What initially inspired you to start making music?
I started learning to play the guitar at the age of 15. I used to love getting lost in creating chord progressions and melodies in my bedroom. I purchased a leather covered writing book specifically to write lyrical ideas. I used to write from my own experiences mostly and sometimes from those close to me. After I finished high school, I worked at Hotel Sofitel. I met Radovan, who was completing his final year at SAE in Melbourne and needed a song to record for his final project. So I said yes. That gave me the motivation to keep writing and recording more music. Radovan is now the general manager of SAE Institute in Sydney.
Did you ever consider focusing solely on singing, or did the desire to play instruments always feel like a natural extension of your musical identity?
Yes, I have always focused solely on being a great vocalist over an instrumentalist. In saying this, I have always seen my ability to play the guitar as an extension and means to write songs and perform. To be able to accompany myself, use it as a tool to write songs and play with other musicians as a vocalist is empowering.
How do your personal experiences and emotions influence the way you write and produce your music?
Basically, if the melody sticks in my head and the chord progression moves me then it’s a winner. I generally use and love suspended chords or driven by a groove or a hook. I have a pretty strong sense of what I want in terms of production and will bounce back and forth with my producer until I get what is in my head into the production. My third single took 11 months and through two producers from a raw guitar and vocal track to a mastered track. I am happy with how it turned out. My 9 year old has a little feature on this track. When recording my vocals, he kept coming into the room, so I kept a little part of his ‘walking in on me’ in the intro of my single. A little keepsake.
Can you share a specific performance or milestone that you felt truly marked a turning point in your musical journey?
I’d have to say, it was a thrill to perform my original song ‘Lola’ at the Toff in Town as one of the Vic Semi Finalist. Being chosen out of 444 artist applications Australia wide was pretty wild. It was special touch to the night to be able to talk to a room of other talented songwriters about my song ‘Lola’ and then perform it live with a band.
Has there ever been a time when you doubted your career path, and if so, how did you push through those doubts?
Yes, I doubted myself in my early 20’s. I’m in my mid 40’s now. Twenty plus years ago, there wasn’t the same level of support, music networking opportunities and access to social media like there is now. As a young artist, this type of support would have helped me to navigate the music industry and make connections though networking. Which we all know is king in this industry. There was a huge gap in the 90’s and early 2000’s between being an independent artists and a artist that was signed or managed. It was very isolating being an independent artist. I still had that desire 20 years later and when I decided to take the plunge I haven’t looked back. I’ve met so many amazing, beautiful and talented people. It’s been such a ride!
How do you see your sound or musical direction evolving in 2025, and what do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
This year I plan to release my third single ‘Shape Up’. I am really hoping to collaborate with another singer/songwriter and producer that is based in Melbourne for my fourth single, who I adore as a person and musician.
Rumour has it that Alicia Lis will be releasing her next single very soon. Give her a follow on Instagram and stream her music on Spotify as a show of your support. Keep it indie… keep reading on TAGG – The Alternative Gig Guide.
