Lisa Goldin Stuns With Cinematic, Fearless Storytelling On 'Something I Used To Wear' — And We Got Up Close And Personal
- STAFF
- Jun 5
- 9 min read
By: Staff
An unflinching, emotionally vast triumph that redefines vulnerability through pure vocal brilliance.
A voice that disarms. A body of work that lingers.
We took the full work of Lisa Goldin's full-length album, and we’re still catching our breath. Sixteen tracks, each one carved from experience, emotion, and pure artistic fire. We didn’t just listen; we were pulled into something deeper, something quietly fierce and emotionally vast.
With vocals that manage to feel featherlight and fearless all at once, Lisa delivers performances that are both polished and raw. She doesn’t just sing; she commands the moment.
Something I Used To Wear, unfolds like a personal archive: cinematic, intimate, and unflinchingly honest. These songs don’t rush. They simmer, they sting, they comfort. Each one brings its own mood, but together they trace a journey that’s strikingly human.
After hearing the album, we knew we had to go deeper. What was the story behind Something I Used To Wear? What brought this voice and vision to life in such a vulnerable and defiant way?
So we asked.
What followed was a conversation that felt as honest and layered as the music itself. Lisa opened up about her process, her path, and the emotional fuel behind this expansive new chapter.
Dive into our exclusive interview with Lisa Goldin. Here’s what she had to say.
Begin Interview:
Hello Lisa Goldin, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Is Lisa Goldin your name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. It is my stage name. I was asked to rebrand my maiden name, Lisa Theunissen, because the South African label didn’t feel it fit an English profile. So I adopted my siblings’ surname. It was important to have a family name. So Goldin it is!
Q. Your vocals are absolutely stunning, the styling, intonation, and accent are all so captivating. When did you first realise you had that kind of talent, and was there an event or moment where you knew it was time to start recording and sharing your voice with the world?
A. Thank you, that’s so stunning of you! From a young age I adored being on stage. Used to sing at the top of my voice practising with Barbra Streisand, working hard at my craft, and was driven to land parts and join choirs. When I was about 11, had entered a school competition with a guitarist, singing “Sometimes When We Touch” and couldn’t believe it when we won! The award was a stencil set and I was so excited using my hands, that the whole stencil set flew out the packaging mid-thank-you-winning-speech! Regardless, I took the win as a sign to keep going…haha!
Q. This album clearly captures some deeply personal and raw emotions. How do you feel after performing it, whether in the studio or live? Would you describe the experience as cathartic, draining, or something else entirely? And how do you prepare yourself for the emotional impact of delivering such a heartfelt performance?
A. It means so much to me, and I love the story behind each song. Always been the kind of artist who sings with all her heart, because the audience feel everything you’re delivering – connection is everything! Performing the songs from this album is like reliving the moment, and it doesn’t matter how many times, because there’s always going to be someone that is hearing it for the first time. In studio, it’s the delivery of the perfect take and on stage it’s all about capturing the essence of the song live. Even when there’s sadness to the story, the song is also there to heal and repair. I feel elevated and happy to share something that touches hearts.
Q. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Which instrument usually lays the foundation, and how does that influence the mood and direction of the finished track?
A. Usually will hear a phrase in my head…yes…it translates musically. Depending what comes first, I sit at the piano and work out marrying the lyrics and music. Then I perform it like it’s live; if I don’t believe it, then I rework it or scrap it. And when I do believe, then I work with all my might to perfect it and record these ideas to reference back to. Sometimes the song will take 30 minutes, like “HeartBeat” and a developing theme like “Something I Used To Wear” took three years – it was a difficult process finding the song in this torturous experience, and humour was the winning theme! When I write a song, I understand the importance of how much the production engine should do. I feel like you need to respect the song enough to know not to overcrowd it with layers it doesn’t need; tap into hearing the hooks, lyrics and music first, then add the magic that enhances it to bring it to life. I was so unsure about “HeartBeat” in studio, until creating the “ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah” hook; the quirkier we plunged in, the more sense it made. BUT, I was terrified about releasing it, as it wasn’t like anything else I’d produced with Stoyan Storn Stoyanov. When it reached number two and spent 22 weeks on Heart FM’s Top10 and Top40 charts, bearing in mind that is based on fan votes, I was totally surprised at the song being received so well. Just goes to show, you never know how a song is going to fly.
Q. Are the emotions behind this album the most common ones that inspire you to start a project, or do you usually pull from a wider emotional range?
A. It is all about life experiences; sometimes mine, sometimes yours, sometimes both. The most important focus is to write great music, which is hearty. What’s the point otherwise?!
Q. We feel like we have learned so much about you from this album, and that’s such a great way to connect with fans. But what’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not know?A. I love peanut butter with chia seeds by Mother Earth. They recently ran out of stock and if anyone has details on where to purchase it, please for the love of God, DM me :>
Q. What part of the music-making process tends to be the most stressful for you — is it the creative stage, the recording sessions, the release day, or something else?
A. Checking statements and chasing royalty payments :/ It’s one of the reasons I built my GoldinShop (www.goldinlisa.com/goldinshop), so GoldinFans can have access to my music directly. I was unsure of joining Patreon, as it felt like another middleman, so built my own shop instead! She’s only two weeks old, so I hope it pops :>
Q. In a world where the music industry can be intense and unpredictable, have there been moments where you questioned continuing? What helps you push through and keep going?A. The knockbacks are second to none, but the music is what transcends and keeps me alive. I am proud to have fought for my repertoire from a label that outright said my songwriting wasn’t up to scratch; and now every single one of those songs are playing on air. You have to know who not to listen to. Also, deep down inside you know what is worthy, there’s a feel-good vibration attached to it, and you have to trust that. Keep going, is key!
Q. Tell us about the last time you performed — where was the show and what was that experience like?
A. Yesterday at Atlantis, in Dubai. It’s a three-day per week residency that I have singing and playing piano on a beautiful white grand. I perform stripped down versions of big pop, soul, rock and theatre productions, plus my own songs. It’s an attentive audience of hotel guests in a cosy lounge and I have the room for three hours. I love the intimacy of talking to everyone and creating a different setlist every night.
Q. We read the quote: “Releasing personal burdens and rejecting external expectations…” and “It truly is the end of an era.” It sounds like a moment of transformation. Have you shed an old version of yourself and stepped into something new?
A. Absolutely! ‘No’ is my favourite word and setting boundaries is the best move I have made whilst writing, producing and releasing this album. She is a handprint of how I believe we, as artists should make and share music; by being the biggest shareholders as the creators of our works. The last thought I want to have, is questioning when will I reap the rewards. Let the music play, give me more time to create and worry less about when the next cheque is coming in. With that is building a team of people who enrich the creative process from beginning to end.
Q. What emotions were you hoping to evoke in listeners with this release and how do you hope it resonates with them?
A. Since releasing these songs in the midst of Covid, I feel people have suffered and been forced to overcome something they didn’t have time to prepare for. There was so much loss and pain from this moment in our lives. I hope that there is solace and healing in my music, that people can relate to, and find an outlet for their grief, even five years later.
Q. What was it like working with producer Stoyan Stoyanov? How did he help shape the vision for this project?
A. I champion Stoyan whole-heartedly. He is one of the most humble and gifted artists and producers that I know. Our studio sessions are intense, because we care so much about every detail. We have worked together since 2012 and have built a bond based on trust, respect and laughter! His best feature is that he embraces my work as his own; he wants to know what the lyric means, what I hear the instrumentation do and where journey of the song is going. His precision is impeccable, and he allows me to express my idiosyncratic visions without judgement. From there, this genius translates my ideas into layers that gradually bring the song to life. My happiest moments are in studio working with Stoyan; he is a complete joy!
Q. With such a rich catalogue of music behind you, how do you manage to balance your personal life with the emotional and creative demands of making art at such a high level?
A. I drive my career pretty hard, but have a close-knit of family and friends, who remind me to take a breath and not burn out. Thing is; I love the whole process so much! Over the years, I have learned that taking a break, step-back and be fresh for the next working day is essential to be productive and present. Yet here I am, pulling an all-nighter, answering interview questions!
Q. This is so exciting, can you tell us more about performing alongside Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Scouting for Girls, and Barbara Tucker? And how did playing stages across London, Ibiza, Dubai, and Asia shape your identity as a live performer?
A. Aaaahhh…Around 2006 Rob Stride and I met showcasing at The Bedford in Balham, we loved talking about our music and one day he asked if I’d open for Scouting For Girls at Trinity Bar in Harrow. It was so brilliant; his fans were jumping up and down for them and so kind embracing lil me – I remember it like yesterday, was one for the books! His career kicked off shortly after and we lost touch, but forever grateful to him. Fast forward to 2008, I used to run a night for Laurence Hobbs called the 15-Minute Club, where I’d start the night with my own songwriting and then be MC for the rest of the artists. One of these nights, a 14-year old Ed Sheeran walked in with his Dad, performed and blew us all away. There was a big jam at the end with all the artists and so much fun was had! The same year I’d released my debut album “HerStory” and performed at GuilFest, promoter Mark Lundquist contacted me to arrange a spot for me to perform with my band at The Pigalle Club in London. Jessie J was the headliner and my ears were never the same…haha…what a voice and astounding performer! 2009 saw me land a residency in Ibiza at Teatro Pereyra, which was meant to be for two months, then another two months and then another three meant I landed up spending the season there. The last three months, Barbara Tucker was the headliner; we’d open for her and then sing backing vocals. A giant voice that had the whole place hollering! Performing six nights a week in Ibiza and Asia, transformed my stage presence into a pow-wow popstar. No jokes, I look back on videos from 2008 versus 2011 and I’m shook…haha! A bit of a beast on stage engaging with the audience…even terrifies me a little…!
Q. Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're currently exploring?
A. It was a spontaneous moment to release the album this soon in the year. Felt like it was time to move on and work on new material. It is also time to put these songs on the road and to sync, so I am working on that. As they say, the world is your oyster…!
Q. Lisa Goldin, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
A. Thank you for listening to my album “Something I Used To Wear”. I am so happy you chose to interview me and delve a deeper into my lil world :>
A masterclass in raw artistry, Something I Used To Wear by Lisa Goldin is soul-stirring, timeless, and unapologetically bold.
Be sure to playlist, stream and share Something I Used To Wear by Lisa Goldin.
