INTERVIEW W/ LISSA CARMEL
LissaCarmel is more than an artist—she’s a voice shaped by purpose, resilience, and a deep connection to her community. Hailing from the South Bronx, her story is rooted in lived experience, where pain, unity, and growth coexist and influence every layer of her artistry.
Beyond the music, Lissa moves with intention—balancing motherhood, service, and a commitment to uplifting the next generation. Her sound is subtle yet powerful, designed not just to be heard, but felt and seen. Through her honesty and emotional depth, she creates space for listeners to feel understood in their own experiences.
In this conversation, LissaCarmel opens up about her journey, her mindset, and the truths she stands in unapologetically.
Q: Who is LissaCarmel beyond the music?
A: Beyond the music, she’s a mother—a woman on a mission to make a difference in the lives of youth. Day in and day out, she works with special needs and emotionally challenged young people.
Q: Who are you beyond being an artist, and what values guide you in this chapter of your life? How do your personality and lived experiences influence your sound and songwriting? How would you describe your voice as an extension of who you are?
A: I’m a very spiritual being; I’m deeply in tune with myself and with nature. I’m very family-oriented, and I live by the daily reminder to be at peace, not in pieces. Reflection is divine protection.
In real life, I’m a silent observer. I’m not very responsive—I take in the moments I live through and look beyond the surface of what’s happening. I typically don’t write based on experience; the songs I write often foreshadow what’s ahead, especially when I’m in a relationship.
It’s very subtle, and it’s going to move you.
Q:Where are you from, and how has that environment shaped you creatively?
A: I’m from the South Bronx—Tinton Ave, to be exact. I grew up in the projects. I’ve seen pain, I’ve seen war, I’ve seen chaos. Then I saw how that same pain brought unity and love to a place that always seemed to hold a dark cloud.
I feel like that’s why, when I write, it’s always like a movie playing in my head—everything is very visual. Every time, I need people to do more than just hear and feel—I need them to see.
Q: What emotions or truths do you naturally create from? What do you want listeners to feel the first time they hear your music?
A: The emotions that make me feel deeply—heartbreak, love, anger—and, to be honest, the moments when I’m fully transparent with myself about what’s going on around me and how I feel.
I want them to feel emotionally understood—whether it’s happiness or hurt, whether the emotions are present or from the past. I want them to feel understood.
Q: What does growth look like for you in this season—artistically and personally? What separates you from others in your space, beyond sound?
A: Last season, my strength and peace were tested drastically—both artistically and personally. This season, rigor and perseverance are the two things I’ll be focused on, especially in my artistry. I need to show up for myself more, be more disciplined, and produce more.
My ability to not carry yesterday into tomorrow—to adapt quickly to the changes and challenges of life.
Q: What was your experience on the very first RNBPLYLST Live event?
A: My experience was amazing—from the ambiance to the audience’s reaction, and getting to see all the other performers.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or passed, who would it be and why? How do you balance your music with other parts of your life? Outside of music, what’s something your fans might be surprised to know
about you?
A: I must name one living and one passed—it’s only right. The Notorious B.I.G. is my favorite rapper because he cultivated that blend of hip-hop and R&B. He delivered hardcore lyrics that still sounded smooth, then elevated the record with catchy, soulful R&B hooks. Chris Brown is another—he’s like a time traveler in my age group, with an unlimited catalog of timeless records. His name speaks for itself, and one of my goals is for us to collaborate—together on a track would be an amazing duet.
Whew! This is a tough one because I’m just starting to set real boundaries for myself in my personal life, making sure I don’t get distracted by things outside of my control. I take care of my sick grandmother, and on many days, being so tired could easily push me to fall back due to stress and emotional weight—but lately, I’ve been pushing through. I’m meeting deadlines and staying committed to what’s needed to grow my brand’s visibility. The key word is consistency, so I make sure that: 1) I get my rest and keep all my appointments (doctor, hair, nails, etc.), 2) I fuel my body with the best things so I’m not weighed down by fatigue or a clouded mind, and 3) I spend time with my village. Most of my friends have nothing to do with music or the industry, so I’m able to step away, recharge, and be supported as a person—not just as an artist.
This was hard to answer because I’m usually an open book, especially in my music—but a little over a year ago, I was in a hit-and-run accident, and it deeply affected me. I’m a great driver, and as I mentioned, my car is my sanctuary. When Sparkle—my first car—was hit, I was shaken. I almost lost my life, and it left me feeling distraught. It even felt intentional, like someone was trying to take me out. I’m incredibly grateful to still be here, and this is the first platform I’ve shared this with—some of my close family and friends don’t even know. On top of that, I consider myself a conspiracy theorist—at least for your understanding—but to me, they feel more like facts. I’m very spiritual, very aware, and deeply connected—not just to my personal world, but to the universe. I’m not paranoid, just grounded in what I feel and what I see, fully tapped into my intuition.
Finish the sentence:
- My music is for people who live within their truth and challenges the world by unapologetically living within their own reality.
- I create because it allows me to release it keeps me grounded and free
IG: @lissacarmel_
You make the world so much more beautiful. You are a star that has come to us to brighten our days with your beautiful voice
Thank you for taking the time to read the interview & speak empowerment over my journey!