Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell has had a year most artists only dream of - she's toured with Jason Mraz, headlined her own national tour, played in the UK at the legendary Glastonbury Festival, has worked with industry heavyweights on her stunning debut album Wonder and been nominated for three ARIAS.

And she’s only 19.

Her debut heralds the arrival of a new phase for the talented young woman who found fame at just 16 as a finalist on Australian Idol. While her music embraces the tenderness of Laura Marling, the wordplay of Regina Spektor and the free spirit of Fiest, Lisa inhabits a magical world few other artists have been exploring.

Wonder is an album that not only defies her years, but defines her as one of Australia's most talented singer-songwriters. She writes from experience, sings from the heart and gives her all in every performance.

Born in England, Lisa moved to Australia when she was three. She grew up in something of a musical time-warp, grateful to her father for raising her on Bob Dylan (“the best man in the world”), Cat Stevens and Van Morrison. Her musical journey began at the tender age 12 when she started taking guitar lessons with a focus on rock and folk. Not long after, she fronted a cover band called Chrome, playing in local cafes.

Lisa explains: “Songwriting for me is usually trying to create something that will give me proof of hope, like a packed lunch for the future or something.”

Yes, Lisa is just as opaque when discussing her craft as she is when doing it.

“It’s true,” she says, “I’m a chronic journal writer, so it’s kind of like when I can’t just write it down, when there has to be even more of a human element to it, whether my voice or the chords… I guess it’s like proof that I can move forward. Usually it’s about losing and then re-finding hope or happiness. Most of my songs are written around that cusp. I guess it’s a survival mechanism for me.”

Source: www.lisamitchell.com.au