Thomas Lisa is a critically acclaimed Singer/Songwriter. Disenchanted with
the current state of music/radio, Thomas set out to chart a course of his own.
His inventive mix of surf-punk, rock, and jazz, combine with compelling, provocative
song ideas to make Thomas one of the brightest voices in Indie-rock.
Thomas has also written and directed several short films and music videos.
His groundbreaking videos for "Greater Than Us" and "White Hot Dork Funk"
recently debuted at the LakeShore Theatre in Chicago. They will also be
the subject of an upcoming cable special. Both music videos are included
on Thomas' enhanced CD "Greater Than Us". See the PHOTOS section for excerpts.
Press Info
"a genius, with multiple personality disorder" – Jennifer Layton (Indie-Music.com)
"Have you ever heard music that you cannot possibly fit into a category? Thomas Lisa would be placed there in that "un-category". Mr. Lisa and his band are incredibly talented individuals with a great knack for sarcasm delivered in a pretty package. Fans of Radiohead, Weezer and quite a few others will enjoy this immensely." - Dana White (The CornZine)
Similar Artists
Radiohead, Elliot Smith
Influences
Neil Young, Eric Carmen, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Beethoven
Bio
Thomas Lisa got started in music at the age of 7. Sort of. After seeing a band play Beatles songs at a school assembly , Thomas rushed home and asked his parents for a set of drums. His parents were less than enthused, but agreed to send Thomas to the school’s band instructor, Mr. Hook. Mr. Hook gave Thomas a musical aptitude test, asking him to mimic rhythms that he tapped out. Mr. Hook was not impressed, and suggested Thomas try the flute. Convinced that he didn’t have musical talent, Thomas gave up trying to be a drummer.
At age 15, Thomas began playing bass at the urging of a friend who played guitar. Thomas had a knack for picking songs up by ear, and was soon playing professionally in pop/rock bands. On the side, he sat in at jazz clubs and picked up songs on the spot. Thomas went on to become an accomplished bassist and accompanied Jazz greats including Joe Williams, Terry Gibbs, and Scott Hamilton. At the height of his jazz career, Thomas felt constrained playing other artist’s music. He soon dropped out of the jazz scene and began focusing on his emerging gifts as a songwriter. Thomas’ debut CD "Flawed Beauty" received critical acclaim from numerous publications, some of which made Thomas their monthly feature artist. Thomas’ unique songwriting talents drove him to learn many instruments. On his debut CD, he played all the instruments, except for one.... the drums.
Past Events
Chicago Lakeshore Theatre 9:00:00 PM 11/17/2003
Chicago Columbia College 7:00:00 PM 3/3/2004
Chicago Comcast Cable 9:00:00 PM 5/15/2004
Chicago JBTV - Channel WYJS 11:00:00 PM 5/19/2004
Chicago JBTV - Channel WYJS 11:00:00 PM 5/26/2004
Chicago Elbo Room 9:00:00 PM 6/11/2004
Chicago Phyllis' Musical Inn 9:00:00 PM 8/12/2004
LaGrange Borders - LaGrange 8:00:00 PM 10/8/2004
Oak Park Borders - Oak Park 8:00:00 PM 10/23/2004
Chicago Uncommon Ground 8:00:00 PM 10/29/2004
Highland, IN Borders - Highland, IN 8:00:00 PM 11/26/2004
Matteson Borders - Matteson 8:00:00 PM 4/1/2005