10 Questions with ... Lissie (Elisabeth Maurus)

1. What musical artists impressed you the most growing up?

When I was really young, musical theatre, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Huey Lewis & The News. Then as a teenager, Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Sarah McLachlan and Metallica, plus a whole bunch more. I got really into "jam bands" in college and now have pretty varied tastes, but have been leaning more towards instrumental music and Jazz for listening.

2. Tell us how you decided to pursue music as a career.

I've always loved to sing, write and perform, and never considered that I'd do anything else. I was in musicals as a kid and taught myself guitar in high school, where I started writing and performing my own songs. I was pretty delusional (ha ha) but motivated to share and keep at it!

3. After spending several years in Southern California, what prompted you to move back to the Midwest?

I enjoyed my 12 years in California, but the Midwest always felt like home and buying a farm in Iowa was a lifelong dream.

4. You worked with a number of producers on your new album, Castles. Tell us about that experience.

It was a very pleasant and natural experience. Throughout mid-2016 and 2017, I traveled to L.A., Berlin, Nashville, New York and London to write and record, while also being able to write, demo and record from my home studio in Iowa. There was no definitive timeline, so I allowed the emotions and experiences of that particular phase of my life to express themselves as they wanted to!

I worked with many longtime collaborators, such as Bill Reynolds, Jim Irvin and Julian Emery, Martin Craft and Curt Schneider, and welcomed new collaborators Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian, Nick Tesoriero and AG. Meeting Liam Howe in London, who I also wrote with, served to tie all of the various songs and productions together. We were able to work somewhat remotely as he mixed the bulk of the record and tied it all together sonically. I feel that it's a body of work inhabiting one space that should be listened to from start to finish.

5. Where did the inspiration for the new songs mainly come from?

I was trying to process the pain and disappointment of a relationship ending. I was having trouble letting go of someone, and something that wasn't good for me: it was essentially repeating old patterns and stifling growth. Each song is a different angle of the same relationship that hopefully contains self-awareness and takes responsibility for my role in all of it. There's darkness ultimately resulting in hope and information for a better future.

6. How does this album differ from your previous efforts?

There's more melancholy, perhaps, and more atmospheric sounds and synths than on previous efforts. It's hard for me to examine my work like others might as it all just feels second nature while it's happening, and collaborators lend their style as well. The production is intense yet sparse at the same time, which I love.

7. You did a lot of special Triple A station visits/performances leading up to the release. Do you enjoy doing them?

Yes! I do! I'm a chatty person (ha ha) so I always love meeting new people. Plus, the longer I've been in this career, I see how many people and parts there are to having success and am grateful to meet those who are fighting in my corner. Being able to present the album tracks in a live acoustic, solo setting is also refreshing and feels more personal.

8. You just did some shows in the U.K. How did they go?

Awesome! I'm fortunate to have a great, longtime and loyal fan base in the U.K. Castles made the top 10 album chart and that's a first for me! All our shows sold out and I love the sweaty and energetic banter concerts allow!

9. North American tour dates in the works?

Yes! I start a U.S./Canada tour May 2nd in L.A.! And will continue to play more North American dates throughout this year and next.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I end up meeting a lot of my fans who experience me as being strong and fierce and cool (ha ha) but then they meet me and it's like, "No, I'm kind of a big dork and I'm all over the place."

That being said, I love the side of myself that performing allows me to access. Not to toot my own horn, but the things people seem surprised of when they meet me is that "I'm so much prettier in person" and that "I'm so nice and down to earth." I think I was raised with the values that no one is better than anyone else and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

What are your favorite philanthropic or humanitarian causes?

For seven years, I've hosted Laura's Legacy, a concert and day of family fun on the Mississippi Riverfront in Rock Island. It celebrates the memory of my aunt Laura, who died of ALS, while raising money for research and patient support surrounding this awful disease. We've raised over $50,000 so far!

I also really love Heifer International, which is a group that gifts people in impoverished, struggling areas with cows, pigs, bees, chickens, etc. The organization teaches them how to raise them and breed them, feed themselves and make money off their new skills and efforts. At Christmas time, I usually donate to them in lieu of gifts.