Lisa Maxwell - Bad Day
Lisa Maxwell's debut EP 'Bad Day' is an amazing first effort from this vibrant and outgoing country Victorian female rocker.
Lisa Maxwell's Bad Day video clip is a full homegrown independent production of visual style and technology to rival the big boys. It was filmed in label manager Jamie Durrant's home lounge room - fully decked out with film lights, black drops and blue screen CGI composite staging equipment. Lisa Maxwell wanted to make a striking performance clip that would feature her band in a clean, non-compromised, simple yet powerful approach. Having filmed individual band members including Lisa's brother James Maxwell on bass guitar and Jamie Durrant on drums, the clip was edited over a 2-week period with footage composed over custom designed scene templates that give the appearance of the band actually playing live on Kodak film strips hanging in a sleazy urban porn photographer's darkroom.
The final result is a stunning performance from Maxwell and band that cuts the crap and offers guts, a sexy appearance and visual excitement to match the sheer "rock out" factor of the song Bad Day.
If the 10 or so plays of Lisa Maxwell's previous clips for Harmonic Rock and Delusion on ABC-TV's "Rage" and "On demand" broadband website is any indication, Bad Day is set for a great run on Australian TV.
In 2003 Lisa was signed to an Arts Victoria recording project produced by Bent Records label owner Jamie Durrant. Chosen from a group of 500 Victorian bands and artists Lisa Maxwell soon became pick of the bunch and was snapped up for a three album deal to Rewind that! - Durrant's new production company.
Lisa Maxwell the independent musician co-produces her work in her hometown Benalla with Jamie Durrant (Degenerates, Incursion, Killing Heidi) and enjoys a dirty, hands-on approach to mixing her music in Jamie's Neve equipped studio.
If independence is where it's at for young Aussie alternate rockers these days then Lisa Maxwell is without a doubt one of the best. Please take the time to open your ears and eyes - you'll be pleasantly surprised, indie cool has just got a lot cooler.
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Lisa Maxwell
Interview
1. How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?
Exciting, but kind of strange… I think the strange part is having someone else tell you that they heard/saw it too, and knowing that potentially thousands (or more!) of people are also listening/watching.
2. Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
If anything, I was affected by the fact that a lot of people treat the music industry as this great unknown where everyone is so single-minded and “closed off” to new or independent artists – as it happens, there are actually friendly, enthusiastic people out there who are in it for the love of what they do, and do a great job of it.
3. Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
Always. Generally there’s a lot of emotion behind a song when I first write it, I tend to be very honest. Occasionally I come out with a song that’s more tongue-in-cheek, but it’s definitely what I’m thinking and feeling at any given moment that inspires my music.
4. What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Grinspoon, Powderfinger, Metallica, New Order, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Interpol, Split Enz, Betchadupa… the list goes on!
5. What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
I’m currently finishing my debut album with Jamie Durrant, with a rough release date set for August, so there’ll be new videos and gigs to support that, plus lots of promotion! Possibly followed by a tour.
6. Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
There have been moments, usually when I’m finding it difficult to write music, or if I happen to be dealing with someone who is particularly negative and unpleasant - the feeling of wanting to give up never lasts long, though, and the positives always outweigh the negatives in the end.
7. Do you prefer performing live or recording?
I love them both, but for different reasons. The creative process of making a record is like nothing else, working on production ideas and seeing the whole thing come together, not to mention being able to play all kinds of musical instruments in the studio (like playing a Wurlitzer piano and a Dulcimer for a track on my album) and having access to some amazing equipment. The best thing about playing live is when an audience really enjoys and responds to the performance.
8. What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
I have always wanted to be a musician and I have been writing songs for quite a few years now, so it made sense to pursue it professionally - seeing as though it’s all I have ever wanted to do!
9. What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Finding the right people to work with, especially coming from a country town, opportunities have been very limited at times. I was lucky enough to be part of the Bent Incubator Project in 2003 and be able to work with Jamie Durrant who is an absolute genius!
10. What's a typical day like?
A lot of time reading and writing e-mails, checking up on the latest music (and other) news, looking at various promotional ideas and opportunities. I also tend to spend a while playing some aggressive riff-rock guitar that once in a while becomes a song – then I demo new songs on my laptop computer and play with various production ideas.
11. What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?
The positive response from both music lovers and the media, knowing that I can be honest and passionate, and there are people who respect and enjoy that.
12. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
At the moment I would have to say Dave Grohl, he seems so switched on and passionate about what he’s doing - not to mention amazingly talented!
13. Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?
Lucky for me, I’m not single. As for what I look for, someone who is a complete rock muso creative weirdo nutcase – in a good way!
14. Do you have a website fans can visit?
www.lisamaxwell.net
15. Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?
For me they’d be: moral/emotional support; creative freedom; balanced diet (though not necessarily devoid of sugar); being surrounded by good people; and as little pressure as possible to make money
16. What message would you like to say to your fans?
Anyone who supports original Australian independent music is a legend! Freedom of thought is a wonderful thing and should not be taken for granted; stand up for what you believe in and never conform just for the sake of it - ever.
60 Second Quiz
Full Name: Lisa Anne Maxwell
Nickname(s): Lis, Tattez, Carrot
Star Sign: Aries
Favorite Food: Gnocchi
Favorite Film: Velvet Goldmine
Favorite Actor: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Pet: German Shepherd named Shadow
Describe yourself in 3 words: Abnormal, honest, perfectionist
Best Feature: Trying to be as open minded as possible
Worst Feature: Over thinking a little too much sometimes
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Hmm, that’s a tricky one, Kurt Cobain? I don’t see that happening, obviously.
Hobbies/Interests: Music, songwriting, music recording and production, guitars, graphic design, human interest and psychology, music video production, photography, food
First Job: Musician
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Dingy original music venue bar/pub kind
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Wallet and phone
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: What to eat for breakfast, usually
