Music Career

Lisa Marie graduated high school and by the time she turned 21, she scored a record deal with a small subsidiary label off of Columbia Records in L.A., and started working on her first record. She was going to be a rap artist from Detroit and planned to debut her first single, Pump Me Up, under the name and persona of Medusa.

Collaborating with veteran musicians like Brett Helm (ex-Sex Pistols) and Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson’s guitarist), Lisa Marie honed her skills, fusing loops and samples to create a unique soundscape for her raps. These early tracks showcased her innovative approach and set the stage for what could have been.

However, the planned release of her first single, “Pump Me Up,” fell through. Undeterred, Lisa Marie used this as a springboard to explore new directions, paving the way for her next musical chapter.

Lisa Marie’s musical journey took a soulful turn during her art school days. She auditioned and landed a role as lead singer for a ten-piece funk band. This large ensemble experience proved to be a valuable training ground, honing her stage presence and vocal power.

Fueled by a passion for soul and funk, Lisa Marie decided to forge a new path. Partnering with select musicians from the band, she formed a smaller, tighter group in Salt Lake City. This shift marked a defining moment, allowing her to explore a more focused sound and continue honing her craft.

A five-piece band and named it Lisa Marie and the Codependents was born.

Lisa Marie immersed herself in the business side of music, learning the ropes of booking gigs, negotiating contracts, and building a profitable enterprise.  Within five years, their dedication propelled them to become one of Salt Lake City’s most sought-after bands. While the relentless six-day-a-week schedule brought financial success, Lisa Marie acknowledges a shift in her artistic focus. The band transformed into a well-oiled performance machine, renowned for their captivating stage presence.

Their repertoire embraced an impressive range – from soulful ballads and funky grooves to toe-tapping rock and roll. Lisa Marie’s playful energy shone through with engaging audience interaction and clever props. Their versatility allowed them to seamlessly adapt to any occasion, captivating audiences at weddings, corporate events, and even private high-profile private gigs. From the bustling Salt Lake City scene to the slopes of Targhee and Moab, they built a loyal following across the West Coast. Their career included an invitation to perform at the 2002 Olympics, a testament to their talent and dedication.

Throughout their two decades together, the Codependents adopted flexible configurations, adapting seamlessly from a full five-piece band to smaller ensembles for intimate venues. While original compositions were limited to one album, their focus on captivating live experiences cemented their reputation as a powerhouse band.

Craving a return to artistic expression, Lisa Marie embarked on a new chapter after her success with the Codependents.  She sought out collaborations with musicians passionate about crafting original music.

This led to a unique opportunity – joining a powerhouse all-female group. Each a lead singer from a renowned Salt Lake City band, these talented women were also gifted songwriters.  Lisa Marie, then the sole non-composer in the group, embraced the chance to learn from their artistry.

Their collective talent ignited a spark, garnering them local acclaim in Salt Lake City. When the group decided to expand their sound with a bassist, Lisa Marie met the challenge head-on.  Fueling her passion for exploration, she delved into self-taught bass mastery, further solidifying her musicality.  This dedicated effort culminated in a recording session in Tacoma, Washington, a testament to the band’s commitment and collaborative spirit.

Mary, one of the girls that was in that band, had her own project and wanted Lisa Marie to play bass for her original work.

A violin player friend of Lisa Marie’s was putting together a Celtic fusion band and asked her to play bass, so she started playing bass for a Celtic fusion band called the Salty Frogs.

Lisa Marie’s artistic journey soared to new heights with the creation of her solo debut album, “Awake.”  Produced in Mark’s studio, the album marked a turning point, showcasing her songwriting prowess and artistic vision.  She brought this vision to life with a captivating launch event – a theatrical performance featuring ballerinas, comedians, and a fusion of visual art forms.

This solo success fueled her confidence, leading to a rewarding opening act opportunity for the resurgent 90s band Blessid Union of Souls. Touring alongside them at several theater venues, Lisa Marie further honed her performance chops and shared her original material with new audiences.  Joined by talented musicians Mary Tebbs from FAB and fiddler Bronwyn of the Salty Frogs, this experience solidified her belief in her artistic voice.

She decided to go to Portland and start recording her second album, which is still a work in progress that she looks forward to finishing in her new studio in Boise.

Lisa Marie’s musical journey took another bold turn as she honed the unique skill of singing lead vocals while simultaneously playing drums.  This newfound mastery opened the door to a new creative outlet – forming her own trios.  These flexible ensembles empowered her to curate her ideal collaborators and book shows tailored to her artistic vision.  This freedom proved invaluable, allowing her to explore diverse musical landscapes without being confined to a single style.

Her talent and charisma caught the eye of a European audience while performing with her trio at Snowbird Ski Resort. One captivated listener, who happened to own a castle in Germany, extended an extraordinary invitation. Lisa Marie assembled her band, rehearsed tirelessly, and embarked on a month-long residency at a castle in Germany, performing exclusively for the host.  This once-in-a-lifetime experience solidified her international appeal and sparked the possibility of a European tour.  With plans already in motion, a 2024 European adventure beckons.