About Lisa
We are all made up of a collection of stories and experiences. As we go through life, these experiences shape us and become a tapestry from which we learn and reflect, preparing us for the next chapter in the never-ending story.Beautiful Tragedy, Lisa Brokop's seventh studio album, is an amazing compilation of songs that tell a part of Lisa's story – a chapter in her life – a true representation of Lisa and who she is. In Beautiful Tragedy's title track, Lisa says,
I'll
take all the storms and I'll take all the pain and I'll throw in the
good times and weave them up magically into my tapestry – all my life's
meant to be's in a beautiful tragedy…
Lisa's approach to Beautiful Tragedy was very different than her previous recording projects. She wanted to bring it back to the basics - to great songs and pure music – a very simple recipe. She wanted the music to have an organic feel, focusing more on the soul of each song as opposed to layers of electronics and instrumentation. She chose songs that truly meant something to her…no filler. And to do this, Lisa led the project from top to bottom. Writer, producer, record label, coffee runner…
Some might say that Lisa has reinvented herself for this project – but she would disagree. Rather than reinvention, Beautiful Tragedy is a maturation. There is a truth in the music that Lisa is eminently proud of. It is an album that provides new subtleties with every listen. It is an album that will make you feel. What you feel is up to you…
Once a shy, quiet girl caught in the whirlwind of early success, Lisa has found her true voice. She is an accomplished and award winning performer, singer and songwriter. Her tale began in suburban Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As a baby, it was clear to her parents that she was special – she could sing before she could talk! By the age of seven she was on stage with her accordion playing mother and drumming brother, performing everything from polkas to Kenny Rogers' classics.
By age 12 she was sitting in with other Vancouver bands, and went professional at age 15 when she joined a touring band. A year later she began a solo career and released "Daddy Sing To Me", the first of a string of teenage singles. Lisa's career began to gain momentum with the recording of her debut album, an independent Canadian release entitled 'My Love'. At the age of 19 in 1992, Lisa took the film stage for a change, in the lead female role of the feature film "Harmony Cats". The movie, in which Lisa played a country singer who leaves home in search of a big break in Nashville, proved to be prophetic. Shortly after the filming of "Harmony Cats", and on the strength of her very first Nashville showcase, Lisa was signed to Capitol Records. Over the next three years, she released two critically acclaimed albums, the Canadian certified Gold record "Every Little Girls Dream" and the self-titled "Lisa Brokop", with hits such as "Give Me a Ring Sometime", "Take That", "Before He Kissed Me" and "She Can't Save Him".
In 1998, Lisa signed with Sony Nashville/Columbia Records and released "When You Get To Be You", featuring the hits "Better Off Broken", "What's Not To Love" and "How Do I Let Go". However, sometimes a great voice and great songs are just not enough in the major label music factory, and despite critical acclaim, Lisa and her record label parted ways. Now comfortably established in her adopted home of Nashville, Tennessee, she took some time away from the rigors of the road and discovered a hidden wellspring of song writing talent, which gave her renewed self-respect, strength and determination.
They say, everything happens for a reason. And in Lisa's case, it meant an opportunity to tackle a new recording project with complete creative control. The result was "Undeniable", a Canadian independent album that, with the collaboration of some of North America's finest musicians, was her finest project to date. Between 2000 and 2003, and on the strength of "Undeniable," Lisa was recognized with a series of Canadian Country Music Awards in her native country, including two nods for Independent Song of the Year for the hits "Something Undeniable" and "I'd Like to See You Try" and three consecutive trophies for Independent Female Artist of the Year.
It was during this time, that Lisa really began to get noticed for her song writing abilities. All ten songs on 'Undeniable' were co-written by Lisa and before long other stars were recording tracks penned by Lisa, including Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis.
In 2004, Lisa signed with Curb/Asylum Records and released a breathtaking collection of songs entitled "Hey, Do You Know Me." From the poignant title track to the classic ballads "Just a Girl" and "Try Me Again Around Midnight" to the traditional roots inspired debut single, "Wildflower", Lisa crafted an album that she was truly proud of – a presentation of compelling music and gripping lyrics.
Now, as Lisa prepares to release Beautiful Tragedy, she can reflect with a perspective that brings a smile to her face. The journey has included twists and turns and ups and downs – but it's been a great ride…and its far from over!