What is your name?
My project is called LISHI but my real name is Eleanor Dunlop
What is your genre of music?
I would call it dreampop
Give us a little bio about you.
I grew up learning classical piano and started singing when I was about 13 years old, I didn’t have any lessons I would just emulate my favourite singers at the time (90s Gwen Stefani was one of the main ones). I started writing music when I was about 20 years old (inspired mainly by Fiona Apple) and I started this project in 2016. I started it really as a way to explore things I hadn’t been able to before both musically and visually. I needed an outlet for all the things I love and felt were inside of me.
Tell us more about your music.
I guess it’s a mixture of both classical and more contemporary electronic production. I love beautiful melodies but also love a great beat and I wanted to somehow combine those two.
You set to release your new single ‘ Our Hearts’, what is the meaning behind the track?
I wrote it around the time of a break up. I think it’s mainly about overcoming adversity. I write music and create things to try and help me deal with what life throws at me. I write to get a better understanding of it all and to appreciate the craziness that is life.
What was the writing process like?
I normally come up with a basic melody on the piano and then the lyrics come after that. The lyrics are strongly tied into the rhythm. The timing is really important and how the words fit and sound with the melody. I love creating visuals with my words also.
What was the recording process like?
I worked with a super talented guy called Xavier Dunn. We worked out of his home studio in Sydney and we basically just went through what I loved as a kid. He wanted to use sounds from my childhood to make a template for the track, he really wanted to make it my own and create a personal touch to it. He created the beat from sounds from one of my favourite video games Pitfall, that was probably my favourite part of it, super impressive.
Who did you work with on the single?
See above.
Will we see a Album or EP soon?
I’m just planning on taking it step by step and releasing singles at this stage. No plan for a full EP or album.
Will we see any shows or a tour maybe?
I’m not planning on playing any shows at this stage either.
What else can we expect from you?
I really love sourcing old footage, home movies and so I’m thinking of creating some visuals to go with the track.
Are you a signed?
No
Who are your influences?
Air, Roy Orbison, Blondie, The Beatles, Kate Bush, Fiona Apple, Grimes, Nirvana, Nina Simone, Lorde, Sia, Lana Del Rey, London Grammar, Madonna, Tchaikovsky, Chopin
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
No idea! I just do what I love and let it take me wherever it takes me, if I’m doing something I genuinely love then it can only lead to good things but I never know where that will be. I find the trick is trying to find that authenticity, there are so many distractions and things to veer you off course.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I love horses, so I try and ride as much as I can (it’s hard in Sydney though and super expensive). I also started Ballet lessons last year which I absolutely love. I’ve also started playing tennis again, watching movies, I also like to bake sometimes as well when I’m in a domestic kind of mood.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
I think the Opera House would be amazing to play in. I’ve seen the Sydney Symphony there a number of times and the acoustics are incredible, as you’d hope!
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
Yeah sure, they can email me here eleanordunlop@gmail.com
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I really love Fast as you can by Fiona Apple, that was one of the early tracks that really inspired me to start writing.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Coachella is up there
What made you go in to music?
In a way I think it was to escape. I really love to sing also so that was another main factor.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Always be nice to people on your way up as you’ll probably meet them on your way down. Basically I believe in being kind to everyone no matter what.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
If you feel something isn’t right then do something about it straight away, it will only get worse and will become a larger problem down the road if it’s not dealt with right away.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I always aim to inspire others to feel free so that they feel empowered to be their true selves. I try and live by that.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
ID, debit card, paw paw lip balm, home keys, concert ticket
Where is the go to place in your hometown?
Gelato Messina
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, you can follow me here: