HU NOW speaks with Lisa Rogers about Hull, new single and more!

📸: Lulu Shing

Hi Lisa, thanks for speaking with us! Let’s start with a few Hull-focused questions! What’s the one place in Hull you enjoy performing at the most?

There have been too many great ones to choose from- I’ve performed as a resident at Furley & Co which is a great pre-show and gig venue for people to come to. It was always full of friendly people there, and I was able to perform a variety of different covers and styles due to the mixed age range which I enjoy. I’ve also really enjoyed singing at some of the newer venues like Vintage Bar, Calla and The Brain Jar over the years, along with the Village Hotel and a party at Hull Minster.

How much has Hull influenced your journey in music and the music you write?

Hull has definitely influenced me as it’s my birthplace and home for many years. I think being a smaller city it’s a place where a lot of people dream to strive, be the best version of themselves and put Hull on the map. The culture and way of life impacts a lot of Hull artists in how they experience and perceive life to be, which then is used as inspiration for music.

Hull has a thriving music scene. Are there any other upcoming musicians from Hull we should be checking out?

I feel like here we’re lucky, as there are always great up and coming musicians in Hull emerging all the time. I’ve managed to catch some fantastic artists over the last few years at places like The Polar Bear, Trinity Live or Welly, which hosts both local and more widely known acts.

You’ve recorded a couple of music videos to go with your singles – are music videos something you see as an important part of the process?

Yes, mainly because it’s an introduction to the song and who the artists is at that point in time for the viewer to connect with. The music video structure is changing now, and content tends to be shorter clips promoted through social media, but it’s still a really vital factor to stay present and connected.

What inspired your latest single ‘Energy’ and what makes it different from any other song you have written?

This song is different as it has a more commercial pop feel with a lot of 80s inspiration in terms of the sounds within the music. The inspiration for me came from writing with producer Adam Kelly, in which we discussed situations relevant in my life, and how we could translate that into a song. Energy is a celebration of being in love and the whole experience of it. I feel the message is relatable and the music contains a mixture of current and older sounds that bring it to life.

You co-wrote the song with Adam Kelly. Do you enjoy collaborating when it comes to writing songs and how does it help you creatively?

Yes! I do really enjoy collaborating. I don’t see myself as a person who needs to write everything and do it all. I appreciate the insight of other people and what they can bring, and I feel collaboration is a hugely important thing that helps you grow as a writer.

Do you have a favourite song to perform live?

At the moment I’m enjoying covering Olivia Dean and Raye’s songs. But a favourite song of my own to perform is ‘Run To You’.

Let’s say you can perform in any country in the world, where would you go?

I would like to perform in the USA, and places like Madrid, Barcelona and Paris. That would be amazing.

What’s the one thing you are most proud of so far in your career?

To be honest I’m really proud of all of the music I’ve created so far. The most recent song for me is something I feel is really relevant and fits today’s pop music, and has lots of passion and a fun beat. Being an independent artist has brought me so many exciting things, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What’s one thing outside of music that you are obsessed with right now?

Strictly Come Dancing, haha! Not exactly that far outside, but I absolutely love sitting in front of the TV and watching it on a Saturday night!