By Natasha Barbieri
Lisa Peretti is a very busy woman; an actress, singer and songwriter. “I do like being busy but I find that I have to do my work in stages, in seasons,” Lisa shares when asked how she manages her time. She has taken time off from acting since 2012 in order to focus on her songwriting. “My personal life is most important to me. I have two children, so there are times when work is put on hold. But, when I am performing and writing, family life stays balanced because my husband is so supportive. I am blessed!”
Lisa trained at Mountview Theater Academy on scholarship. “I don’t know what scholarships are offered these days, but the scholarship I received enabled me to take extra singing lessons while at acting school.
I chose Mountview because I was already there attending a summer course. As a low-income student, I only had enough cash for one audition! If I didn’t make it into Mountview then I didn’t have an alternative!” She advises students to do their research before applying to a program. “Try to attend drama school showcases and see which graduates are doing good work. Also, ask what sort of industry connections and showcases the drama school will provide so graduates have the best exposure to agents and casting directors.”
Since graduating Lisa has gained recognition for her classical crossover music and she also has a special fondness for American standards. “I was raised in a musical household,” she tells us. “ but mostly American gospel music as my father was a minister. My mother taught me to play the piano, and we all loved to watch the wonderful MGM musicals on TV.” Lisa would also listen to many Broadway soundtracks. “I loved singing along with Julie Andrews. Later, I started listening to Gershwin, Sondheim and Cole Porter on Barbra Streisand albums. I didn’t think my soprano sound was ‘cool’ when I was young. Then through my training at Mountview I realized there’s support for sopranos who sing a range of styles.”
One of the things that sets Lisa apart from others in the genre is her talent for songwriting. She currently writes music for BMI Records and also recorded her own self-titled album. “When writing and choosing cover songs for the album, I wanted to keep songs around 3 kinds of love: spiritual love, romantic love, and love of family. Reviewers said the album “intermingles the romantic and sacred” which fits nicely. For instance, ‘King of the Wind’ is a sweeping gospel ballad, whereas ‘Go ‘Way from my Window’ is an American traditional song about forbidden love. ‘Circles’ is sometimes heard as a romantic song but it was written about the time I lost my mother – interestingly, it has become a favorite track among my ‘fans’ even though it came from a place of sadness when I wrote it.”
She has the advantage of writing music that particular suits her unique voice. “I do write differently for my own voice. The main criteria is that the song has to be a pleasure to sing. For myself, I tend to write songs with vocal range. It’s more interesting.” Lisa is careful to ensure that the songs don’t all follow the same formula. She also enjoys the challenge of writing music for other people’s voices. “When I write contemporary Christian or gospel songs, I write for group singing or a different voice. I tend to use simpler chord progressions, a narrower range, and an easily memorable melody line – but even songs of worship do better if they have a ‘hook’! Writing for other voices stretches my writing. It gives me a framework for the song as I can ‘hear’ the other voice(s) as I’m writing. This opens different creative possibilities.”
Fans and colleagues who enjoy her music are welcomed to contact Lisa or her publishing administrator (www.songsolutions.org) in order to commission new material. “Provide information on the voice/artist, setting or occasion and we’ll start a conversation,” she answers enthusiastically. “I recently wrote music for the Military Wives Choir Foundation, for the World War 1 centenary. This music grew into solo work, choral arrangements, and was used by other national charities.”
She also offers advise for singers attempting to dabble into the world of song writing. “Write everything down. Or record ideas into a phone or iPad. I think each song, original compositions, or covers, should be viewed as a piece of theatre. Each song is a small scene, a portion of someone’s story. Study writers you admire. Study singers you admire. Learn what you like and don’t like about your own ability or performance. Learning never stops. Understand that ‘success’ comes in many forms and in ways you least expect. So, be brave. Be willing to hone your craft for many years.”
Although, she has taken a step back from acting it remains an important part of her story. “My first professional job was being an understudy for Christine on ‘Phantom of the Opera’, and I toured Europe. I later did more straight acting in Seattle for several years, and was lucky to do many leading roles. The most satisfying was ‘Candida’ by G. B. Shaw, as my English drama school training came into full effect in a classic British play. I’ve been lucky to do everything from Panto to musicals to radio. I think the real challenge for performers like myself is to stay buoyant, positive, and in good vocal and physical shape in between jobs”
Lisa is committed to embracing her natural sound rather than trying to manufacture her voice into something else. “I think it is vitally important for a singer to find and embrace their own unique sound. To quote the great mezzo-soprano, Marilyn Horne, “Don’t tamper with your natural placement”. Your voice is an extension of your soul. I truly believe this. It is what will touch the heart of the listener. The uncontrived sound, with a knowledge of your own feeling and interpretation, is what will make you stand apart.” She admits she can get discouraged when hearing recordings of multiple singers with the same sound. “This is the industry sometimes. Record labels tend to release what they think will sell, so don’t take many risks. Originality is lost. Inspiration limited, in my opinion.”
She believes it is important for a singer to build a “creative economy.” She explains, “Find what makes you unique, and take creative control into your own hands as much as possible. You are capable of more than you think. If you’re lacking in an area, then find someone who loves to collaborate and compliment each other’s strengths. Try to have as much ownership over your product – your songs, your recordings, your publishing, your collaborations. This empowers you.” Other important qualities she deems necessary are “kindness, honesty, patience, and staying vocally and physically fit.”
She also advises young performers to create their own opportunites. “Easier said that done,” she agrees. “I learned that starting small is a good thing as it gives you confidence and something to build on. Do small things well and you can probably do big things well too.”
One of her proudest accomplishment so far has been her album. The project took two years to be completed. “The first time I heard one of my own songs played by a soaring string section I was overcome with joy! Thrilling! Of my own songs, some favorites are ‘Central Park’, ‘Circles’, ‘One Voice’, and ‘My Heart Goes With You’.”
One of her greatest influences and inspirations is her co-writer Jerry Piger. While they often have difference opinions about issues, “we click.” She says, “We respect each other. We apologize when we get things wrong. We listen. We try to trust the other’s ideas. We share equal credit on everything we write together.. His humility is inspirational.” She also fondly remembers her high school music teacher who believed in and encouraged her. “All of us artists need people who will give us helpful feedback, and cheer us on”
In the future she hopes to have artists like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban cover her songs. “I’d love to collaborate with producer, David Foster. That’s the direction of my dreams. If you want a soaring melody, sensitive lyrics, I’m your girl,” she pitches. “One big dream I have is for my songs ‘Stella Mattutina’ or ‘L’Amore Dell’Anima Mia (duet) to be No 1 classical charts!”
Visit Lisa Peretti’s Official Website: lisaperetti.com
