1. The best live music venues in my area are…
Some Velvet Morning in Clifton Hill, The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick, the Paris Cat in the CBD. These are all very different to one another but all awesome in their own way. I love playing at Some Velvet Morning as it’s always got great music, staff and food, and I work there most Tuesday’s hosting a Piano Karaoke night! The Retreat has great food and music every night of the week, and the Paris Cat is a basement jazz bar with a grand piano and great atmosphere.
2. The music scene in Melbourne is…
Great! I moved here from Auckland just over a year ago and really notice how supportive Melbourne is of live music in terms of having plenty of venues to play, and the people around to actually attend them and support music no matter what night of the week it is!
3. My top tip for artists who self-manage is…
Don’t give up or get disheartened when people don’t reply straight away. Don’t expect favours and make things happen for yourself! I spend a few hours every day emailing, enquiring and it can really become frustrating but its worth hanging in there! I would also advise to be really careful when signing contracts. I made a few mistakes in that department and have let people who weren’t very onto it be in charge of handling aspects of my music of that I would have done a much better job of myself! It’s great to be able to self manage until you meet quality people who believe in you.
4. In my opinion, the most important issue facing the music industry is…
We need people to come and see live music as much as possible! I don’t understand the ol’ ‘maybe attending’ on Facebook, but try not to take it personally. It’s hard to go and see everything as it’s a great debacle to have so many options, but when you do go and see live music, please know it most likely means heaps to the artist!
5. When on the road, my favourite pit stops are…
Burger Fuel (in NZ!) I’ll answer the question again after driving round Oz!
6. My biggest career mistake has been…
there are quite a few to choose from. Probably entering Stars in their Eyes a few years ago, I did it as a joke but the Woman’s Day magazine tricked me and said they wanted to interview me about my originals then turned it into something completely different and LAME!! That’s reality TV for you. Overall I’m glad most of the mistakes happened as I’ve mostly relied on myself with my music and promotion etc and definitely learn from my (multiple) mistakes. I also ramble a lot.
7. My best advice for emerging artists is to…
Create as many of your own opportunities as possible! Write as many songs as you can even and don’t be afraid to email/enquire (as tactfully as possible) people in the industry as most people are happy to lend advice.
You can check out Lisa Crawley on her Facebook, Website, or check out her latest release from bandcamp.