Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Guo.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has been a part of my life since childhood. I started playing piano at five, later picked up harmonica, flute, and guitar. My passion for music led me to study at the Eastman School of Music at University of Rochester in 2019, but I soon realized my heart was in contemporary music, so then I transferred to Berklee College of Music in 2021.
At Berklee, I majored in Contemporary Writing and Production, refining my skills in orchestration, arranging, and pop production. A semester at the Berklee Valencia campus in Spain deepened my love for Latin pop and music technology, broadening my artistic perspective. Now, as a master’s student at Berklee NYC, I’m focused on honing my songwriting and production while bringing my upcoming album to life later this year!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. Collaboration, in particular, has been a journey. Songwriting is deeply personal to me, and opening up in co-writing sessions wasn’t always easy. Over time, I’ve learned to balance telling my own stories while also helping bring other people’s visions to life.
On the production side, I’ve had moments of frustration—feeling stuck or unsure of how to fully realize a song’s potential. But every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, pushing me to keep learning, experimenting, and refining my craft. In the end, I wouldn’t trade these struggles because they’ve shaped me into the artist I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a music producer, songwriter, and arranger, specializing in blending different musical styles to create fresh, modern sounds. I have a strong background in writing for orchestras, big bands, and ensembles, but I also produce contemporary pop music, carefully balancing polished production with organic instrumentation.
Beyond my production style, my songwriting stands out because of its raw honesty and strong opinions. I’m open to addressing topics that aren’t typically explored in mainstream pop music. Whether it’s personal experiences, societal issues, or emotions that people tend to overlook, I believe in writing with brutal honesty and saying things exactly as they are. My songs are bold, direct, and unfiltered, making them deeply personal yet universally relatable.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to tell stories through music. Whether I’m producing for an artist or writing my own songs, I aim to create something emotionally honest and impactful.
At the end of the day, what drives me is creating music that connects with people. I want my work to resonate emotionally, whether it’s through a song that makes someone feel understood, a melody that brings joy, or a production that elevates an artist’s vision.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as staying true to my creative vision while continuing to grow as an artist. It’s not about hitting a specific milestone or achieving mainstream recognition, but rather about making music that resonates, whether that’s a song that deeply connects with someone, a collaboration that pushes my artistry forward, or simply feeling proud of the work I create. Success is also about longevity, constantly evolving, and staying passionate about what I do. As long as I’m learning, creating, and making an impact in my own way, I consider that success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisaguomusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisakxguo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakxguo/