Lisa Gatewood: Milwaukee’s Folk Singing Diva

Sure, it’s great to read the latest tidbits about Madonna and Mariah and Beyonce. But oftentimes, the biggest inspirations come from reading about upcoming, about-to-bust-out Divas fiercely battling the world, hustling to harness their dreams. Of course long journeys begin with a first step, but how many more of us will take it having heard from a brave, on-the-front-lines artist as fabulous as Lisa Gatewood?

That’s why Tango Diva is proud to introduce you to this Wisconsin woman—a phenomenal singer whom TD Editor Stephanie Block first met up in Door County, that gorgeous peninsula (a Midwest Hamptons!) outside Green Bay. Just last year, Lisa came out with her first album: “I’ve Read Salinger”. Viva Debuting Divas!

Q: How does it feel to have a debut album under your belt?
A: A lot different than I thought it would. The whole time I was working on it I kept saying to Tony Scholl (my producer) that this was probably going to be the only album I ever make, so I wanted it to be perfect. But as soon as it was done I immediately started thinking about the next one. Now it feels like a really important stepping stone.

You can’t make twenty-five albums if you don’t make the first one. I feel really lucky and accomplished because one album is further than most people get, but I know I still have a long way to go in this journey.

Q: How would you classify your music, and what great musical inspirations have led you to this point?
A: I tell people I play “folk music.” Today there are so many genres and sub-genres that it’s hard to categorize anything. I grew up listening to a lot of blues at my dad’s house and a lot of musicals at my mom’s house. I find that my storytelling seems to be inspired by those genres.

In high school, my friend Lindsay played me Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco for the first time and I think that began to develop my sound and mood. Currently I take a lot of influence from folk-ish songwriters like Damien Rice, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Leonard Cohen, and of course Bob Dylan.