By Eric Schelkopf
Northwest Herald (Woodstock, IL) | October 20, 2006
Lisa Germano is far from a household name. But you have probably heard her music. The singer and multi-instrumentalist has collaborated with the likes of John Mellencamp, David Bowie, Neil Finn, and Sheryl Crow.
Germano will bring her poignant, personal songs Saturday to the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Via Tania is also on the bill. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance and at the door. She is touring in support of her debut album for Young God Records, “In the Maybe World.”
Germano realizes that she does not have the fan base of, say, Sheryl Crow. But she appreciates the enthusiasm her fans have for her music.
“I’m really lucky. The fans that I have, they are very few, but they listen and always tell me what they think,” Germano said. “It’s kind of an emotional show. I think the people that actually get my music take it into themselves. It’s about them and their feelings. And that’s really what it’s all about.”
Germano began releasing music in the ’90s, first on Capitol Records, and then through 4AD.
Germano produced “In the Maybe World.” But even on those album which were produced by someone else, Germano never felt she had to compromise her music.
“I’ve always had control over my music,” Germano said. “In the beginning, I didn’t know how to deal with people at Capitol, but there isn’t actually anything on a record that I don’t like. The hardest thing I think for a young artist is to put their foot down and say, ‘No, I’m not going to do that.’ I’ve always been pretty fortunate that I do that, but then I don’t sell records because I do that.”
Several special guests accompany Germano on “In the Maybe World,” including former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, double bassist Sebastian Steinberg, formerluy of the band Soul Coughing, and Joey Waronker on drums.
She has enjoyed her collaborations with different artists, especially Finn. A fan of his work in Crowded House, Germano toured with him.
“On Neil’s tour, since Tim wasn’t there, I sang the harmonies. I was sitting there singing all these harmonies to sings I loved. It was just amazing. We had a good show at the Park West too,” Germano said.
Germano also enjoyed her collaborations with Bowie.
“He is so creative,” Germano said. “Lots of times when people have made so many records, they are kind of, like, ‘Well, here’s another one.’ He was just so excited.”
Germano is featured on Bowie’s CD, “Heathen.”
She has received high praise from Michael Gira, president of the independent label Young God Records. Gira called her songs “impossibly poignant and often heartbreakingly beautiful.”
She in turn has great respect for him.
“He’s got great ideas. He is just so noble. I feel very honored and lucky to be on that label,” Germano said.
