Lisa Gorry
Interview conducted on October 12, 2021
by Dan Locke
Kildare native Lisa Gorry is no stranger to the Irish music scene, where her combination of relatable lyrics and tender vocal tones have been honed to create an intimate performance style. Having been inspired by many Irish artists from a young age, Gorry has sought to emulate the strong story-telling and seeks to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
How did you discover music?
Music was always just around when I was growing up, it was a given. My family was big into music so it was a part of every day.
How did you start to write music?
I started writing when I was about 11/12 – I bought my first guitar and started learning covers I liked, and it developed into my own writing. I listened to a lot of Irish artists growing up and was really influenced by their style.
What is your guitar of choice now?
Right now, I’ve been playing a Martin 00015.
Describe your music.
My music is lyrics heavy, very pop-folky. Singer-songwriter.
What makes a good songwriter?
I’ve always been attracted to lyrics that capture specific human emotions – for me, that’s the sign of a good songwriter when they can take a specific special moment and blow it up to something extraordinary.
What is the process of writing your music?
I’m a very methodic writer; it’s something positive that’s come out of lockdown. I tend to come up with the theme of a song first, moving onto the structure and focusing on what I want to say. Then I find a musical melody that I like and tweak the lyrics accordingly. I was part of a songwriting group for a while and it really helped me develop my songwriting process.
Tell me about your single “It Was You (and ME) ” released on September 23rd?
‘It Was You (and Me)’ was the last song to be written for the EP and it was written for the purpose of having a single with the EP’s name as I thought the message was important. It was written in a couple of hours, and came together very naturally and in an advisory tone that I hope listeners can hear and think, “this was written for me.”
What can you tell me about the EP which will be released on Oct. 28th?
This EP is answering the title of my first EP, ‘Is It Me?’ and was a reminder to myself of the work that I had done in the wake of past relationships to become stronger and more self-reliant, and how, while it was helped along by a loving partner who sought to understand, it was me who had to put in the foundational work first to then be able to express myself and set boundaries within a new relationship.
This was your first time having other musicians involved in the recording. Can you tell us about this and who they are?
Ah, it was such a buzz – I was incredibly lucky to be able to work with such wonderful musicians who really brought the tracks to life!
What is your favorite track on your album?
The next single, ‘Home’. It has a special place in my heart.
Tell us about your involvement with the Theodora Byrne Choir.
I had met Theo in a few different capacities, mostly recently with the Playlist Choir which she musically directs. It was working with her there that inspired me to ask her to arrange the strings for the EP. She creates such wonderful rich arrangements for all she touches, and it’s such a buzz to be part of recreating some of my own favorite songs under her guidance.
What is your happy place?
A Sunday pint on a cold, dry Autumn day.
