Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Ramey.
Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up right by Lambert St. Louis Airport and have been performing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I spent years on some of the region’s most iconic stages, including performing for 11 consecutive seasons at the Tony Award-winning Muny in Forest Park. I also had the opportunity to perform multiple seasons at Stages St. Louis, The Black Rep, and at venues throughout the city, including dance competitions at the Scottish Rite. Looking back, I realize how much St. Louis gave me an incredible foundation as a performer.
As I got older, I moved to New York City to join the first national Broadway tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Later, I said yes to running away with Cirque du Soleil and spent several years performing in Australia. Eventually, I expanded from musical theater and dance into songwriting and recording, determined to build a career as a recording artist. It was a major leap of faith and a big goodbye to steady paychecks and health insurance!
That journey led me to becoming a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, which introduced me to an even bigger national audience and opened doors I never imagined. Along the way, I’ve had opportunities to sing with John Legend at Madison Square Garden and perform at an international music festival in Prague alongside artists such as Beck.
Since then, I’ve released multiple albums, been featured in outlets including Rolling Stone, collaborated with artists and producers around the world, and continued to grow as an independent artist. Most recently, I’ve been touring internationally as a background vocalist with Zayn Malik as part of his all-female band while continuing to develop my own music and creative projects.
While my career has taken me around the world, which still feels surreal at times, St. Louis will always be a huge part of my story. It’s where I learned discipline, professionalism, and the value of showing up prepared. Today, I’m focused on creating music that blends soul, rock, blues, and storytelling while building a career that is both artistically fulfilling and sustainable. Somehow, that little girl who grew up watching planes take off now gets to travel the world because of music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been smooth? Absolutely not. I’ve had to reinvent myself several times throughout my career. I started in musical theater, moved into touring productions, ran away with Cirque du Soleil, transitioned into songwriting and recording, and eventually built an independent music career. Every chapter required me to start over as a beginner and learn an entirely new skill set.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance the artist and the entrepreneur. Most people don’t realize that independent artists are running small businesses. We’re creating the art while also handling budgets, marketing, branding, networking, contracts, and long-term strategy.
I’ve also learned that rejection is not only inevitable, it’s constant. Not every audition, opportunity, song, or partnership works out. Over time, I’ve learned not to take those moments personally and instead focus on what I can control: my work ethic, my attitude, and my commitment to improving.
The beautiful thing is that every challenge has made me stronger. The setbacks taught me resilience, the failures taught me there are no losses just lessons, and the wins taught me gratitude. Honestly, I wouldn’t change much because every obstacle helped shape the artist and person I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer, songwriter, performer, and storyteller. While I’ve had the opportunity to work in many areas of entertainment—from musical theater and television to touring and recording—my greatest passion is creating music that helps people feel seen, understood, and connected.
My current sound lives between soul, rock and blues. Artists like Alabama Shakes, Lenny Kravitz, The Black Keys have all influenced me, but my goal has never been to sound like anyone else. I’m constantly exploring how to blend powerful vocals, honest storytelling, and live-band energy into something that feels uniquely my own.
What I’m most proud of is my longevity. I’ve been fortunate enough to work professionally in entertainment for most of my life, but every chapter has required growth, reinvention, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether I was performing on stage as a child in St. Louis, touring internationally, appearing on The Voice, or releasing independent music, I’ve always tried to lead with authenticity and a genuine love for the craft.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve experienced the industry from so many different angles. I’ve been a dancer, actor, touring performer, television contestant, recording artist, songwriter, background vocalist, and entrepreneur. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for collaboration and a unique perspective when creating music.
At the end of the day, I want people to feel something. If a song can make someone feel less alone, more hopeful, or more connected to themselves, then I’ve done my job.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to choose one quality, it would be persistence. Talent can open doors, but persistence is what keeps you moving forward when things don’t go according to plan.
I don’t believe my success comes from being fearless. It comes from being willing to keep going even when i’m scared, uncertain, or starting over. Thats a quality i’ll never stop valuing.
Just keep showing up!
I’ve never been a woman who waits until she’s ready. I moved to NYC, joined national tours, ran away with Cirque du Soleil, switched careers and chased music. My favorite saying is “no losses, just lessons.” Every chapter has taught me something valuable, and every challenge has prepared me for the next opportunity
At the end of the day I just keep boarding the plane.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisarameymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisarameymusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisarameymusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/lisarameymusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaRameyMusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lisarameymusic
