Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Liesl Ahlers
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Sitting on our swingset in the garden as a little girl. Writing my own songs and singing out loud.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I’ve always loved to sing. Even as a six-year-old girl, I was always singing out loud. I learned to play guitar when I was sixteen and that was when I wrote my first ‘professional’ song.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I love making music that are accompanied by visuals whether I am in the song writer seat or singing the song. My music project, ‘Soen My Sag’ (Kiss Me Gently), is the theme song of the beautiful feature film “BOS” (“The Forest”). It was an absolute blessing to be part of such a special music project.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before? Personal, intimate and romantic.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Authenticity is more important than perfection. Listeners are more interested in your vulnerability than a perfect performance.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The recording app on my iphone and my acoustic guitar 😊
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I am loving ‘Riverbend’ by Ashes & Arrows.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I experience working in the film industry as an actress and director for 10 years has played a big part in the way I write lyrics and in my artistic vision. It’s allowed me to think outside of the box and embrace my creativity.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I always aim for the emotions that I evoke in my music to be relatable and emotions that touch the heart. I hope that my music will instill hope and encourage listeners to dream.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
There’s always a song waiting to be written. Creativity is endless.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I would love to perform at the Orpheum theatre in Vancouver. Since I have such fond memories of living in Vancouver when I was 20 and seeing my favourite band, at the time (The National) there.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
A year ago, I would have said Gracie Abrams, without a doubt, but since I got saved (last year) it has had a profound impact on the music I listen to. So now I would love to collaborate with Forrest Frank or Brandon Lake.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/soen-my-sag-single/1751356148
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6E5FxrwmL0k9asiS2cjrsZ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAmLiesl
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To collaborate with talented individuals, like Katrine Labuschagne, and prehaps to write and sing a gospel song.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I live for Jesus and that they will feel encouraged to invite Him into their lives, because your life will be changed forever.
