Lisa Romano
A Voice of Passion, Power and Elegance
When I heard Lisa sing for the first time, I could tell by the end of verse one that she was backing up a serious gift with serious formal training. By the end of verse two – as my mood began to shift into something bigger and better – I became aware that Lisa Romano isn’t just an extremely proficient singer. She is a very special and very deep soul with remarkable vocal prowess. As much as she wails and croons, she communicates something. Something that calls you from a deep place like an antenna.
I made her acquaintance while working with her at my recent Diva Nova show. Through the sequence of several rehearsals, and the preparations that take place, I learned a bit about her history as a musician with an emphasis in theater. Her studies in theatre show, and so does her experience in the big apple.
Currently living in Syracuse, she keeps herself connected with involvement in a variety of projects – all of which are certainly worth exploring.
Here, she is telling her story for us here at Sounds of Syracuse.
Chuck Sciele: Hi Lisa. Thank you for visiting with us for this interview. How did you become interested and get yourself started in music? Theater has an influence on this, yes?
Lisa Romano: Thank you so much, Chuck. It’s good to be here.
Yes! I’ve always had a love of music, and could always carry a tune at a young age. My mother said I was born singing. I was also born with an ear for music. Always sang at church, the choir at school, and theater was my next step. I always wanted to be on Broadway.
CS: How would you characterize where you are as a musical artist, today?
LR: I don’t think a lot of people really know my talent. I have come in and out of the scene for many years now on purpose. I like to come in, blow everyone away and bounce. I’ll show back up on a project in a month or 2. I am not one to perform every week or weekend. I don’t enjoy that anymore. I like the spontaneous yet planned shows I’m asked to do. 
CS: What singers do you hear that you feel you still learn from when you hear them – or inspire you to explore new territory?
LR: Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Lady Gaga, Ella Fitzgerald, Freddy Mercury, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson are by far some of my favorites on the planet.
CS: What are your music involvements, these days?
LR: I’m currently singing the Christine McVie role in Gold Dust Gypsies. I’ve always loved Fleetwood Mac.
CS: What instruments do you play?
LR: My first instrument is my voice, I also tickle the ivories of the piano.
CS: What do you enjoy most about singing?
LR: How it makes me feel alive. It’s emotional for me – more so now than ever before. I tend to cry a lot when I’m really feeling a song. Music just moves me. 
CS: What’s it like to be a singer in theater?
LR: Incredible! I really get to showcase my range when singing theatre pieces. I just love the theatrics behind it, the costumes, the stories, the punch of theatre. It is just a magical place.
CS: What would qualify as one of your favorite memories, so far as a vocalist/entertainer?
LR: One of my most favorite was my first solo show, I played my original songs on keys and sang and I remember my father just beaming with pride and tears streaming down his face. All the years of piano lessons and me singing around the house and for school, theatre, etc….really came together for him. He was my number one fan. Always supporting me in my move to NYC and at all my shows.
CS: What advice would you share with someone aspiring to sing?
LR: Match the notes to the key. You don’t need to know music theory per say but have an ear for it and don’t give up. Keep on singing whether it’s for yourself, privately or you want to perform. If songwriting and singing is what you love the most, just do it.
CS: What’s coming up in your near musical future?
LR: Hopefully getting back to singing in cabaret bars, playing more piano and more with the Gold Dust Gypsies for 2024. If I am asked to sing on a future project, I’d be happy to oblige. Lol! 
