successful people being criticised) which definitely played a part in me feeling like persisting to have a career as an artist was a lost cause.

I think part of what sets me apart is that throughout the times of self-doubt and negative voices telling me it’s time to call it a day, I’ve continued to fight and make my own path, create my own opportunities, remain authentic and believe the best is still yet to come. I’m proud of the fact that every country I’ve based myself in (Japan, England, New Zealand, Australia, USA), I’ve pushed through challenges and make a living from music and songwriting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I hope my best friend comes to visit soon! I had my parents visit for the first time last year since I moved here and I took them out to a number of my favourite spots – Beachwood Cafe for brunch (tofu scramble for the win), a hike by Runyon or Bronson Caves, a trip to the observatory, a beach hang in Venice or Zuma.

I may be biased as I perform there now, but a trip to the Dresden to see live music is mandatory! Every time I’d visit LA I would go see Marty & Elayne and if I was lucky, perhaps sing a song or two with them after some liquid courage. I’d also take my friends to Desert Spot 5 for Cowboy Karaoke and Tramp Stamp Granny’s (another regular gig for me) to request their favourite 90’s pop banger. I’d also recommend a trip to the Huntington Library and get vegan food at Sage in Echo Park or Pura Vida in Weho! The Hollywood Bowl & Greek Theatre are very special spots and the comedy and music at Largo is always brilliant – all my favourites pop up there all the time. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to acknowledge my good friend, frequent collaborator and Grammy nominated producer/ Rob Kleiner. He has spent a lot of time writing, recording and producing music with me since my move to Los Angeles and is truly one of the best!

Website: lisacrawley.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lisacrawleymusic

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lisa-crawley-a9aabb3b/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisacrawley.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lisacrawleymusic

Youtube: http://youtube.com/lisaonkeys

Other: https://lisacrawley.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Nikhil Suresh, Karen Anne Patti, Casey Kringlen, Zachary Dripps