On the Couch with Lisa Crawley

Elizabeth Lisa Crawley - photo by Ren PigeonWho is Lisa Crawley?
A New Zealand born, Melbourne based songwriter. A multi-instrumentalist and actress with a passion for table tennis, scrabble and haloumi.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I was talking to a younger me, I would have given my myself the permission to feel sad for no reason and not have to put on a smile all the time. I’d tell the guy who said my skirt was too short to play in the Church band (despite leggings underneath!) where to go, instead of thinking there was something wrong with how I was presenting myself.

Who inspires you and why?
Artists who have managed long standing careers and are continuing to create, despite already being ‘successful’.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Many things. One would be get rid of every battery hen factory and put the owners in tiny cages for a few days. And get rid of those awful ‘skinny mint tea’ ads that target women on social media.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
My most recent holiday – (a proper holiday with no gigs which I hadn’t done in about eight years) was in Boracay in the Philippines. It was magical. I stayed away from the touristy side, swam in the most beautiful ocean I’ve ever seen, and drank cocktails whilst getting a foot massage on the beach. Very indulgent. Drinks led to some inevitable karaoke sessions with the locals.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Veggie Bar in Fitzroy and Moroccan Soup Bar in Fitzroy North. Those are my favourite two restaurants in Melbourne – there’s a tonne of veggie options, you’re not forced to have the only vegetarian option (usually risotto!) on the menu like a lot of places! Edinburgh Gardens is my local park and is a great place to hang out, and Pixel Alley on Smith Street as it’s got arcade video games and heaps of pinball machines. Some Velvet Morning is my favourite little bar with live music so we’d go there to catch a gig and play some shuffle board.

What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to the new Jen Cloher record, Gonzales’ Solo Piano album, Feist’s new album and brushing up on my Elton John before I go see him live soon!

Happiness is?
Being with true friends.  Listening to good music. Making art. Hanging out with my cat and dog.

What does the future hold for you?
All going well, we’ll take Elizabeth to Edinburgh next year and tour the show. I’ll continue to write and record more music and release a new album next year.

Lisa stars in the Bullet Heart Club production of Elizabeth at The Butterfly Club as part of the 2017 Melbourne Fringe: 18 – 24 September. For more information, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com or www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.

Image: Lisa Crawley – photo by Ren Pigeon