At one point in all our lives, the future seems like a vast realm of opportunities and possibilities that allows us to delve into whatever dream hits a chord with us; those impossible dreams seem possible. Hailing from Illinois, singer-songwriter Lissie never gave up of her dream of becoming a rock star. After the smashing success of her 2010 debut album Catching Tiger, Lissie is back with a new album, Back to Forever, that lends a new sound to her repertoire.
In the midst of an international tour, many of Lissie’s dreams are coming true, but when she sat down with The Varsity, she explained some even bigger aspirations she has dreamt of, and how this new album relates to life’s everyday longings.
The Varsity: What does the new album title, Back to Forever, mean to you?
Lissie: It’s a point of longing for a simpler past and reflecting on lessons learned. It is about wanting to return to a place where the future felt wide open, and still having forever to do everything you dreamed for yourself. As an album, it’s quite reflective and a bit frustrated; I thought the title track would be a good album name as it’s all about my life and longings.
TV: What has been your biggest growth since your EP, Why you Runnin’ to your debut album, Catching Tiger, and now to Back to Forever?
L: I think touring and playing live with my band has helped me to hone in on a sound over the last few years! I’m already thinking about how I want the next album to sound!
TV: Your earlier music is not as band-heavy as it is now. Why did you go the route of being backed by a whole band? Did the band click with your vibe and vision right away, or did it take some time to get in the groove of things?
L: It just sort of happened on the road. We sunk into a vision together. I was solo out of necessity, and as I started working with producers, I was able to explore fleshing out the songs. I’m passionate, and being able to rock out with great players naturally led to a bigger sound. The stripped-down stuff is still in me, and I’m looking for the balance.
TV: What do you enjoy more: just you and your guitar or your band backing you?
L: The band is so much fun! But solo has its place too. I have no preference.
TV: Not only is the use of a band a little different, but I would say that your sound is evolving as well. What do you think is influencing this change from a folk-rock sound to a sound of rock that is much more pop/dance-heavy?
L: I’m trying things out. I feel like I’m capable in my writing, singing and playing of a complex mixture of sounds. I think the producer colours the sound. I think different moods color the sound. I think just being in a studio and having freedom to do things opens it up to experimentation. It’s fluid. It’s always in process!
TV: What’s your approach going into an international tour? You’re away from home for so long, playing new music to new crowds in new places. Are there certain things that keep you sane?
L: Try to stay healthy. Sleep. See friends I’ve met along the way. Call my mom and my sister! Remember to have fun!
TV: Your covers, like Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” are very popular, and you can so easily still give it that Lissie sound. What is it about doing covers that appeals to you?
L: It’s just nice to re-interpret a song that I like. All our covers have been raw and mostly done or recorded live, so that’s so freeing.
TV: How important do you think the role of social media is in the music industry?
L: Very much so! It gets the word out, and I’m able to not only express my gratitude to my fans but also give them a glimpse into the reality of who I am as a person.
TV: What was the most difficult hurdle you had to jump over in the processes of making your career so far?
L: In general, trusting my opinion — not being talked into things or manipulated by others. I always struggle with it. Things get so complicated, and I’m always reminding myself to be positive, confident, and believe in my vision.
TV: Releasing your second album must be a pretty big dream come true. With your career kicking off and becoming more and more successful, do you find yourself making your dreams bigger? If so, what are your biggest dreams right now?
L: Yes it is! But it also makes me anxious ’cause I wanna keep creating and putting things out! I really just want to be happy and proud of what I do, respected by my peers, and earn a good living from music. It’s always been a dream to be on Saturday Night Live and to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl and to win some Grammys too.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
