Future Sound of Nottingham 2016: Lisa Hendricks & The Project-Us Band

How would you describe your music?
If we had to describe our music last year, we would describe it as neo-reggae. Now as part of us evolving, we would probably say we are becoming more rootsy in the way we play but maintaining the consciousness and true to life  reality overall.

What was your reaction to the news you’d be playing the FSN final?
We were over the moon so to speak and could not wait for the new to break, especially after the voting went blind on the last day. We are so grateful for all the votes we got to make it through. We have learnt not to take anything for granted and therefore although we are still smiling about it, we know it is still a competition and there are five other good act to complete with.

What can the Citeh crowd expect from your performance?
Reflection! Our performance will definitely get the crowd moving especially if you have any likeness for reggae and most people know at least one reggae song and can relate to at least one artist and more so Bob Marley the true icon of this wonderful musical heritage. Our performance will get people not only to dance, but also reflect on their own situation or someone they know based on the contents of our songs.

Why did you enter FSN?
We entered FSN out of the desire of sharing our music with a wider local audience, you could say we are try to reaching a wider community within our community with our music. We have also developed a likeness for festivals having played a few carnivals last year so we thought let give FSN a go and if we get pass round one, then it's all hands on deck so to speak.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
To name a few people that has had an influence on me musically in no particular order and not necessarily as the biggest, I would say Bob Marley, Etana, Morgan Heritage, Chronixx, India Irie, Etta James, Mary J and Lauren Hill this list is not exhausted

What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
There are a number local artist that have over the last couple years come to the forefront and letting their music share their love. I recently attend the album launch of Harleighblu and to be honest I enjoyed her music. I am currently in another competition called Britain's Got Reggae and through to the finals with also another local Nottingham artists (Tina B). This is a none exhausted list of other artists that I have seen performaned and enjoyed, the likes of Stars, Ujahm, Lia White, Mellonie Page, Lee Ramsey, Blessing, Joshua Campbell...

What are your biggest non-musical influences?
If I understand the question I would say in order my children, parents, family, friends, community at large and travelling.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Knowing that I have touched people with my songs I would say is a huge plus for me. Outside of that having met people like Morgan Heritage year, meeting Etana and performed on the same stage before her, then travelling to London with a family member who interviewed her, giving me another opportunity to literally "rub shoulders" with this woman that I look up to as an artist and what she stands for has also been a highlight. Another is given the opportunity of a lifetime to play Rock City thanks to FSN, and the fact that this may well lead to other opportunities is another highlight for my musical CV.

Any last words for Leftlion?
I came across Leftlion last year when I was launching my EP and has been following them since then. The opportunities and work they do for artist like me is highly commendable and truly a guiding light for young and upcoming artists. Personally, for the opportunity I now have and the possibility of other doors opening, I would like to say a huge thank you to Leftlion and encourage them in the words of Chronixx "never give up".