Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Lisa Bouchelle

Lisa Bouchelle is carving her own lane in music with her signature blend of Americana, pop, gospel, and classic rock, but don’t take our word for it—just ask the thousands of listeners who jump for joy whenever the songstress releases a new song.

Speaking of new music, the singer-songwriter has plenty on the way, and we got the inside scoop!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Lisa: I can’t remember ever not thinking about music all of the time! Even when I was a small child, I would obsessively memorize songs from the radio and from the albums my mom would play. I’d write songs during my bubble bath when I was a little girl. I would sing and hum all of the time; my teachers sent home notes from school saying that it was distracting other students. I’d sing at the dinner table and didn’t even realize I was doing it until my dad moved me to another room to eat. Once I added in playing guitar, my writing and performing reached another level and I never looked back or wanted to do anything else as a career or calling.

When I was four years old, my parents entered me into a talent show at a campground during a family trip. I was the smallest one in the show, so they put me on a picnic table so the audience could see me. That was my first real stage. When I sang “America the Beautiful” on that picnic table, everyone clapped and cheered. Usually my parents didn’t get along and constantly argued, but at that event, they were smiling and getting along with each other. I won the talent contest, and my folks seemed so happy! It was like my song brought everyone together. It made me more determined than ever to keep singing, as much as I could and whenever I could, because I was keeping the peace in the family.

I always say I didn’t choose music, it chose me. I still feel blessed to have a career that brings people together.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lisa: When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, so we would take long car rides for entertainment. My dad would sing to the car radio or sing a cappella for the family as we rode around, so he was a big influence in getting me started with singing. He was an awesome singer, but he had stage fright, and he never sang in public. We finally were going to do a duet together when I was a teenager, but he passed away just before we were going to do it, so it never ended up happening.

There are many other people as well, such as my first guitar teacher, my vocal teacher, my bandmates, my manager, and all the artists who have influenced me with their music. That ranges from Waylon Jennings to Lady Gaga.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Lisa: There have been so many amazing moments so far. I guess one that stands out a lot is when I sang a duet of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jon Bon Jovi at a live concert in New Jersey. I had always thought our voices sounded good together when I’d harmonize with his songs on the radio. Then there I was harmonizing with him in real life. It was kind of surreal!

PC: Tell us about Jump In! and the inspiration behind it.
Lisa: I am very happy about the release of Jump In! This record has my soul woven into it. The stories in the lyrics portray the bittersweet nature of life and the strength that we can find to accept and overcome obstacles. The music is powerful, and I feel that it unapologetically embraces and reflects the wide range of music styles that I love and those that influence me.

I had a chance to really use my vocals, not only in an intimate way as a storyteller but also by drawing upon my whole vocal range for the more forceful parts of this collection. I really can’t wait to perform the album live on tour. I think it will make the live shows very diverse and exciting!

PC: If you had to select one song off of Jump In! that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Lisa: “Straight & Narrow.” Lyrically, it is the story of being imperfect and being assigned an imperfect path to follow by fate but still finding the strength and perseverance to strive for constant forward motion through the changing “weather” of life. The music is haunting with its minor chords. It draws from some classic folk-rock tunes that haunt my earliest musical memories—when music first grabbed me and never let me go.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lisa: Barbra Streisand.

PC: First album you bought?
Lisa: I can’t remember which record was the first that I bought, but I do remember stealing records out of my mom’s collection, like Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and Waylon Jennings records, as well as Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty. That’s how I discovered all of that great classic stuff! I still have my mom’s collection of vinyl.

PC: First concert you attended?
Lisa: My uncle took me to my first concert, which was the Rolling Stones. It was so awesome!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Lisa: Tumbleweed Connection. The co-writing of Elton John and Bernie Taupin is magical.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Lisa: Now that I’ve performed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and checked off my bucket list, I’d have to say that I’d love to perform at Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Lisa: My own pillow!

To keep up with Lisa, follow her on Twitter and Instagram Pick up or stream “Jump In!” today.