The Process; Lyrically Inclined with Lisa and Lenny (A Songwriter's Odyssey)

Y-VES album release date August 11, 2025Album notes from Lenny: This album follows a pattern through all the seasons starting at the end of winter with Beautiful Day  and ending in Winter Solstice.  It goes through the seasons of a life as well as despair in Down that Long Road and From Scratch not thinking you are good enough to complete the masterpiece you know you can do and Lifeline  where you get someone telling you they will be there for you no matter what (also the beginning of true love) then you move into spring and summer where you gain confidence with Damn Right. Now you can start exploring the world around you with Lights in the Sky.We are now moving into the fall season in life with Mixtape: losing someone you loved but always had a contentious relationship with like a parent only to find out how much they truly meant to you and you meant to them. We move into the next part of life exploring the relationship between partners and early dementia in Once in a Lifetime  and then  Sorry for your Loss- an exploration into loss of that loved one and into how the living partner deals with loss and the people around them. It explores both isolation and rebirth.Spanish love song is play on songwriting where you say you can’t do something but then go ahead and do it. It brings out the thoughts of the end of summer and rebirth of love thinking of the Southern Caribbean and those hot steamy nights full of amore’ if you know what I mean as well as a secret getaway for 2 lovers.Thirsty and Wet is our version of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds -psychedelic and cool and is reminiscent to the end of fall, those cold rainy days in the Northeast dark and gloomy but still has a magic to it.Winter solstice brings us back to winter of course but it is a tour de force. Lisa sent me the music and I asked her nicely if I could try writing words to this beautiful piece of art, and winter solstice was born.  It is beautifully sung and really gives you the feel of winter.Y-VES is our bonus track but we wanted to name the album  after the bonus track kinda cool I think . Also I wanted to write a song for Lisa but it seemed kinda trite to write a song using her first name and she has so many hats in the music game jazz,rock and roll, standards , broadway musicals, teaching producing and even promoting other band that I thought to myself “Yves” is not a person but a movement ( similar to Lisa) and that is how Yves was born.  It takes us back to our years growing up listening to this type or rock and roll (happy music -very bouncy and cool fun to listen too .The art work was a picture I took of the intracoastal in Florida where I live as the sun was setting I was in the right place at the right time, but I think it is perfect for this album-  it could be a sunset or sunrise  you decide.Lisa always laughs about my writing because it is vague many times on purpose. I am a big proponent of letting the listener decide on the full story how the song affects them. I already know how it affects me  but what does it say to you and how do you fit the song and melody into your ecosphere?

We are back baby!  After a hiatus to celebrate weddings a put on a musical, Lenny and Lisa are back with a new episode.  We share our most vulnerable worktapes- new songs we roughly recorded before production. We also delve into imposter syndrome and being an artist.  Songs featured: You're The Fool/ Freedom Is Freedom Is Freedom

On this last episode of 2024, we discuss 2 songs from a future album called Sinners And Saints.  Sabateur and String Me Along.  We also "harp" on the intricate playing of the harmonica and the wisdom of getting older. Happy new year to all of our friends and fans.  See you in 2025!

In this episode, we discuss our father and being a father and the struggle of balancing working and family.  We listen to 2 songs from our unreleased album Sinners and Saints, called Tapped Out and The Sins of the Father.

In anticipation of Halloween we share two songs from our unreleased album Sinners and Saints that have a scary element. Under The Crescent Moon is about a female werewolf, and Universal Key is about Dementia. Hope you enjoy our fun conversation and banter.

The Process is back for season 4!  In this episode we talk about two new songs from an unreleased album we are currently working on called Sinners and Saints.  We reveal our song that took and unexpected political turn called Dr. Destruction and our spaghetti western story called Justice.  As usual we have fun banter and fond memories of movies we have seen and songs we know. Join us!

In this season finale we are diving into the collaborative project between our sister Yochi Yakir Avin the visual artist and Lisa the musician.For more info on this project go to https://www.artscalendar.com/event/painting-life-in-pictures/?hub=1https://www.yochiyakiravin.com/https://lisayves.com/Sign up for Yochi's newsletter or follow her on socials@yochiyakiravinPainting Life In Pictures- free admissionAugust 30 - reception at 6 PM, show at 7August 31- 7 PM showQ&A to followBonus- free CD for audience members

In this episode we are focusing in on having Good Times and finding our Happy Place.  These 2 songs appear on Lisa's 2024 release S.U.P.A. Natural.All music is available on streaming platforms.

We feature two songs that are advice driven.  Mama Told Me from the album S.U.P.A. Natural tells the moms out there the importance of telling your kids that they are good.  Building Blocks from the album Horrors Like These is a cautionary tale about doing the right thing and having integrity.All songs are available on all platforms.

In this episode we revisit two more songs from Horrors Like These.  Cyndi and Leisure Suit.  These are songs that we were influenced from outside artistic influences.All songs are available on all streaming platforms.

In this episode we feature 3 songs from the album SUPA Natural that we re-released this year after the 2020 release called Nineteenseventyfive.Songs featured are SUPA Natural (I'm A Woman), Turntables and Vinyl (produced by Crit Harmon) and Bonus track Side Hustle.Enjoy the vibes and our fun conversation about it.  We are our biggest fans :)Also stream our new album Lisa Yves Heroes and Villains

On this episode we revisit our 2017 album Rayne with 2 more songs, Long Pauses and Mythical Man.  Listen to it loudly!

Today we have an great conversation with the artist known as Evoke.  We talk all things tunes, process, mental health, New York City and we get to hear 2 fantastic original songs by Evoke.  Adaptation and In Vogue.Alden Groves (they/them), aka EVOKE, is a non-binary singer, rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Queens, NY. EVOKE's sound has evolved exponentially over the past decade, reflecting their artistic growth and technical prowess. Incorporating elements of hip-hop, alt-rock, k-pop, R&B, and experimental music, their mission is to evoke visceral emotions and powerful imagery through their music and visuals.After years of not fitting into societal boxes, EVOKE has found solace in embracing their authentic self; their music and art both explore themes of emotional freedom, sobriety, gender expression and mental health, reflecting their journey of self-discovery and liberation.Having been raised in Greeley, CO, EVOKE was heavily influenced by Colorado rave culture, which shaped their debut EP ‘Neuropop’ [2014] - a genre-agnostic neurofunk sonic production blending indie-pop songwriting and vocal production. From a strong foundation, their evolution has resulted in a cult fan following, millions of plays and chart-topping hits on Beatport and Track-It-Down. Their ongoing success has led their cinematic EDM hits "Departure" with Egzod and "Future Holds" with Laura Brehm to be featured on EDM.com's most played songs of all time.This year [2024], EVOKE has released a new single each month, showcasing their unique sound and diverse array of styles. The ability to blend the familiar with the cutting edge in both popular and underground music is a testament to their technical skill and artistic vision.Follow EvokeInstagram: @evokehophttps://www.facebook.com/evokehophttp://tiktok/com/evokehophttps://evokehop.comhttps://evokehop.com/adaptationhttps://www.youtube.com/evokehophttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2TljAKrnT0SDyoSf88mciP?si=YitGBGxDS7mKtBZHUyoq4A&nd=1&dlsi=f2332622442d468c

On this episode, we revisit and album we released in 2018 called Horrors Like These.  The 2 songs we feature are The Kids Are Gone (about gun violence and loss) and Canoe (about losing a parent).   We also open the episode with part of the title song Horrors Like These.Listen to Horrors Like These on all platforms.Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/horrors-like-these/1440601907Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1rXFVEvdgrjjCu13cJY9A2?si=NT9sOX4KSWiWnSeLQbFmog

On this episode we feature 2 songs from our 2017 album entitled RAYNE.  Produced by Crit Harmon, the album is a concept album created by Lisa and Lenny about a lost young girl who sings and tries to find her way in the world.  The songs we feature  on this episode are Baby Bird and Stained Glass.  It's fun to revisit these songs and talk about how we created them.Rayne is available to hear on all platforms.Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rayne/1296962650Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5ha6kOyiTHTr0a4y4jZXfx?si=sYmuFlDeQ2GnSV4cphRfMQ

Welcome to season 3 episode 1.  We are back and ready to chat some more about our songs.  Today's episode is about 2 new songs we wrote.  Mixtape and Beautiful Day.  we break down some memories from our childhood in Mixtape and Beautiful Day is about a recent memory that Lenny encountered in North Carolina.

On this episode we feature 2 songs that are a little more complex musically.  Lifeline and Winter Solstice.   Lifeline is still in the pop vein but Winter Solstice is more like a theatrical song with complex melodies, harmonies and poetic lyrics filled with winter imagery. Plus a little teaser for one of our new songs called Mixtape.Stay tuned for more great content to come in Season 3.

Sorry For Your Loss and Thirsty And Wet are songs about the process of healing and they will also make you think.We discuss the creative process behind these 2 original songs.

We had an awesome chat with Logan Tabor about his life and band alltheprettythings.Wilmington, North Carolina-based alltheprettythings has combined musicians from bands you might know to make music you would not expect. The multitude of styles and influences that go into these songs will change the way you look at rock music.Anthemic tracks dominate their body of work. “Teenage Lines” soaring sonics and vocal urgency contrasts in some ways with the warm, familiar nature of “I Want You Back” but both have a signature complexity that marks the band’s music.Vocalist, Logan Tabor (Mood Mechanics) assembles his lyrics using past and present thoughts from a book of phrases he has fancied over the years – some were random thoughts and some pieces of songs that would never be. In their combination, he imbues them with new, deeper meaning. The intensity of each of the songs is buoyed by his dynamic, versatile performance style.Scottish-Born, South African-raised and San Antonio, TX-based guitarist Tristan Matthew (Newlands, touring bassist for Chiodos) discerns what to contribute to a song through contemplation. The song speaks to him – tells him what it needs. His inspiration transforms the song giving it the right mix of subtlety and presence The affable Jeremy Bryan (Alesana) on drums enthusiastically supports his bandmates’ songwriting efforts. “We all seem to intuitively understand what direction the songs want to go, so we help them get there,” he says. His work ethic (collaborating while on tour) combined with his belief in the talent of Logan, Worth and Tristan moves the project forward in the most positive of directions.For Worth Weaver (producer and touring guitarist for He Is Legend, Thousand Foot Krutch), recording is more of a ‘scientific’ endeavor. The alchemy that happens in his studio transforms the parts his bandmates send him and that he records, making them into a seamless whole. Worth makes it all fit – pushing out the boundaries of the songs to make room for some serious innovation.Will Sowers (bassist), the newest member of the band, was Emarosa's founding bassist and has toured the world with bands like Collective Soul and Civil Twilight.  He comes to the band through his friendship with Tristan and has become one of their many strengths in short order.Some bass tracks were recorded by the band’s original bassist, James Weaver (Worth’s brother who passed in 2020) and the resulting album will be dedicated to his memory. What keeps the band inspired is their friendship and like-minded senses of humor. While recording, band members named unfinished songs after lines from their shared favorite movies. From Jurassic Park to That Thing You Do!, the members grew up with so many of the same cultural references that made their way into their jokes and – more importantly - their music.  Check the Say Anything reference in “I Want You Back” for proof!For the members of alltheprettythings this journey is one of friends that are family and keeping the creative process enjoyable for them – and the listener!https://alltheprettythingsofficial.com/ https://merch.alltheprettythingsofficial.com/Songs featured on this episode:Every now And ThenI Want You BackA New Forever

In this episode we talk about two songs that we really love.  Down That long Road and Damn Right.  Both songs start with the letter D and we happen to really like them a lot.

When we talk about today's guest, Mia Moravis, we might as well say, "Just find her on social media". We like to say she has her own quirky version of an EGOT ~ she's a three-time Emmy® nominee, a Tony Award® nominee, worked on several GRAMMY®-nominated and -winning recordings, and she's Producer with an Oscar® nominee on Sweet Harmony: The Manhattan Transfer Story—and she's a Remi Award®-winning filmmaker for her documentary, Seeking Heat, about the international artists on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label, one such artist, Susana Baca, of whom was nominated for a GRAMMY this year.Mia has much to share, in many genres, which include her Celtic songs; her Holiday album with Lisa; writing theme songs for shows seen on PBS; work as a Broadway, West End and tour Producer in musical theater; writing and producing a concert version of her own musical, composing a jazzy ditty for her Dad, performing in plays, musical theater, and opera, and so much more!Music featured in this episode:Shakespeare And Me and Grace In The Meadow (from Mia's Celtic EP, Dunoon); Session Girls~The Musical (Original Concert Cast Recording);  It's The Greatest Holiday! Album (Mia Moravis and Lisa Yves); I Am Water (from the 2024 GRAMMY-nominated album, Aquamarine, Artist~Kirsten Agresta-Copely, Producer Mia Moravis~Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album); Moon Ditty (The Moon Ditty Trio); Life is Worth Living (Mia, as "Elaine", from Me, Myself, and Jill, a new musical by Lisa Yves). Find Mia on all socials: @miamoravis

On Today's episode we talk about 2 songs that we love.  The Great Piano In The Sky written about  the late great musician, Mike Renzi, and Y-VES which Lenny wrote loosely about Lisa and her inspirational ways.  These are songs written about people who make their mark on the world with their creative processes.Special thanks again to Jack Rosen for lending us his guitar skills on these songs.Bonus track- the finished Lights in The Sky which we recorded live on episode 12.

On this episode we dive deep into the world of Mel Fine, singer, artist, songwriter, producer.  You will be delighted to hear about Mel's experiences as a songwriter, and performer. From Berklee College of Music to Mel Fine's Rainbow Room and even American Idol you don't want to miss this fun and interesting episode. I have known Mel for 15 years as their vocal coach, mentor and overall music mom.  Mel is joined by Lenny live in their studio. Special guest Grahm Finn on guitar.Featured songs available on all platforms:Like He Gets to Love HerRight HereBF (coming soon)Deck The Halls as featured in 2 episdoes of General Hospital Dec 2023Find Mel at @melfinemusic on all social media 

On this episode we have a special visitor. Someone we talk about all the time finally popped to discuss songs and music. Plus a new song called Give Your Love Away written by our special visitor. I loved the song so much that I asked if I could record a version of it.

This week we are together in Florida.  We decided to record a song from scratch using a guitar and lil' keyboard, usb microphone and logic pro on my laptop.  Listen to the awesome collaboration that happens when we get into a state of flow and lose track of time.

On today's episode we talk about 2 love songs.  In The Beginning is a song about new love like the genesis of the world and Once In A Lifetime is a song about an older couple that have been together for a lifetime.

Today we are ready to dip our toes in the warm sand and sip cocktails by the sea with our romantic Spanish Love Song.  Also storytelling takes hold in the fabled Ya Ya Mare where all the townspeople join in on the singing as a Carmen Miranda type tells the story.  Spanish love song features stunning guitaring by Daniel Helfman our Israeli talent!

Our conversation with Rick Swanson continues.  More great music!Songs played in this episode all written by Rick and Lisa:Try Just Try Feat. Mia Moravis, This Christmas feat. Mia Moravis, Window To My Soul feat. M.A.R.K.,  Without Love from Sal Valentinetti, Little Valentine,  Just One Skin, Coffeehouse version, London Blusion feat. Lisa Yves, Done and Dusted, Produced by Mason Douglas version feat. Allie Louise,  One Skin, London Blusion feat. Magdy, If You Really Knew Me, feat. Ethan Conway on vocals and  guitar

On this 2 part show, we talk in depth with Rick Swanson, longtime lyricist collaborator of Lisa's in songwriting (23 years!). Lisa and Rick have written over 85 songs together in many different genres and we talk about the process of writing, producing and hiring musicians and vocalists to help the finished product.Growing up in Connecticut, Rick developed an early love for lyric writing through his mother’s passion for the Great American Songbook. He was fascinated by legendary lyricists like Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer, always studying their lyrical structures, techniques and turn of phrase. He began writing his own lyrics with classmates in college, but after graduation songwriting settled into the margins of his life, more as a 'foolish passion'. Instead, his day job took him into the world of finance and fashion in New York and living overseas in London and Florence, but he found himself forever writing on planes and trains, and jotting lyrical notes in the back of taxis and during business meetings. Rick and Lisa connected in 2000 and gradually they began co-writing songs, but it wasn't until years later that they would branch out into many different genres.Songs on this episode all written by Rick and LisaFairytale Love For Me, It Was Always You, Done and Dusted, I Miss You, Lost At Sea Feat. Richard Farrell on vocals and Daniel Helfman on guitar, A Love To Last, produced by Crit Harmon  from Jazzy Little Soul

In this episode we discuss one song of inspiration- ROSETTA SPOONBILL, and one song if perspiration- I AIN'T DEAD YET.  Both songs are about creative people and their creative journeys- one that ends too soon in tragedy and another that lasts past retirement.  Special thanks to Jack Rosen and Daniel Helfman for their beautiful guitar work on these songs.

This episode explores 3 songs that cover the hard truths about reputation- That Kid is Your Son, not wanting to grow up- Peter Pan,  and struggling with writer's block- From Scratch. We hope you enjoy our continued conversations about our creative process. Special thanks to Jack Rosen for his guitar work on From Scratch.

On this episode we dive deep into the world of Steven George AKA George Alien with his strong ties to Extraterrestrial life.  George created a new genre of music called Extraterrestrial Experimental Electronic with his first album release entitled Space Trash.  As a creative human/alien, George has many talents in writing  and drumming and now he can add music producer and artist to his resume.  Laying low during the covid lockdown, George spent 3 years producing these songs which are artfully done with intriguing lyrics that will leave the listener deep in thought about the nature of our planet, while dancing to the infectious  beats.Listen to Space Trash on all platforms.

Today we speak with a new artist and songwriter, Marni Kim about her new release, Waves.  We learn about Marni's lifelong connection with music and how she took the education route to become a highly successful attorney yet still keeps the creative muse alive in her life thanks to her friendships and strong musical bonds.  Marni's new wave/80's sound is fresh and cool.Linktree: Marni Kim musichttps://tr.ee/4tS-yciZZHThe Game written by Marni Rosenblatt and Lisa Yves Waves written by Marni Rosenblatt and Freddie KatzMarni Kim - lead and backing vocalsFreddie Katz - all guitars, e-bow, bass, keyboardsSteve Holley - drumsListen to Waves and The Game on all platforms

In this episode, we discuss our songs Venus and Jupiter and Heroes and Villains.  These are songs about great duos in love and battle.  Sometimes these characters are closer than you think.

In this episode we discuss two songs that have encoded messages.  Crazy Box and Haters.  Crazy Box is a duet that we both sang on that talks about the current state of today where the world is unstable.  Haters is a song about giving permission to people to be themselves and live their truth without worrying about the haters.

For our first episode, we talk about our collaboration and introduce the podcast.  We discuss in detail two of our original songs, Empire Way and A Rock Legend's Glory And Goodbye.  We breakdown the creation process and how our collaborative skills helped to create these two iconic stories in song.