Lissa Hermans
Lissa Hermans has just released her rendition of God Save The Queen for the Jubilee and it is the first time that the national anthem has been released as a single.
Lissa has been part of Chickenshed for many years and I caught up with her to talk about her time there as well as the new record.
- You are about to release God Save The Queen as a single so how excited are you about releasing such a patriotic track for the Jubilee?
I’m incredibly excited this is something I never would have dreamed of, it is such an honour.
- This is the first time that the national anthem has been released as a single so how did you get involved with the release of this record?
It started when I sang God Save the Queen with the Chickenshed group for Her Majesty the Queen at the Charles Dickens Bicentenary concert in London.
Jonathan Shalit who is a Chickenshed trustee and involved in the music industry was the one who thought my rendition would make a great single to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.
- We all know the national anthem of course but how have you put your own musical stamp on such a well known song?
I guess it’s my voice that makes it my own.
- You sang the anthem in front of the Queen so what was that experience like?
I was so excited about it and was just felt so honoured to have the opportunity.
- Money from the single will go to the Chickenshed Theatre Trust so can you tell me a little bit about Chickenshed and how the money will be used?
Chickenshed is an inclusive group so anyone of any age and any ability can join.
I’m hoping to raise lots of money for Chickenshed so we can continue to put on great performances and get more people involved in the group.
- You have been with Chickenshed for many years so how did you first get involved with them? And how have they helped you?
I first went to Chickenshed when I was 7yrs and didn’t know what it was all about, I was so nervous I wouldn’t get off my Mum’s lap.
I always enjoy performing and they’ve given me lots of opportunities to do that.
- And music is clearly your passion so where did your love of music first begin?
My Mum had loads of cassettes we used to listen and sing to when I was little and when I was 8/9yrs I discovered musicals and used to learn all the songs from those.
- You have shown off your vocal talent as well as having impressed Stevie Wonder so have you ever given some thought to a career in music? Is the idea of recording a solo album something that interests you?
Oh yes definitely, I dream about having my own album. I’d love to work with a big orchestra.
- Obviously the Jubilee is just around the corner so what will you be doing to celebrate?
Apart from the Jubilee Family Festival I’m going to a Street party with all my family.
- Finally what's next for you?
We have a Chickenshed Gala coming up so I’ll be working on that.
Lissa Hermans - God Save The Queen is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw