Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Amanda Adam

Lisa Remar chatted with us about the visual for her song “Fell Into” and the story she’s hoping to tell through her EP Still Good.

Growing up how big of a role did music play in your life?

Listening to music and writing songs has always served as a coping mechanism. Looking back, making songs felt like the only way I was able to express myself or process my feelings without judgement and in many ways this sentiment still applies. I’ve definitely gotten better at articulating my emotions but nothing quite compares to the rush of release I experience when I turn these deep feelings into song.

Tell us about your song “Fell Into.” What inspired the lyrics?

Griffin Emerson and I wrote the instrumental, a few lyrics and the entire top-line in a couple of hours and I carried it around with me for a while hoping for a stroke of inspiration. Lo and behold I was faced with romantic rejection and my reaction was riddled with pettiness, insecurity and anger. I was embarrassed and felt the urgency to let it all out – but given it was my first time exploring my sexuality, when it happened, I didn’t feel entirely comfortable talking to my friends and family about how I truly felt just yet. 

There’s a dreamy visual that accompanies “Fell Into” that was shot in Japan. How involved were you in the creative process behind the video? Did the video allow you to explore Japan in a way you hadn’t before?

It was important for me to shoot a music video that didn’t exploit the landscape but just so happened to be shot in Tokyo. So I reached out to my friend in Tokyo who introduced me to the director and the three of us came up with a simple treatment. With the help of the tremendous crew we were able to source an incredible cast and shoot at a few really cool locations all around Tokyo. The video introduced me to new friends and future collaborators and these encounters allowed me to gain more insight into the city through different perspectives. 

You recently released your EP Still Good. What story are you hoping to tell through Still Good?

I wanted the intro song “STILL GOOD” to serve as the thesis and title of the EP. At the time, I was asking myself some pretty tough questions – What happened here? How did you end up here?  What happened to your intrepidness as a kid? – I was sort of re-examining what my goals and dreams were but ultimately returned back to orbit. My greatest desire is to sing and as long as I can sing, no matter what, I’m still good.

During the pandemic, has music been a welcome escape for you?

I’ve actually written and recorded another EP worth of music during the past couple of months. Lyrically the tracks are more event specific and the structure of the songs are definitely a bit more unconventional. There’s a lot going on and I’m pretty pumped about it!

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

To enjoy it. Have fun and be yourself!