Banburyshire woman and well-known blues artist release debut single in lockdown music collaboration

Banburyshire-based writer and broadcaster, Lisa Simmons, and bass player songwriter Roger Inniss, came together to release their debut single "The Other Side" by Radiojuice.

The pop-rock, soul, jam, “The Other Side” was created totally in lockdown, with each musician and writer working in isolation.

Full of hope and positivity, “The Other Side’s” lyrics were written by Lisa Simmons while out on a countryside walk near her Banbury area home.

Lisa said: “I was feeling a bit lonely and anxious so I decided to go for a walk and became inspired by looking at the countryside, and just thinking how can the world be so beautiful on one hand but yet be going through such trauma on the other – for such a sustained period of time.

"We’ve all missed that human connection – this is all about making it through any tough situation and reconnecting on the other side…As the lyrics say ‘Good things can come from adversity. It’s not forever, in time you will become free. Stay safe now and I’ll see you on the other side…’ I needed that reassurance and I know others have too.”

Lisa was looking for a musical partner to collaborate with and a mutual friend put her in touch with Roger.

Roger said: “I was excited when I received the original call as I could see the potential of working with someone new, alongside fellow musicians I already knew well.”

Roger says he was inspired by the lyrics and what the artists sent him to work with.

He added: “We were all in isolation. We created in isolation and isolation made us all feel a certain way. We worked together to use our different voices to say something together. I think that in itself is a wonderful thing.

“Normally I would get together with the songwriter/artist, work on the song until we’re happy with it, book a recording studio, book the band then rehearse and record the song. It generally takes a couple of weeks to mix and produce a track. Next would be a post-production get-together with the artist to discuss how the song is shaping up and talk about what (if any) changes are needed before finalising.

"During lockdown I had to completely rely on the guys to do what they felt worked best for the song. I had to trust them.”

Lisa said: “I gave guidance to Roger about the feel and sound I was looking for the song, but ultimately I had to hand over my lyrics and hope for the best.”

Roger added: “It was like walking blindfolded in a forest and hoping to get instructions that would lead me safely out the other side. We’re living in challenging times. We’re taking stock of what’s important to us and what it means to be human.”

Lisa and Roger said: “We’re back in lockdown. This year has been one of the toughest in recent memory for us all. But there will be brighter days, we just have to hold on, stay safe and keep positive – then see how life will be on 'The Other Side.'"

The song can be downloaded via all major streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Deezer, just search for “Radio Juice, The Other Side.”

A percentage of profits from the track will be donated to charity.