Ended 2024 in print. Really nice to have written an article for the latest Winter issue of Songwriting Magazine. In the techniques section, I explore the healing power of singing and its various benefits for well-being. Further details here
It was fun to chat to the brilliant Heidi Secker on BBC Radio Norfolk for her brand new breakfast show. I talked about a very special year in my life and 3 tracks that mean a lot to me for a new feature “Music Sounds Better with You” – Listen here via BBC Sounds from 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Come and join me at the American Library on Saturday February 8th for a fun-filled event where you can explore your creativity and make unique vintage-inspired Valentine’s Day cards. All supplies are included. Spaces are limited so book in advance via eventbrite Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spread love and joy. Ages 5+ I will also be performing some classic American love songs!
I’m looking forward to being part of this inspirational Public Speaking conference on Thursday 26th September at The Forum, Norwich
I will be running a session on Vocal Exercises and Using Your Voice Effectively.Tickets are available here
Public Speaking for Business, Leadership and Life
Filming
It was really good to be doing some filming again recently. Here’s me during a very late night in Suffolk working on a new feature film. I’ll post more details when I can!
Singing for Wellbeing with Lisa Redford
I’ve recently started another run of my popular Singing for Wellbeing courses which is currently at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. If you would be interested in a singing, ukulele or guitar workshop, please get in touch. More details on the Courses and Workshops page.
Stumpy Sanderson’s 1970s Stories, Poppyland Radio
It was really fun to be a guest on Stumpy Sanderson’s 1970s Stories at Poppyland Radio recently talking about my favourite 70s songs, music career, songwriting & teaching. Find out how to listen again here
Happy New Year! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and productive 2024.
“A fine voice from a fine city!” Such an exciting start to the year – I have a lovely in-depth interview/feature in the new January issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life magazine. Available in WH Smith, local shops, from their website or call 01728 622030 to buy a copy for £3.50 (plus postage).
It was really nice to speak to John Kerrison about my music career, songwriting, private teaching, music courses & well-being sessions for Adult Learning, as well as my work as a supporting artist in some Norfolk and Suffolk films and TV shows.
Do you know anyone who would like to learn to play guitar or ukulele in 2024? Or have you always wanted to learn how to sing? I am running one-to-one and small group lessons in Norwich NR2 at the beautiful Christ Church. Fun sessions tailored just for you with flexible times. A safe and welcoming space, no previous experience needed! Please contact me at parrotrecords@gmail.com
Really nice to see my recent interview with the Eastern Daily Press newspaper is now online. The link is here
As the interview mentions, I’ve been really invested in my teaching and sharing my passion for music, with beginner guitar and ukulele courses and community singing, I’ve recently finished teaching my first Singing for Wellbeing courses and look forward to running more inspiring singing sessions and music courses next year. Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas and happy and fulfilling 2023!
Lisa Redford EDP Newspaper – The Big Interview. Photo: Denise Bradley
Abbie and I are cover stars! Huge thanks to Mark Nicholls and the EDP for featuring me in this weekend’s EDP newspaper. It was lovely to sit down with Mark and talk about my music career, support from Whispering Bob Harris, songwriting, teaching music courses at Adult Learning , as well as my recent ventures into acting and filming .
The feature also mentions Future Radio, Access Creative and performing at this year’s Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell and Deepdale Festival.
Lisa Redford. Photograph by Denise Bradley, Archant
Lisa Redford and Bob Harris
New Music Courses
“I think you’re a very engaging teacher, knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend.”
I have just finished teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses in Norwich this term and it was really rewarding to teach such enthusiastic learners who progressed so well.
I’m very excited to be running the fun and friendly 10 week sessions again at Wensum Lodge, Norwich for Adult Learning, Norfolk County Council from January 9th 2023. As well as beginner courses, for the first time I’m also teaching a Ukulele for Improvers course.
I’d really love to see some new students – more information on Guitar for Beginners here
It has been so rewarding and fun leading Singing for Wellbeing courses in Norwich for Adult Learning. Join me in a new wellbeing-focused online group for mental health service user charity Viewpoint, where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well-known songs to uplift, connect, make you smile and improve your overall wellbeing. The first free session kicks off on Monday 5th December at 7pm!
As before, there’s no previous experience required. Just bring along an open mind and a joy for music! All are welcome – book your place now!
Viewpoint Community Singing Group
Toys that Built America – Season Two
Lisa Redford in The Toys that Built America on the History Channel
Now showing on the HISTORY channel in the US, the second series of #ToysThatBuiltAmerica The stories behind the innovations, inventions, and revolutions of some of history’s greatest toys. I appear in two episodes – the first, “Masters of the Universe” about the beginnings of iconic action figures, notably #StarWars, and as a stylish #Edwardian lady.
To see my appearance – and 70s hair! – in the first episode playing Ray Wagner’s PA, got to my Facebook page
Lisa Redford running a Songs from the Shows community singing session at The Forum, Norwich
Ran a lovely community singing session last week at The Forum, Norwich Thanks so much to everyone who came along to sing some classic musicals with me. The event was in support of Norfolk County Music Library Sets Norfolk Library and Information ServiceNorwich Millennium Library – bringing the joy of music to libraries and the community.
Singing for Wellbeing Course at Wensum Lodge, Norwich run by Lisa Redford
I am really enjoying teaching my current ukulele and guitar for beginners courses and am very excited to now be launching my first Singing for Wellbeing course later this month for Adult Learning at Wensum Lodge, Norwich. Discover the joy of singing together. Further details of how to enrol on this free 8 week course here I am also running Saturday classes including ukulele strumming sessions, more community singing and songwriting – please take a look at the Adult Learning website for updates. It was also nice to chat to Stephen Bumfrey about my community singing activities on BBC Radio Norfolk. The interview is available to listen to via BBC Sounds here – from 1:50.
Playing a journalist in This England on Sky Atlantic
This England on Sky Atlantic
Currently on Sky Atlantic is “This England” – Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson in an unsettling account of the government handling of the pandemic. It was thrilling to play a journalist and film on a set of Downing Street at West Raynham and Wolterton Hall, Norfolk. I even got to say a couple of lines – look out for me near the end of episode 6!
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022. Photo by Jon Clifton
Had a great time playing this year’s Deepdale Festival. Lovely to be part of an amazing line-up and there’s always a warm welcome in beautiful North Norfolk – thanks to the hard working, passionate team there. Thanks to Jon Clifton for some great photos from the performance.
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022
Songs from the Shows Community Singing Event at The Forum Atrium
Very excited for this! After a wonderful few weeks running fun community singing sessions in the spring, which was so rewarding and uplifting, I’m looking forward to be singing some well known songs from the musicals in the Atrium The Forum, Norwich on Thursday 6th October between 6pm – 7pm – come and join us! This free special event is in support of the Norfolk Music Sets Friends as part of a fundraising Community Singing Event.
Notes on a Scandal on Investigation Discovery Channel
Lisa Redford as Mary Kay LeTourneau in Notes on a Scandal – Investigation Discovery Channel
It’s always really exciting seeing that filming projects I’ve worked on now being shown on the small screen. Recently premiered on Investigation Discovery in the US was my portrayal of Mary Kay Letourneau entitled “Mary Kay Letourneau: Notes On A Scandal” as part of #Killer90sOnID
Had a lovely first week teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge. For further details of upcoming music courses, take a look at Adult Learning’s website where they will be more creative classes and workshops added.
Lisa Redford performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell, Norfolk
Huge thanks to Adam Pryke Photography for these cool shots from a lovely afternoon performing at the first Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell near Dereham in Norfolk. A beautiful setting and wonderful family atmosphere. Next festival performance is Saturday September 24th at Deepdale Festival in Burnham Deepdale, another gorgeous location. It was lovely to chat to Jason Borthwick about my creative process and appearing at the festival for the Deepdale Podcast. Listen to the interview here
Lisa Redford and Jason French performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell
BBC Radio Norfolk music feature for Rob Butler’s show
It’s been really fun to be part of a new regular music feature for Rob Butler’s show on BBC Radio Norfolk where I’ve recorded live acoustic covers from the 80’s and beyond, as well as Britpop tracks and Pride anthems. Rob previously featured the Future Radio fundraising single ‘This Fine City’ and interviewed me about it for Norwich City fanzine show The Scrimmage. So far I have performed six brilliant songs: the classic pop of Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’, Tom Petty’s anthemic ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘Slide Away” by Oasis, ‘Inbetween Days’ The Cure and most recently ‘So in Love’ by OMD. I’ve also covered ‘Jolene’ by the one and Dolly Parton and you can see a live performance on YouTube as well as hear the version on my Soundcloud page Keep listening to Rob’s show (Monday – Wednesday evenings) for my next covers challenge!
Dolly Parton ‘Jolene’ acoustic cover
Broadcast for International Women’s Day
It was lovely to be part of a very exciting and creative broadcast being played across the U.K. for this year’s International Women’s Day. I was among 30 female artists from across the country invited to write & recorded a brand new piece in under a day to be broadcast on community radio stations around the country, including Future Radio. The full #internationalwomensday broadcast is now available to listen to online at SoundCloud – my original piece written ‘Wings to Fly’ is at 11:30 https://soundcloud.com/soundart-radio
Safe Rescue for Dogs feature for All Things Norfolk
I wrote about the IWD broadcast in one of my recent columns for All Things Norfolk. I also shared details of ‘One in the Crowd’ – acoustic charity single for Safe Rescue for Dogs – and it was lovely to receive airplay on various radio stations for the song as well as getting to talk about it and introduce it on a BBC Upload show – a show that showcases local creative talent of all kinds. Thanks also to Belles and Gals for this lovely article about the song and for having me perform recently for one of their #UKCMSA live-streams.
BBC Upload
After writing a feature for the winter issue, it’s lovely to have contributed another new article ‘Lessons Learned in Lockdown’ to the brilliant spring issue of Songwriting Magazine. The new issue is packed with tips, news, reviews, gear and interviews featuring Diane Warren, Teenage Fanclub, Hailey Whitters, Tom Grennan, Newton Faulkner, Peggy Seegar and more. Available at Pocketmags here
Please take a moment to watch this touching video that charity Safe Rescue for Dogs have put together, giving an insight into the amazing work they do rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs from the UK and abroad.
I have written and recorded the music in the video to the words by one of the team Kelly Hare. On reading her touching and heartfelt poem I was moved to help them raise funds and awareness for all the hard work this very small team do to save dogs in dreadful conditions in the shelters.
If you would like to find out more and donate, take a look at their Facebook page. As a small charity they rely solely on the kindness and generosity of people to enable them to carry on rescuing and caring for the dogs. So lovely to see that there has been some money raised already.
I’ve also done a live acoustic performance from home on YouTube and written all about the inspiration and charity in a feature for All Things Norfolk
It was lovely to talk about the song and hear it played on BBC Radio Norfolk this week. Listen again to Rob Butler’s show here at 1.17. Also next week I’ll be part of a fun brand new music feature on his show, starting Monday with an 80’s cover.
Lisa Redford in Songwriting Magazine for their #keepsongwriting pledge
I’ve written articles and interviewed acclaimed artists for the brilliant Songwriting Magazine. I have also written a feature in the latest Winter issue. Songwriting is the UK’s only publication dedicated to writing songs. Aimed at songwriters and their fans alike, expect up-to-date music news, reviews and artist interviews as well as lots of practical, hands-on advice.
Very proud to be a part of their #keepsongwriting campaign where they are sharing tips and quotes, as well as highlighting the importance of creativity through these difficult times and championing those who have vowed not to stop creating original music in 2021.
Happy New Year! wishing you all a very happy and safe new year. Thanks so much for supporting me. Here’s a little version of original song New Year’s Day all about getting through a difficult time and looking to the future with hope. Full live studio version available on Spotify and Bandcamp Thank you for watching and here’s hoping for a brighter 2021
Huge thanks to Vanilla Magazine for this lovely new interview about my passion for teaching music and online music sessions 🎸🎤
Fancy having some vocal lessons or learning guitar or ukulele? I can also provide songwriting classes and help you develop any ideas. I would love to hear from you and am also offering special block booking deals.
