Something Honest: Lea Lisa in conversation

This compilation is a collection of timeless records that encapsulate moments in underground house history. Here Lea gives us an insight into her selections, her passions, and her view on the future of the vinyl format.

Where is it you live and what are you doing today?

I’ve been based in Lausanne for 17 years. I have dual Swiss and French nationality.

Today I’m working on current projects, two big releases, the compilation, and another double vinyl for May on a German label. This takes a lot of my time and energy.

Many Shades of House is about to drop on Favorite Recordings. What’s the concept behind this compilation?

I love the idea of passing on a project like this. House music has been one of the most diverse and interesting forms of music for decades. Whatever the current trend, it will always be there. You can do an 8-hour set without getting bored. I think it’s important to showcase this richness through records that are part of our heritage.

Has it been a long time in the making?

I’d had it in mind for a few years, but I started working on it two years ago.

The artwork really pops. Who is the artist and what’s the story on that?

It’s a family affair, my daughter (Nahomi) is a DJ and graphic designer and she’s been making my flyers for my residency at Folklor for over 3 years. She’s very creative.

From the outset, I wanted a modern look that represented the fundamentals of this profession: digging, listening to music, and production. There’s also a message that’s very important to me. “We Stand For House”. At a time when the current climate is getting harder and harder, there are communities that remain as passionate as ever. We stand for house music all together.

What were your thoughts on your track selection for the comp?

I’ve been buying vinyl since 1994. I’ve got a nice collection. But the main thing is to do something honest from myself, which records I’ve played, which ones I listen to, and which records will never leave my bag. Which records still give me those emotions. Whether you’re playing warm-up, peak time, 6am, in this compilation you’ll find a record for each of these moments.

How did you meet Pascal at Favorite?

Over 25 years ago when I lived in Lyon, we mixed together a few times. I loved his label, Rotax, which he had set up with a friend of mine, Teddy G. The two of them also put out productions on labels like Guidance and Glasgow Underground.
We grew together. We’ve always kept in touch. Pascal knows my background and my history. It was obvious that we should work together one day. It’s wonderful that he’s offered me this project on this label. He has the same standards as I do. He does a remarkable job on his label.

Licensing these kinds of tracks can be an issue. Was it?

No. The main problem has been the quantity of repress. I absolutely wanted a track by Larry Heard – Ché – The Incident, but I couldn’t get it because it was going to be repressed. Very frustrating.

I would like to thank Mark Goddard, who’s been refusing to repress “Truth” for years. The fact that he’s allowed me to release “Emotional” is a huge gift. He knows who I am, why I do things and his confidence in me means a lot.

What is it you love about the vinyl format, and do you think it has a future?

There have been difficult years, it’s cyclical. But have you seen it disappear completely? No. There will always be people who keep this format alive. House, vinyl, whatever the current trend. There are thousands of people who keep this culture going.

What’s the most valuable record you possess?

That is ‘The Truth’ (Mark Goddard) and maybe a Kerri Chandler on Express Records. But music isn’t about value, it’s about love…

What can we expect from you the rest of the year?

Staying creative. I’ll be digging more, playing, producing, and repeat! My passion for music is deep-rooted and sincere. You can expect more of this from me over the next few years.

Is there a part two in the making?

The compilation isn’t out yet, so I’m going to enjoy this beautiful moment.

Buy the compilation HERE.