SINGER/ SONGWRITER Lisa Canny returns to Dolan’s this weekend with a batch of new songs to perform. She launched her debut single ‘Lifeline’ in the venue last year which made top ten in the Irish charts.
Having seven All Ireland titles to her name in traditional harp and banjo, she is forging her own unique sound that mixes trad music influences with soul and classic pop.
She spent time in Nashville last year working with songwriters and producers Jodi Marr (Mika, Paloma Faith, Ricky Martin) and Will Edwards (composer: ‘The Sopranos’, ‘Dexter’, ‘Ice Age’) among others.
She reports, “It’s always such an amazing experience when I go to Nashville. That city is full of creativity. Everyone you meet has an interesting story. Such an inspiring place!”
Lisa also plays harp and sings with tradition Irish ‘supergroup’ The Young Irelanders who regularly tour the US with a show that celebrates Irish music and dancing.
“I’m just back from an eight week tour with The Young Irelanders. The calibre of musicians in the group is outstanding and that really starts to shine through in the live performance settings.”
The Young Irelanders have a hectic schedule and a very full tour diary. Lisa has made the tough decision to prioritise her own career in 2016.
“The group is going back out on a US tour in February and will no doubt smash it again. However, I have decided not to continue with The Young Irelanders. It was a really tough decision! It’s not easy walk away from a good thing. I know I’ve chosen the harder road and that it’s not going to be plain sailing but sure, that’s half the fun of it all!”
Lisa is moving to London where her publishers are based to work with songwriters and producers Jamie Petrie (D:Ream) and Julian Emery (Nothing but Thieves, McFly, Lissie, Plain White T’s). From there it will be “writing, gigging, writing, recording, perfecting, writing, gigging, practising, gigging.”
She will not be short of good advice from her uncle, legendary songwriter Don Mescall, also based in London, and Lisa has already bagged herself a slot on new live music programme ‘The Ayala Show’ which will air on Irish TV in March.
Lisa is equal parts scared and thrilled about what is to come in 2016.
“I’m excited, scared, nervous, and every emotion between! I constantly go from thinking “I can’t wait to make the move and get cracking to “OH, MY GOD, WHAT AM I DOING? HAVE I LOST MY MIND?”
“It’s a big risk, and I’m totally aware of that. But it feels like the right time and I don’t want to look back and regret not having given it a proper shot! Sure, what are we as a nation if not supreme chancers?!!”
Limerick Post is betting that London will be a canny move for Lisa. Expect to hear a sparkling debut album within the year and you can hear some of the singer/ songwriter’s new songs when Lisa Canny plays Dolan’s this Friday January 15.
Book at www.dolans.ie
