Four decades removed since the release of the gold certified hit debut single, “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” Lisa Lisa, née Velez Mello, (along with Cult Jam) have reached a career milestone. After 4 group albums, 2 solo bodies of work, as well as standout roles in both TV and film, the youngest of ten children is kicking off a super exciting year 40 with varied new endeavors. We got into details during our Lisa Lisa interview.
Hailing from New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, Lisa Lisa has quite the story to tell.
Parlé Mag: First things first, a huge congrats is in order celebrating your fortieth anniversary, which you are also commemorating with an upcoming tour — Forty years later, how does it feel?
Lisa Lisa: Honestly, the feeling is indescribable! I’m on Cloud 9. My manager, Toni Menage, and my entire team has been incredible. The team at Menage Works, Inc., my publicist, JMIG Public Relations, and my attorney, Ivan Smith, at Setfarth Shaw have worked hard on making it all come together! I feel thankful and inspired.
Parlé Mag: And, for someone who has yet to experience you LIVE, what would you tell that person they can look out for?
Lisa Lisa: I am about to embark on my 40th anniversary tour since my first single, “I Wonder If I Take You Home!” I can’t wait to bring the tour to a city near you. Still, after all these years being on stage is just home! I love to perform. The show is bigger! I will have our band, “SoDisrespectful Music,” and the “Lisa Lisa Tour Life Dancers” out with me. The show is full out color and energy. Expect to dance and have a great time.
Parlé Mag: How have you evolved since your whole inception into music?
Lisa Lisa: Evolution is something we all must go through. My love for the music, performing and for the fans remains the same, but my stage performance, my team and handling of my music business has definitely changed for the better.
Parlé Mag: Now Lifetime recently announced your upcoming biopic, Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story — Without giving away too much, what all exactly can be expected from this forthcoming TV movie?
Lisa Lisa: Yes, I am very excited about the biopic! The film is executive produced by myself, my best friend of 40 years / manager, Toni Menage, and Tracey “Twinkie” Byrd. This will be my first executive producer credit and I couldn’t be more elated. As far as what to expect, well you will just have to tune in on February 15th 2025 to A&E Lifetime.
Parlé Mag: In it, you are playing your late mother — Although not new to acting, what exactly was it like to actually portray your mom?
Lisa Lisa: Playing my mother gave me a feeling of pride!! She believed in me, She supported me throughout my career. I only wanted to make her proud. Now I get to represent her in a movie about my own life. It was surreal for lack of a better word. She was and still is my everything with the only other exception being my children. Playing my mother in my own biopic feels like I’m smelling my flowers.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
Lisa Lisa: I’m always happy with music. It is a form of expression. It has healing powers when used correctly. I think things musically change with every generation. It’s subjective to the listeners. Some music today I like more than others, but it’s all relevant!
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Lisa Lisa: Staying true to who I am. I don’t try to fit in to the new trends or reinvent myself in a way that takes me outside of myself. I think the fans like and even respect consistency and authenticity of who I am and I respect my fans.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment?
Lisa Lisa: Wow! There has been so many monumental moments in my career to really peg one moment! I have truly been blessed. If I have one, I would have to say it was the very first time hearing my song on the radio! That feeling was truly incredible.
Parlé Mag: You parted ways with Alex “Spanador” Moseley and Mike Hughes [Cult Jam] around 1991 — Have y’all remained in touch? And, what are the odds of a Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam reunion; whether on stage and / or wax?
Lisa Lisa: We don’t keep in touch, but I know they are doing well. I’m told they are still working on music together, as well as pursuing individual endeavors.
Parlé Mag: And, on the production side, what about working with Full Force again?
Lisa Lisa: All things come to an end. We had an amazing experience together and that can never be erased or forgotten. The idea of a reunion is nostalgic, but there are no reunions planned, touring or recording in the works with either Cult Jam or Full Force.
Parlé Mag: “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion” are bonafide classics — How did these particular songs come about? Who came up with their concepts? And, please describe for me the overall studio vibe on those fateful days?
Lisa Lisa: Full Force wrote and produced the songs. I met Mike at a club called the Fun House in NYC. He asked me if I wanted to come to an audition where I was introduced to Full Force. I auditioned for them and the rest is history! I recorded both “I Wonder If I Take You Home” & “Can You Feel The Beat” in one session. It was exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time. I didn’t know anything about the music business. I was young and i just wanted to sing! I could have never imagined being here 40 years later.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Lisa Lisa: I see myself still touring. I love performing! I plan on getting back to acting. It is a true passion of mine. I see myself on stage until the wheels fall off, lol!
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Lisa?
Lisa Lisa: Of course the Biopic coming in February 2025 on A&E Lifetime… I released a salsa version of my song “All Cried Out” June 10th of this year, so we will be adding that to our show. We will actually be premiering it in Puerto Rico live this November 15th for the first time ever. The 40th anniversary tour is kicking off at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, CA, March 1st 2025. Joining me will be Evelyn “Champagne” King, Montell Jordan, The Mary Jane Girls, The Jets, Rob Base, Color Me Badd! This will be a must see. I have an autobiography coming sometime in 2025-2026. Lastly, I’m presently working on a Tour Documentary. I want to give my fans a sneak peak into all that goes on behind the scenes and the work that goes into my show.
Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thoughts for our readers?
Lisa Lisa: Love more! Live more! Believe you can accomplish anything because you can!
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