Lisa Jacobs
Lisa Jacobs is an award-winning bassist, songwriter, music director, and music therapist whose career has taken her from major festival stages to recording studios and everywhere in between. We caught up with Lisa to talk about life on the road, her musical journey, and the gear that helps her perform night after night.
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rom playing her first blues festival at just 12 years old to being named Bassist of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards, Lisa Jacobs has become one of Canada's most respected musicians. A multi-instrumentalist by trade—but a bassist at heart—she has performed, toured, and collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Jann Arden, Julian Taylor, Johnny Reid, Jill Barber, Jocelyn Alice, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Beyond the stage, Lisa holds a degree in music therapy with a minor in jazz performance on electric bass, using music to make an impact everywhere from schools and hospitals to maximum-security prisons. She's also an accomplished songwriter, with music featured on television and a Gold-certified co-write to her name.
As a proud Calgary musician, Lisa continues to shape Canada's music community through her performances, mentorship, and leadership—including serving on the board of the Western Canadian Music Alliance. We're excited to shine a spotlight on her, scroll to learn more.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’m not entirely sure it was a conscious choice. I loved playing music for as long as I can remember and I started gigging at such a young age it just felt inevitable I would always be doing it. Even when my path has taken me elsewhere, music has also been there.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
When I was a teenager I used to skip school to go home and play the piano. I rarely had the words to express what was going on in my life but the piano allowed me freedom and expression. And healing. Those moments at my childhood piano helped me become a less broken person, reinforced my instinct that I needed music to survive and cultivated a desire in me to help others find a way to access this type of wordless expression (which led me to become a music therapist).
What influences have shaped your style of music?
My desire for connection, my need for expression and my love of both melancholic songs and badass grooves have greatly influenced the way I play and perform. Plus I love listening to and playing a lot of genres of music.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
Last year, while my family and I gathered around my brother’s hospital bed, I curated the music for his last few hours on the planet. It was based on my sister and I’s knowledge of his favourite bands and songs. That playlist filled the silence and helped us feel more connected to him. I’m not sure how much he could take in, but I love the idea that his room was filled with love and his favourite sounds. The music was a gentle salve during the most devastating moment of our lives
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
I never got to see Michael Jackson live while he was here. I would teleport to any concert of his, during any era of his music career.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
My grandma was a multi-instrumentalist who played the piano, violin, veena and many others. She passed long before I was born. She’s always been number one on my list of people I would love to play music with.
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
My favourite moments are when people tell me I’ve been part of the inspiration for them to play bass - little girls and boys, women in their 70’s, men picking up the instrument after many years. It’s really special to be a part of anyone’s musical journey.
How did your collaboration with Plunge Audio begin?
My Plunge journey began with a massive aversion to putting anything (including regular headphones) in my ears combined with a change in the style of shows and artists I was working with. I needed IEM’s for the next phase of my career but I was terrified of them. I have small ears, oddly shaped ear canals and a weird fear about things near my ears. I knew I needed to get customs made and Plunge was my first choice.
Simon took excellent care of me and my custom IEM’s travelled the world, played lots of tours, allowed me to listen to records in a deeper way and after 12 years together they were smashed beyond repair. I was obviously devastated. Simon and Justin helped me find the right pair of universal micros for my needs as a bass player. It took a couple trials and a bunch of different ear buds to find the right fit and way I wanted to hear my bass, but I found it. I’m currently using the Dynamic Model (micros). The dynamic driver has a more powerful sub response and the micros are a smaller size for a better fit in my ears.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
My advice for first time users is to listen to your favourite records on your IEM’s. Get your ears used to them physically and sonically BEFORE you play a show. Like anything new, have a little patience. It takes a couple tries (and the help of experienced musicians and sound techs) to create a solid mix.
