Lisa Arce on “In A Highway” and Finding Her Voice as a Songwriter

What is the story behind "In A Highway," and what was going on in your life when the song first came to you?

Lisa Arce: I wanted to write a retro rock song with a 60s vibe — not just with the sound of the 60s, but with that positive, inspirational sound that was alive in so much of the music. I wanted to write with the theme of looking forward and positivity, with a hint of spirituality.

Your video captures you live at the Famous Food Festival. What was that set like from where you stood, and how did the setting and the crowd shape the way you performed that day?

Lisa Arce: That was the first show that I did completely comprised of my originals. It was an important moment for me, and from that point on I was able to believe in myself as an artist — not just a vocalist or someone who sings in cover bands. Which is a beautiful thing, and I'm certainly not saying anything negative.

How has "In A Highway" changed since you first wrote it, and what does playing it live bring out that you might not have expected?

Lisa Arce: Well, a good song is capable of changing with the people who are playing it, so I like to give my band latitude in their interpretation. The recording is special to me because John Gatto of the Good Rats not only plays the guitar throughout, but helped me shape the sound.

Where do you come from, and which people, places or records first pulled you toward making music of your own?

Lisa Arce: I come from Long Island, New York, and I am a world traveler, but I always come back to New York. I started believing in my songwriting as a co-writer, and that went really well. My then husband and musical partner and I were very prolific. We are still very close today and play music together. But when I went out on my own, I gained a new confidence as I became the sole writer of songs. For instance, "In A Highway" is my original, so it was a growth experience to say the least. But I think when people are artists, they just can't not make art — and I would say that's me.

Walk us through how a song usually takes shape for you. What tends to come first, and how do you know when it is finished?

Lisa Arce: Songs can come from anywhere. Sometimes a phrase that I hear, and I say, well, that would be a good song, and then I sort of start thinking about what the music would sound like. Sometimes I hear a melody in my head and I have to find the musical instrument or record my voice. I have dozens of half-finished songs sitting on my phone, lol. So I would say the melody and the lyrics usually come first, and then I'm looking for an instrument to pluck out the melody, find the bass line, and get the chords down. My next step is to bring it to my band, or musicians that I think would help me realize my dream. Sometimes we'll jam on it; other times I'll just bring it right into the studio and bring my friends into the studio. We'll work on how a scratch track would sound, and then just one instrument at a time start creating. I'm in every step of the process — when it's your song, you get the final word. Or let me correct that: when it's your dime, lol. And how do I usually know it's finished? You don't want to crowd a song, so it's just a matter of listening, refining, listening — listening to it in your car, listening to it on speakers, etc.

What keeps you going as an independent artist, and what do you hope listeners take with them after hearing you?

Lisa Arce: What keeps me going as an independent artist is that I just can't not write. When I stop and I just do my cover band, I feel like I'm not doing enough to stir my soul, and it makes me want to get on that stage and sing my songs. I have something to say, and it's about peace, love and tolerance. No, it's not new, but it's needed. I like to put out there not just peace and love, but attitude — because even though you walk and move with peace and love, quite often people find you who need your energy and bring drama and stress to you. When that happens, my Italian will come out and my attitude will write songs like "I Don't Need You" and "I Don't Wanna," lol. So I hope listeners take with them the idea that just go forward and truly be yourself, and always find something that you can't not do.

Your link lists upcoming shows. What is next for you, both on stage and in terms of new music you are working on?

Lisa Arce: Next on stage: on December 2 I'm headlining Prohibition in New York City with my band, The Tolerance, and we'll be performing my new song "Stressin'" live for the first time. On March 14, 2027 I'll be at My Father's Place in Roslyn — a national venue — performing with my duo partner Sly Geralds, and on March 27, 2027 I'm playing FemmeRock Fest in New York City. And there's always new music coming — I have dozens of songs in progress, and the next ones are already taking shape.