Independent artist LISA VIOLA dropped her new single “Show Me Da Way” earlier this year. The track features Grammy Award Winning Artist SHAGGY, whose singles, including “Boombastic” or “It Wasn’t Me”, have become a revolutionary phenomenon in the international music industry.
02 May 2017 (Sydney, Australia) Singer, Dancer and Songwriter Lisa Viola started 2017 with her explosive style. Mixing reggae, pop and ethnic international music rhythms, this new single fuses her vivid personality and conception of music in one song, offering a brand new insight inside the Angolan born and Australian raised independent artist. “Show Me Da Way” is out now and follows previous singles such as “Shake Up Your Bum Bum”, where she featured Nigerian artist Timaya or “Bounced Wid It”, featuring Jamaican Dancehall veteran Redfox.
Caribbean POSH caught up with the songstress and here is what she had to say:
Let’s start with where you are in your career. Besides having a hot new single featuring Grammy Award Winning Artist, Shaggy – what keeps you making music?
That’s an excellent question because as artists we often need to stop and ask ourselves the big question… Why? When I was in my teens I was making music solely because I needed to express myself in a way other than dance.
Lyrics, and singing took my self-expression to another level. I now continue to make music because it continues to present new challenges for me and I thrive off that. The challenge to be better at the art, more authentic, more honest… more ME! You learn a lot about yourself on this journey. There are also challenges outside of the art, the business side of things. I’ve acquired so many skills building my own brand.
How would you describe yourself?
I’ve recently learnt that my name (Lisa) means ‘Devoted One’ I felt this to be true in so many ways.
Which artist living or dead would you love to do a record with?
Tiwa Savage cause her versatility be on 100.
If you had to choose the best song ever written – what would you choose?
Just one!!?? That’s too hard!! But I can give you a few that come to mind. Don’t judge me… I’m a hybrid in plenty a ways… Changes – Tupac, Orinoco Flow – Enya, Black or White – Michael Jackson, Bob Marley – One Love, and In the arms of the Angel – Sarah McLachlan
How would you describe yourself?
I’ve recently learnt that my name (Lisa) means ‘Devoted One’ I felt this to be true in so many ways.
Which artist living or dead would you love to do a record with?
Tiwa Savage cause her versatility be on 100.
If you had to choose the best song ever written – what would you choose?
Just one!!?? That’s too hard!! But I can give you a few that come to mind. Don’t judge me… I’m a hybrid in plenty a ways… Changes – Tupac, Orinoco Flow – Enya, Black or White – Michael Jackson, Bob Marley – One Love, and In the arms of the Angel – Sarah McLachlan
Women Empowerment. What does this movement mean to you as a female artist?
The movement is very important to me. As a woman it’s tough in music but let’s be real, it’s tough in any industry. Women need to maneuver through life often being under estimated, preyed upon, and victimized. I’ve always respected and loved my fellow Queens. I believe that often it is our own behavior that can be of a disadvantage to us as women. We must lift each other up, support one another and stop with the gossiping and constant judgment. You’ll see on my social media I don’t say things like with my ‘bitchez’ or with dis ‘hoe’ let alone hating or throwing shade at anybody. I can’t change the world but I can change me. So if I want to see society’ssuppression on women lifted then I’ve got to start with myself.
What would you say to a woman trying to find success?
1. Know what success means to you. It’s often a balance of a few different things. 2. Don’t ever compare others successes to your own. 3. People will still respect you and want to work with you even if you are assertive, have your own opinion, disagree with the majority, and when you say No. 4. Any time, any point in life you can pick yourself up and start again. 9. Let’s talk Beauty. What are your must do’s to ensure your beauty inside and out? Exercise, Meditation, Healthy Foods, Faith, Dreams.
What’s next for you?
Only God really knows… but I’d like to continue releasing more music. I want to sing songs that reach millions of people’s hearts and become iconic. Leaving some positivity in the world so I’m remembered for doing something that made an impact. I definitely have it in my bones to do some more touring, theatre, movies, anything performing arts. It’s all I’ve known since I was 5 years old. Love and family also on the cards… God willing.