Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Danaë.
Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Filipino-American dark pop artist and songwriter hailing from Southern California. My musical journey began at the age of seven with the piano, and later expanded my repertoire to guitar and violin. I joined choir and orchestra in elementary school and graduated from Catawba College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business.
My initial role in the music industry was as a Merchandise Manager for various bands. I loved the experience of being on tour and learning the ins and outs of the industry from behind the scenes. However, my heart wanted to focus on creating my own music and touring as a solo artist. That’s when I began releasing my original music. Drawing inspiration from the late ’90s and Y2K pop movements, I gradually honed my unique dark pop sound, blending deep, resonant melodies with emotionally charged lyrics.
Since then, I’ve graced the stages of some of the industry’s most iconic venues and events, including performances at The Wavy Awards, Wish 107.5, The Bowery Electric in New York, MYX Global, and The Mint in Los Angeles. This year, I’ve started releasing singles for my upcoming EP set in 2024. Among these is a cinematic pop ballad titled “I’m Not Sure What To Do,” and a vividly intense cinematic pop nightmare called “Kill The Killer.” In August 2023, “I’m not sure what to do” received yet another nomination, this time for Song of the Year at The Wavy Awards, and we eagerly await for November 18th to find out the outcome.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t always been a smooth one, especially when I reflect on my experiences as a Filipino-American woman in the entertainment industry. In my early career, I felt the pressure to conform to what the industry deemed as “ideal standards.” This constant pressure to assimilate and fit a particular mold was very difficult, and l felt alone. Even more, it was especially confusing for me because I was either told to be more “white” or that I wasn’t “Asian enough.” I battled this internally for years, which was challenging as I was growing not only as an artist but as a human and struggled to find my identity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist and songwriter most known for creating dark pop music, pulling inspiration from the late 90s/Y2K pop world. In 2021, I celebrated one of the most significant milestones in my career when my single, “Weigh Me Down,” received a Song of the Year nomination at the Wavy Awards. The Wavys spotlight and honor exceptional talent from minority communities within the music industry. Another highlight happened in 2022 when I had the privilege of being selected for the GRAMMY NEXT program. I was honored to be recognized for my contributions to music by the Recording Academy.
What sets me apart from others is my journey of self-discovery and the way I’ve embraced my Filipino-American identity. I’ve not only found strength in my community but also in the power of authenticity and self-expression. I am committed to staying true to my own vision and releasing music that is a genuine reflection of my creativity and experiences.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the music industry is going to shift away from major labels to indie labels or even artists choosing to remain independent and building their own teams to fit to their specific needs. We are already seeing this among the independent artist community. We are also seeing mainstream artists be very transparent and vocal in discussing their limited influence on decisions related to their releases, timing, and the issue of not owning their masters.
Major labels are also becoming increasingly aware that going viral doesn’t guarantee long-term success, except for a very select few. I think this will force them to revisit the concept of artist development and figure out how to adapt to the new Music Business model.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lisadanae.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/lisadanaemusic
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/lisadanaemusic
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisadanae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/lisadanae
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yeqvyJgMHdQ4E3DwEs32N?si=0c04HSqnRk2QABqnONGSnQ
Image Credits
Anna Azarov Ward 8 Studios
