Lisa Ronson: ‘Emperors of Medieval Japan’

Lisa Ronson Photo Cred M Sharkey
Photo Credit M Sharkey

Growing up the daughter of legendary guitarist Mick Ronson, it was clear Lisa Ronson wasn’t going to stay away from the music industry for long. After critical acclaim for her solo single, ‘Shopping & F’ in 2014, Lisa is now about to launch her debut album, ‘Emperors of Medieval Japan’, with a release date of November 6.

Born and brought up in the US, living in Woodstock New York, and later New York City itself, Lisa relocated to London in 2012.

Featuring special guest appearances from prestigious rock musicians such as Reeves Gabrels (who’s worked with The Cure and David Bowie), Earl Slick (John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and David Bowie), and Morgan Fisher, who’s worked with Mott The Hoople and Queen – joining guitarist programmer Paul Cuddeford (Ian Hunter, Bob Geldof) and saxophone player Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey, Gallon Drunk, Yoko Ono), ‘Emperors of Medieval Japan’ is a dynamic convergence of synth pop and alternative rock with dystopian and existentialist lyrics. Pioneered by Ronson, this contemporary musical style is referred to by her fans as ‘Post Synthetic’, an emerging musical movement in London.

Having toured with Holy Holy, the Bowie associated group led by her father’s fellow Spiders from Mars bandmate, Woody Woodmansey and producer, Tony Visconti, Lisa is no stranger to recording and the stage. She gained widespread success with ‘The Secret Society’, her New York based indie art/pop group, including a cult following in the UK.

Lisa was always destined for a musical career. Father Mick (who died in 1993) was, according to Rolling Stone Magazine, one of the top 50 greatest guitarists of all time. Best known for his work with David Bowie and Lou Reed, Mick also did sessions and tours for Morrissey, Ian Hunter, and Bob Dylan.

It doesn’t stop there though – Suzi Ronson, Lisa’s mother, was David Bowie’s hairdresser, and wardrobe manager in 1972/73.

Lisa will be peforming a debut solo gig on September 15 at London’s Borderline, before heading off on tour supporting The Cure’s guitarist, Reeves Gabrels, throughout October.

Catch Lisa and Reeves on tour:

1 October – Waterfront Studios, Norwich

2 October – The Boileroom, Guildford

3 October – Studio 2 Parr Street, Liverpool

5 October – Fibbers, York

7 October – The Horn, St Albans

8 October – The Black Heart, London

9 October – Cafe Indipendent, Scunthorpe

10 October – The Hug and Pint, Glasgow

11 October – The Cluny, Newcastle

13 October – The Cookie, Leicester

14 October – Night & Day, Manchester

15 October – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells

Shopping & F

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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