I was born and raised in the Rochester, New York area, when jazz and swing music seemed to rule the city and surrounding suburbs. I have vivid memories of hiding in my upstairs bedroom while my parents would have dinner parties blasting the records of Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee. As I listened to their music, I was developing my own musical identity, which had nothing to do with what I was hearing, or so I thought. I first pestered my parents for piano lessons and was granted that wish as a third grader when I began studuying and touching the keys. I floated to some other destination, a sense of connection and divine energy.

As a junior high kid my life changed around three events; my father’s phonograph was the first. I spent countless hours leaning over with my ear pitched to the speaker singing all the harmonies to the Supremes, the Beach Boys, and my older brothers 50’s be-bop. 

Second, then came the British invasion and I fell in love as any normal budding musician would. I cut my hair like a Beatle, joined the original fan club, and begged and again pestered my parents for a guitar for Christmas. An electric guitar. (They surprised me and came through).  

Third: the discovery of the bevy of female singer-songwriters in the so called “Folk-Rock” revolution. Bingo! I wanted to be one of them! I wanted to be like them! I dreamed inside their music as I listened and knew I would someday write music to channel all my innermost feelings too. I was buying the albums and pouring over the artwork and printed lyrics, always singing along but enjoying the harmony as much or more as the melody. So, I played that guitar and sang every day all through high school.

Meanwhile, in my high school life, I had the French horn, my guitar, choir, and group voice classes, and not to forget social pressure that seemed secondary. My first debut performance was at our high school coffeehouse. I then discovered my first major block…serious stage fright. I recall shaking, literally shaking before and after my one song…my very virginal version of “Leavin’ On A Jet Plane” … but it all began at that point… the thrill and high of performing, sharing, and laying your soul out on the line… of wanting to believe you can… instead of maybe… or can’t. After school I was singing in a four-piece vocal “Mamas and Papas” group, at fancy parties, and standing up front as a lead singer in a rock band that played at local dances and some college frat parties.

College? Oh yea. I thought I knew what I wanted there – by the grace of my perfect pitch and sight-reading skills I was admitted to the Crane School of Music at the NY State University in Potsdam. I enjoyed music theory and the private lessons, but disliked feeling inferior to all the opera voices around me. I attended the classes I liked and skipped and ones I didn’t like. My head was in a musical fog of doing what everyone else was doing, and I was too immature to organize and prioritize me. But, in all of that, I learned solid music theory and how to classically sing.

By now I was pouring over the electric revolution of 70’s rock – still loving that British flavor. I began performing in the little pubs with my second guitar, one of the first Yamaha 12 strings. I was performing the songs of my favorite recording artists, and trying out my first couple attempts at songwriting, while that musical “voice” was driving me to perform. And, at the same time, I was totally nervous at measuring up. I too, began experimenting with open tunings and finger picking, but down deep, in the youthful heart, all I wanted was to write and perform.

Fast forward to post college days, I talked the talk, but was slow in walking the walk. 

Daydreaming and baby steps, helped me be closer — Playing in the local Columbia County Chatham NY area I was receiving noteworthy compliments and recognition – but the biological urge to “be in family” took precedence. While being married and having three children, I was lucky to make music across the Berkshire, upstate New York area, a lot of original music with my longtime favorite partner, Sally McCarthy.

We spent twenty glorious years in musicianship and friendship and mommyship. Saw each other through huge life changes as well as our own musical evolution. Opening for famous people, delving into theater arts, and the beginning for me, of teaching music to others. What started out as a financial need, turned out to be my real calling. To be a part of my children’s lives in the community, to truly teach the joy of singing and playing and performing, and yet still have my creativity with personal music, was idyllic for many years. 

First album… born of a combination of country music and Broadway influences… still I wrote it and sang it from my heart. “Full Moon, Montana, and You,” a combined effort of the swing band we were playing with and hired professionals I came to know — a big learning experience for the first studio album. Many tunes still stand the test of time — I revamp them all the time and audiences love them.

Life flies by and families grow up… there is a time frame where all I remember is loving and being in our family – I branched out into directing musical theater and community events that led to forming a teen company dedicated to giving back to our community. All my students who studied with me were very serious musical souls, and lived for the thrill of performing, yet they learned team values. I was so very proud of “The Calamity Kids,” and all their major talents. Every one of that first company formed, has gone into literal show business or aspects directly related to it. We are still in touch via social media.

 Health issues and career choices began to change the “perfect life”. Empty nest, and callings to the western part of the United States, changed life irrevocably.

I relocated to central Montana, as our family had a cabin hideaway that we had spent over a decade of summers in. Part of the move was to create a community theater with a dear collaborator I had grown close to each summer in Montana. Sarah Stevenson built the facility, I moved to Montana to direct, to her producing, and hence, the Garage Theater came to be.

 Such a time! creating a multi-arts resource where none had ever been before – major history was made and lives on in all of us. All the stage work and forming yet another teen company, “The Roadstars.” Memories such as these are to be treasured forever. There, I began to understand the beauty of sharing knowledge, and being humble, and feeling satisfied all at the same time. 

My life changed again as I became single – my children began their own lives, and I hungered for writing my own music once more. Dear friends in Lewistown Montana, offered me a chance to get my feet back into recording, and helped make it possible to begin… again. Except this time, I was able to focus, write from all my experiences, and have a second chance to put it all out there.

Here comes the second CD a decade later… “Naked Heart.” Rough cut, truly bare, pure desire and passion…. recorded with Virginia and Bob Wise, in their basement recording studio over popcorn, wine, beer, and deep love. What more can a resurging artist ask for? I play all these tunes still today, and many of them are requested over and over.

So “She” sings and re-locates to Missoula, Montana. All to find a better music scene and a band. I found more growth musically… found out negative musical people, and positive musical team players. You always learn what is right… but do we listen?

 I recorded my third CD “Heart Songs” in Missoula. Some redo’s more effectively done, some new tunes, so new they are raw, but still the content speaks for itself. I worked with an all new band, after auditioning many pickers, yet I had much to learn in standing my ground and being clear with what the music needed to be –Through a contact there I was led online to Dan Marfisi in L.A. of Joneshouse Studios. He specialized recording in a package at that time- a MP3 format, rhythm tracks pre-done in studio, with approval and input all along the way from the artist – awesome for a still slightly insecure artist like me. I went to L.A. for a whole month of intense recording vocals, session players, and mixing and mastering. Dan and I hit it off – he is a straight shooter- he is brilliant in communication regarding the music – he gave me whatever I wanted with clear production and direction.

So “Tame Me” was born, and was my first sellable, reliable, mastered CD that was conceived by me and beautifully engineered and mastered. On the road post “Tame Me,” I was adrift – I needed a home – didn’t totally pay attention to my needs. Only paid attention to the needs of the music. So, I went to the East coast… the Carolinas to be exact. I threw myself into the inland scene. I was blessed to discover that humankind is and will be, very loving and supportive. Rock Hill, South Carolina, welcomed me with a following of listeners where I played, other open musicians, wonderful promotional media, and a lead guitar player who was famous in the south and chose to play with me! Danny Guyton and I tore up the classy restaurants and big street fairs, and what he gave me, was a reaffirmation of my worth – I have never up until then, nor have I since, worked with such a talented musician who was beyond good, had a healthy attitude, and supportive, while fun, all rolled into one package. But the South was not my home – it was my “home” away from home. I missed my family and that is the simple truth of it – I am westernized and family-ized. Hence, I relocated “one more time”- and it is not easy as you get older – to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2005.

I have been beyond blessed here, to be networking and being visible and drawing in other fine, fine, musicians who wish to play all my original music.

October 2006, I began recording the 5th CD (Treasures and Trash) and wow, did it ever go through huge conceptual changes. After researching many studios and options, I chose Stepbridge Studio and Michael Chavez to engineer and assist in producing. The CD changed its name many times, while totally new grooves were found for favorite songs from previous “raw” CD’s and creating “new” sounds for freshly written tunes. I felt compelled to include beautiful renditions of earlier favorites, as they needed to be heard properly; like something I needed to honor to let go of. 

For the first time in my recording life, I made all the decisions, musical and otherwise. I learned so very much, that the final mastering in May 2007, left me exhausted but fulfilled. And so drawn in and curious to continue learning all the aspects of the recording process, particularly the producing and arranging of the songs.

The Treasures and Trash CD was good to me! The single “Count Me In” won Country Song of the Year at the 2008 New Mexico Music Awards. Recorded at Stepbridge Studio, the song “Unspoken” from the record was nominated in the Americana category as well. “Count Me In” was chosen to be included on Violet Femmes Volume 2 CD, of 20 women from around the world. 

An added element in recent years is the pleasure of producing other songwriters’ music, as they fulfill their dream of recording a record. Talented students who wish to experience recording their original work morph into performing songwriters and seek their own artistic “moment in time.” I relish the role of directing, editing, listening, and understanding how to have the artist relaxed and satisfied. Communicating between the team of players and writer, and always seeking the joy spot.

2011 garnered more nominations as a producer and co-writer in the New Mexico Music Awards. 

A double record release in 2011: “Pony I Rode In On” showcased the jazz influences I grew up with, while “Coming of Age” celebrated true Americana. “Same Sun and Moon” garnered the second NMMA trophy for Americana Song of the Year 2012. 

My gratefulness to Jono Manson (Kitchen Sink Studio) and Kevin Zoernig for getting us finished with the records on time, while the sky was smoky with forest fires all around Santa Fe. For the release the best onstage players who recorded all the studio tracks performed with me. Adrienne Bellis (my soul sister of harmony) Kevin Zoernig (master of the keys and co-producer with me, and first call arranger), Jeff Sussmann (most creative drummer/percussionist I ever worked with) Jon Myers( the guru bassist with his custom 6 string basses), Bob Bruen (mando at its best, a duo partner and singer), Chase Morrison (the cellist who performed the parts in the studio), Caitlin Thomas (viola, violin, the “other “voice from heaven), and my singing soul daughter Eryn Bent by my side on harmony. Great show, big birthday, all the cake was gone when I went (fulfilled, exhausted, happy and finished packing up) looking for my piece.

One of the best offshoots of recording and presenting my original work, was when my teaching clients begin to “book” my time to produce and assist them as they experienced their first recordings. The passion I have of serving and supporting as a producer is boundless. Being part of the assembly of authentic original music is simply one of the best ways to connect to the heart.

During this very productive musical time in Santa Fe, my education studio was full and very busy. Voice, guitar, songwriting clinics, and directing showcases for my adult and teen students in addition to recording projects was life 9 months out of every year. Lifelong relationships were built and to this day, are alive and well. Sharing music is a powerful, intimate, personal force that raises up the energy of everyone involved.

2012 saw a shift in my original songs. The music to me felt like it needed to be lighter and simpler. I spent the summer on the coast of Oregon, directing for a local theater company, one of  my favorite Broadway musical works “Godspell.” Residing very close to the ocean, I was making new and lasting friends, and forming and encouraging a cast of actors and singers. Two new concept songs flew out that summer. One of the most special kind, the divine driven kind, was written in twenty minutes, “Something About” is simple yet universal. A song for every human on this planet. A new category had been introduced into the NMMAS the year 2013, Singer Songwriter. After scaling back into a simpler sound, I was honored to have it win that night. 

Thanks to Kabby Sound for the recording experience. I was in a new space in my life during the writing of that song, new relationship, new living space, and adult as well as teen students who wanted to learn as much as they could take in as songwriters. I was inspired to create custom classes of songwriting at varying experience levels. Still use any of those class formats today.

Off to Montana to live (or so I thought) that summer of 2013, to develop a new songwriting, musical program at Musicvilla in Bozeman. I almost moved and stayed, as my love for Montana is well known, and the public response to the teaching was awesome. Fast forward a car accident (not my fault), there on Main Street, a concussion, and barely getting back to Santa Fe. Treatment took months, but I slowly eased back to teaching and light performing. It took a toll though, as I now deal with levels of PTSD. Too loud anything is not a good space for me. So, the music is happier, quieter.

Santa Fe continued to inspire more lovely, softer, and accoustic tunes.  2014 brought a few NMMA nominations, and 2015, (many nominations) all recorded at The Palace with engineer Scott Shane and the many fine studio musicians that continued to co create and breathe life into my songs. It felt like a “family” making high level music. My clients and students booked time to record with myself and Scott and the “family” of professional musicians, creating all kinds of authenticity within many contrasting genres. Our youngest artists recording being ages eight and ten!

At the 2015 NMMAS the singles “In Love and Loss” (co-writer Ken King on lyrics), and “Language of Love,”(my song dedicated to my son, who passed away in 2014) respectively won the Singer Songwriter category of the year and “Song of the Year”. My huge thrill at the NMMAS that year was knowing Linda Ronstadt (an idol of mine all my life) was one of the national judges listening to my music! 

2016 brought a new album release of Christian Folk /Rock /New Thought music. “The Way” is already nominated for this year’s awards in five categories. Ken King approached me with composing music to his lyrics and arranging a full production album. This was my first collaborative record with a lyricist, allowing me the freedom of channeling the melodies and arranging instrument parts freely.

Every one of my singer songwriter clients garnered a music NMMA nomination in 2016 as well. So proud! My heart was full yet again with a Song of the Year nomination for my own  song “You Are Not Alone”, dedicated again to my son. The lyric fragments were first penned in 2009, when I realized and recognized inside my family, mental health issues were appearing. ‘Tis a song for every family or close circle of beloveds, when one of their own is walking a different path away from them. We remind them of our heart connection and love.

2015–2017 saw new concepts within my songwriting workshops and classes. I encouraged the concept to write and create to every single one of my students. I created courses for songwriting outlining beginning to advanced levels. The response was welcomed and successful for all student ages. Mentoring and guiding clients to write led to them performing and recording demos of their songs. This is a sweet satisfaction for the teacher and the client. Workshops to prep and organize for recording were hatched. Clients continued to locally support and enter their music in the New Mexcio Music Awards. Creative community! A trip to the Isle of Rousay (Orkney Islands) fed into new styles and rhythms to compose. We resided on this remote island for a month, and let the sea, the sky, and the sheep guide our instincts. It was literally my first time in my life to travel across the Atlantic, and I was mesmerized. You can in a way become deeply influenced in a foreign culture when you visit for a month. The 2 songs “Isle of Rousay” and “Midnight of the Soul” were written there. We rushed home to record them with the house studio band. 

2018 - Success, Decisions & Reality

The New Mexico Music Awards were fantastic this year. Sitting at our lucky number banquet table inside a room of hundreds of peers is a vast feeling of belonging. Especially because all the peers are there for original music. Four awards this year; Best Mastering, Best Engineering, Best Gospel, and the most honoring, Producer of the Year form my “Stories” album. I am remembering we didn’t sleep much that night. The award gave me personal belief in my arrangement and listening skills that I had always downplayed to myself. And certainly, cemented my desires to assist bring out the best in others music.

One month later rather abruptly my partner and I were informed our rental house /studios were going to be unavailable for renewal. What a whammy that was, as we conducted a education and recording studios from the house. First one worries and frets, but comes the moment you must calculate and weigh in and make your own move to roll forward in. The choice to rent a new home to move into, happened inside a week (while visiting dear friends during the Montana summer). Moving is simply unsettling. The actual physical doing of it ...whew. 

2019 - Change and “seeking” the right place to live.

Life in Bozeman is visually beautiful and inspiring for writing and composing. But it takes time, and more time to build community of friends and colleagues. I headed back to Santa Fe 3- 4 times a year to teach and maintain my musical connections. The time away from my established base inspired me to create 11 copyrighted Master Classes in Songwriting to present to my students and keep them on their songwriting paths. 

2020 – “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”?

A manual on how a performing musician survives without singing or playing live with other musicians would have been a revelation and soul saving. Somehow, we all learned to communicate online, sing and perform online, teach online. What I perceived to be “difficult and cold” actually became a lifeline to “see” one another safely. Zoom allowed me to offer my Master Classes on Songwriting, interview and teach clients, and get comfortable to sing into a camera and broadcast “live.” I had a monthly online performance for a beloved Spiritual Center in Santa Fe that pushed my soul to write two new songs each month. Lyrics in my songs shifted as I interpreted the world around me: humanity struggling, Mother Earth revolting, and the forces of emotional withdrawal due to isolation. The shadow side of the artist in me wanted to judge the new songs as inferior, so I let each song settle in and rested them for a month or two after completion. Then ... viola! Take another listen and realize these songs will go to the recording studio floor and become your next record. 

2021 - As we roll along in this world’s new reality, I am supremely grateful the creative spirit still thrives deeply in me: to create and record new music, to follow the “Muse” as she moves within me, to meet, teach, and assist incredible teens and adults forging their musical paths, and form connections to spirit through creating every aspect of this music. 

Let us all live in our roots of believing, sharing, and making music. Music brings self-esteem and confidence to anyone who wishes to play it or play alongside it. This gift of music is very, very, very real. Write and share. Keep the melody and the harmony always, in life and in your heart.

— Lisa Carman