Getting to know singer and actress Lisa Dotolo

by Holly Marie Tong

The first time I seen Lisa Dotolo hit the stage, it would have been easy for me to assume that she would simply sing some strong country tunes…you know, the talented “Nashville sound” that we all know and love. I mean the typical, pleasant, expected sound that can at times be a dime a dozen. Having never met Lisa, I assumed she would be great…but what I didn't expect was the richly, unique one of a kind voice that positively remains in a league of her own. With very clear, angelic-like vocals that take on a Celtic kind of sound, Lisa's vocal versatility and adaptability is a very rare find. She can possibly be described as Emmy Lou Harris meets Jewel with a bit of Bonnie Raitt in the mixture. With a background in musical theatre and acting, it is safe to say that Lisa Dotolo has a strong gift for the arts and is one of our most multi-faceted entertainers in Music City. It is also safe to say that she is her own person, never seeking to duplicate or be like someone else. Instead she brings a refreshing sound while incorporating her whole heart and soul in her songwriting with a refusal to compromise who she is.

Lisa who moved to Nashville from Rochester New York originally hails from Westerly, Rhode Island. She started her music career at just age 3 in the church with her mother Sandra, cantoring the Catholic mass as well as singing in the local church folk group. (Today, she is a cantor at the Cathedral of the Incarnation of West End Ave in Nashville). As a young girl she began to write songs finding inspiration from her own life and those around here. If you simply listen to just one of Lisa's original songs, you will see that she is not only an incredible musician and vocalist, but she has the unique gift of understanding every day people and making her music relative for all audiences. Alongside her recording endeavors, she hopes to one day pursue her love for theatre on Broadway. She also hopes to one day expand and launch artists on her label (Bella Mere).

To date, she has released two CD's and is continuing to write and record as she is working towards her dream of having an international music career. Her new CD entitled “Doing It All My Way” is a unique blend of pop, country, Americana and rock. This album can be described as a “bare bones record” as it is acoustic and Lisa's vocals are emphasized and showcased. Lisa humbly explained that her album is a collection of work tapes which I found to be amazing because her vocals prove to be absolutely incredible without any fancy production. However, I wasn't entirely surprised by her this because Lisa Dotolo can be described as “genuine” and “real.”

Just from having a short conversation with her you will learn that she does music for her love of the arts, her understanding of people, and her desire to be a role model. It remains of the utmost importance to her that God gets all the glory. It is clear that Lisa is definitely not following her chosen path for self-centered fame or fortune or glitz and glamour but simply because she truly loves what she does and she wants to make a positive difference. Lisa honestly wants to reach people and change lives always being respectable and admirable in what she is doing.

When asking Lisa about her songwriting inspiration, she says that she writes about experiences, looking back at things and real life situations. She gets inspired through observation, speaking to people and staying involved in what is going on around her. She explained that she believes the best songs are written not by feeling forced or rushed but when inspiration truly strikes. She went on to say, “You cannot put a time clock on art and you cannot effectively write when forced..your heart and soul is best through inspiration. It is more artistic that way. Soak in what is going on around you and truly live life every day.” I believe this to be a priceless piece of advice for myself and all other aspiring songwriters in town. This advice is just a small example of the inspirational thought, insight and encouragement that Lisa Dotolo brings people whether in simple conversation or in song.

Currently performing in a broad array of venues, you can find Lisa in a wide variety of locations both locally and nationally. Excitingly Lisa has been a part of the “A Scattered, Smothered and Covered Christmas” starring Joyce DeWitt who you most likely know from the popular hit series “Three's Company.” In this popular play that has been going on since Thanksgiving time, you can see Lisa playing the role of a country music singer in the second act. It is safe to say that she feels right at home on stage! Her music is a breath of fresh air and her standout charisma will undoubtedly take her far.

www.lisadotolo.com