Life and Work with Lisa Ritchie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Ritchie.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’d been writing music since I was five years old – songs of heartbreak, of “when will I see you again” – which sounds insane when you’re a five year old. But I remember always being drawn the narratives of conflict and heartache, and I loved writing about it – even when I had not yet fully experienced it. Growing up, no one was fond of my voice and my singing, so I kept to my room. When I was 20, I entered a talent show and played an original; the response was overwhelmingly positive. From there, I began realizing I don’t need to keep confined to my room.

I wholeheartedly began my music career in the small college town of Ann Arbor, MI when I was 23. A year and a half later, I moved out to LA to further pursue it and search for inspiration. I’ve had some incredible experiences out here and have been truly humbled by the process and lack of control there is in being in this industry.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
As I mentioned, it has not been a smooth road. It’s been one of self-doubt and failure, but also one of courage and success. There always exists a balance between positives and negatives.

I have a few pieces of advice for young women who are just starting their journey:

1. Find a good group of friends (preferably not in your industry) that you trust and respect. Respect is probably the most important.
2. Be direct in what you want instead of passively trying to communicate or achieve something.
3. No one cares at the end of the day, and it’s most important that you are doing something that you think matters.
4. Many people (mostly men in my experience) will absolutely talk over you and give you unsolicited (and often incorrect) directions, in which you should graciously thank them, but ignore them and continue on your path.

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a brand, organization or service provider? What sets you apart from others?
Honestly, not a lot sets me apart. I’m geographically located in one of the top entertainment industries in the world and a lot of people can do what I do and do it better. The small degree of difference between me and the next 20-something-year-old singer-songwriter is our perspective of the world. We often share experiences in love and loss and life, but our perspective in how we tell that story changes drastically from person to person. I try and capitalize on that subtle, but big difference.

Who have you been inspired by?
Classic answer, but honestly, it’s my mom. She’s faced a lot of adversity in her career and continued to persevere for the sole reason of her own passions.

More recently, I’ve been incredibly inspired by fellow artists such as Yify Zhang, Cerian, and Daisy Chute. Their talent is of course monumental. But their willingness to help other females in the industry is unprecedented. It’s been a humbling experience to see the action behind the idea of women helping women in this industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.lisaritchiemusic.com/
• Email: booking@lisaritchiemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaritchiemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaritchiemusic/

Image Credit:
Shwet Films

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