Lisa McClendon was brought to my attention again, when I saw her record being sold in Soul Brother Records, and listened to her ‘Soul Music’ song on UB1 Music’s ‘The New Sound of Gospel Music’ compilation. Check out her strong and honest answers during my JustSoul Q&A’s.

Matthew: Who influenced you in music?
Lisa McClendon: One of my strongest influences is Ella Fitzgerald and pretty much jazz music. I am also inspired by underground artists such as PJ Morton.

Matthew: How would you define Lisa McClendon's style?
Lisa McClendon: Classic soul with a jazz flare LOL.

Matthew: Tell me what it was like making your first two albums.
Lisa McClendon: It was definitely easier making the first two albums simply because it was all studios. I had to only depend on myself and the producer.

Matthew: What were you up to before you decided to release your albums?
Lisa McClendon: I was actually a collection agent before I released albums. I thank God for those jobs. They taught me how to run my own business, Diamond Girl Music, Inc.

Matthew: Who do you hang around with in the Industry, any famous artists/business people?
Lisa McClendon: You know, everyone is so busy. I don't think artists hang out. I know people that have relationships with other artists but I don't usually give names because I never want another artist’s to think that I would use their name to help my career.

Matthew: Do you work with up and coming talents?
Lisa McClendon: I usually have a new writer on every album. I think it’s an honour to share my platform with other artist that may not otherwise have a platform.

Matthew: When did you begin song writing/singing, and do you give your hands some work in the studio?
Lisa McClendon: I started writing for an independent label around my first release. I have now started production and engineering. I did a lot of that on my last album, unfortunately, I wasn't given credit for that in the album credits.

Matthew: Have you ventured out into the UK yet, do you plan on performing outside of the USA?
Lisa McClendon: I did perform in London, at the Dominion Centre 2 years ago and I am looking forward to coming back.

Matthew: What is it like for an audience member at a Lisa’s McClendon gig...is it full of surprises or quite sophisticated?
Lisa McClendon: I would say both. I like an intimate set which makes it sophisticated; however, I think people are surprised to find that I actually minister at my gigs because that's what I am called to do.

Matthew: Did your family play a role in your career or as an artist?
Lisa McClendon: My husband was actually the one who got me started in the business. He gave my songbook to a producer which led me to song writing and so forth.

Matthew: What do you think of www.justsoul.net?
Lisa McClendon: You know I had not heard of Justsoul.net until recently. But I am sure that Justsoul.net will continue great success.

Matthew: What was it like making the live album?
Lisa McClendon: It was hard for me, being pregnant and all. I had a lot of people to depend on but everyone came through.

Matthew: What do you think of your countries politics?
Lisa McClendon: You know I am not very political. I do however have a big concern with the food and pharmaceutical industry has. I eat organic food because I feel that the fast food and other things that are being allowed to cause illnesses and diseases that people die from.

Matthew: What do you think of the business side of music?
Lisa McClendon: It sucks at times because everyone speaks of God and I think we even hide behind "ministry" but we don't live for ministry. It is a crooked industry. I just really look forward to a label that will really stand for holiness and understand that we are not successful like the world.

Matthew: Do you have any views on commercial black music, like the bling bling/half naked women/rude lyrics etc?
Lisa McClendon: Well it really isn't "black" music. There are different races that do "ignorant" music but unfortunately the media only portrays it to be black. It's not a race thing nor is it a music thing; it's an "ignorant" thing. When you don't know God, you really don't know yourself. When you don't know yourself, you don’t know your value. When you don't know your value, you will sell yourself for nothing.

Matthew: What can we expect from Lisa in the future?
Lisa McClendon: Definitely, my new book "Diamond Girl", a book of wisdom from mothers to daughter. Available by the end of the month at www.LisaMcClendon.com. I am also doing a lullaby album called "Lullababies." A soul Lullaby album. I am also looking to start my own label where everyone will be able to get my new projects on line. Look out for it!!!

Matthew: Thank you for the time, and ability to figure this interview out...we are all busy people! :)