About Lisa Cuthbert

Lisa Cuthbert was exposed to a wide array of musical styles while growing up in the suburbs of South Dublin and she quickly garnered a reputation among her peers for her lush piano interpretations of Metallica songs. Further influenced by artists such as Tori Amos, Bjork, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Loreena McKennitt, Lisa's solo material realizes a dramatic range of intense, emotionally-charged songs for piano and vocals. 2009 saw the release of Lisa's debut EP Ready to Unfold, which includes 3 of Lisa's own songs, a cover of fellow Irish band the Cranberries, and an ambient instrumental track. On the strength of the EP release Lisa supported Mick Moss (Antimatter) and Duncan Patterson (Íon, ex-Anathema) on their tour of Europe, as well as Anneke van Giersbergen (Agua de Annique, ex-The Gathering), Irish singer/songwriter Mark Geary, and Cork legend John Spillane. Lisa became part of Moss and Patterson's touring band, playing piano and backing vocals while also recording vocals on Íon's second album Immaculada, which was released on Equilibrium Music in January 2010. Her debut solo CD Obstacles followed in July 2010. The album revolves around the concept of challenges that we face in our journey through life, ranging from everyday highs and lows to personal relationships, to common fears like death and abandonment. Featuring guest appearances by Mick Moss and Lisa's younger sister Aoife, Obstacles highlights Lisa's affecting vocal work and subtly demonstrates her prog and jazz influences on its 11 well-crafted tracks. Lisa has tirelessly criss-crossed Europe on several tours, appearing at Castlefest, Wave Gotik Treffen, and as a featured opening act for the inaugural Marillion Weekend in May, 2011. Her second album, Paramour, is scheduled for an autumn 2012 release. What people have said about Lisa's music and the Obstacles album: "Lisa has a voice that, for me, borders between Fiona Apple and Sarah McLaughlan...Deep, throaty vocals that twist and flip to delicacy when you're least expecting it. Simultaneously beautiful and haunting." Holly Pereira - The Sessions, 103.2 Dublin City FM "Lisa Cuthbert is a singer-pianist who writes intelligent songs that are melodically suited to her expressive voice. 'Burden' has tasty harmonies, with Cuthbert's voice echoing the quality of June Tabor and Maddy Prior" Jackie Hayden - Hot Press Magazine "When you put honesty and creativity together, it can only be beautiful." Victoria Best [biography by Marcel Schot] [updated by S. Lange]