Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Guo.

Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My journey in music started at a young age. I began playing the piano when I was five, then picked up the harmonica, flute, and guitar later. My love for music kept growing, leading me to study at the Eastman School of Music in 2019 before transferring to Berklee College of Music in 2021 to focus on Contemporary Writing and Production.

At Berklee, I explored a wide range of genres, collaborated with talented musicians, and honed my skills in songwriting, arranging, and production. In 2022, I spent a semester at Berklee Valencia, where I developed a deep appreciation for Latin pop and music technology. This experience broadened my musical perspective and reinforced my passion for blending different styles.

Now I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Songwriting and Production at Berklee NYC, refining my craft, and pushing my creative boundaries. My music is all about authenticity, storytelling, and breaking genre barriers. I aim to create songs that are both emotionally resonant and sonically fresh, and I’m excited for what’s ahead in my journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Collaboration has been both an exciting and challenging part of my journey. Music is rarely a one-person job. Whether it’s writing, producing, or arranging, there’s almost always a team involved. Working with other musicians, songwriters, and producers has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to learn from different perspectives and bring ideas to life in ways I couldn’t have done alone. However, it also comes with its own set of struggles.

One of the biggest challenges in collaboration is learning how to effectively communicate ideas. Everyone has their own creative process, and sometimes, visions don’t align perfectly. There have been times when I’ve struggled to express exactly what I want for a song, or when I’ve had to compromise in order to serve the bigger picture. I’ve learned that being flexible, open-minded, and willing to listen is just as important as having a strong artistic vision.

Another challenge is the vulnerability that comes with co-writing. Songwriting is personal, and opening up in a session, especially with people I don’t know well, can be intimidating. It’s easy to feel self-conscious about sharing raw ideas or worrying about whether they’re good enough. Over time, I’ve realized that the best collaborations happen when everyone feels safe to be themselves. I’ve learned to trust the process, let go of perfectionism, and embrace the spontaneity of co-writing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a music producer, songwriter, and arranger. I have a strong background in writing for orchestras, big bands, and ensembles. I also produce contemporary pop music.

My songwriting style 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 avoid discussing, I believe in writing with brutal honesty and saying things exactly as they are. Some of my songs are bold, direct, and unfiltered, which makes them deeply personal yet 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’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

One of my favorite childhood memories is listening to music in the car while one of my parents was driving. I would pretend to play guitar using anything that resembled a guitar, like a badminton racket, strumming along to the songs on the radio. I was so captivated by the idea of playing guitar, and it felt like I was connecting with the music on a deeper level, imagining what it would be like to create it myself.

I think my mom could see how much I loved it, and not long after, she signed me up for guitar lessons. I remember the excitement of having an actual guitar in my hands for the first time. Even though I really play guitar now, it opened my eyes to new ways of expressing myself through music and gave me a greater understanding of different instruments. It was a turning point that made me realize how much I wanted to immerse myself in music and keep growing as a musician.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lisaguomusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisakxguo/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakxguo/