Artist of the Week- Lisa Hannigan

I rarely, if ever, listen to the radio, but when I do I listen only to 89.9 FM KCRW here in Los Angeles. Several years ago I was listening to a performance from Damien Rice. Like many other times before, I listened and thought the musician was very good. I thought that until Lisa Hannigan began to sing! I remember exactly where I was when this happened. I was driving in the parking lot of the famous Chris’s Burgers, and I stayed in the car to finish hearing her sing. That moment in time began my love affair with this talented, drop-dead gorgeous, singer/songwriter. Hannigan is our Artist of the Week, and it has been a long time coming!

Once I heard the KCRW session, I immediately started looking for her album, but to my amazement, she didn’t have an album of solo material. I thought to myself, “How could this be? How could such an amazing singer be kept from the public?” Needless to say I was shocked! I ran out and purchased the Damien Rice album “O.” The first time I heard it, all I could do was listen and wait to hear Lisa singing. She was featured on several tracks and I was still amazed that she hadn’t had a record out. The album “O” was a really great album by Damien Rice, who is also an amazing artist. I bought every single released from that album, hoping, praying to hear Lisa sing!

Several years passed and I searched high and low for a recording by this amazing singer. I even wrote to Damien’s record label asking for a CD or a demo or anything from Lisa. They wrote back very simply, “Lisa does not have a CD.” After another few years, Damien Rice released his sophomore album “9.” I was immediately satisfied when the first track has Lisa opening up the album with her very hypnotic voice. I must have played the opening track, “9 Crimes” several dozen times before I went on to the next track! The album “9” was a critical success, as well as “O,” and I was still curious as to why there wasn’t a record out at the time.

When Damien Rice released Live at Union Chapel I was floored when I heard the Nina Simone classic, “Be My Husband.” Lisa’s voice sounded great, especially with it being a live record. She really stepped up her game with that cover song. She has recently covered Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus.” Other covers include: “Get The Party Started” by P!nk, “Love Hurts” by Roy Orbison, “Willy” by Joni Mitchell, and “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin and the classic “Upside Down” by Diana Ross. Lisa also lends her talents to various charity organizations like Oxfam and Cake Sale.

Fast forward to 2008 when I was surfing the net and Lisa came to mind. I found her official website and found out that she was no longer working with Damien Rice. I also found out that she released her album independently and was selling it through her website. I immediately grabbed my wallet and purchased the CD! I waited impatiently for it to arrive, and it didn’t make it any better that it took longer since it was shipped from overseas!

When the CD arrived, I was as excited as Meat Matt meeting Brad Pitt! I played the album and loved every song. I know that I just rambled on about my personal story, but that is what music is about: how it connects with us.

Lisa’s debut album, “Sea Sew,” is great! I was a little afraid that the album would sound much like a Damien Rice album. I think Rice is brilliant, but his music can be a bit dark at times. His music is very deep and almost purposeful. While Lisa maintained a darkness on this album, it is a stark contrast to her work with Rice. Lisa has some up-tempo tracks, mixed in with some thought provoking songs. But let’s face it; her voice is the real treat on the album. Her voice is hypnotic and the melodies she implements (along with the various instruments) makes her record unique and personal. Lisa is one of the most gifted singers I’ve heard in a long time. I only wish more people would discover her! She is currently touring in the United States and will be here in LA on November 9th & 10th, be sure to check her official website for more details. So be sure to check her out on the road, and be sure to tell her Mailo said hi!