An AMAZING conversation with Lis, who I know from way back in the day in High School! Lis and I dive into the reality of what is takes to pursue a career in the arts, and having authenticity at the core.

Leese June Olivine (formerly Lisa Forkish - all pronouns) is a genderqueer singer/songwriter, artivist, educator, abolitionist, community-cultivator and vocal director, infusing all they create with fierce authenticity and heart. Leese uses singing as an expressive art and a tool for building connection; their ultimate aim in life is to utilize music for personal and collective healing and liberation. Leese has deep roots in both Eugene, OR and Oakland, CA and their vocal arranging and music directing work has been showcased alongside Kehlani, Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Pentatonix and the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Leese’s stint as director of University of Oregon’s a cappella group Divisi from ‘03-’06 was the inspiration for the film “Pitch Perfect” and from ‘12-’19 they ran a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization devoted to uplifting marginalized voices in the vocal music scene. Leese has taken the stage at SF Jazz Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Yoshi’s, and loves nothing more than knocking down the perceived walls between performer and audience. From ‘11-’20, Leese served as Vocal Music Faculty at Oakland School for the Arts where they founded and directed five-time national champion high school a cappella group, Vocal Rush. Known for their unique arrangements, uplifting performances and commitment to music for social change, Vocal Rush took third place on NBCʻs reality competition show “The Sing-Off” and was named one of the “YBCA 100” alongside artists and activists Janelle Monae, Rafael Casal and #metoo movement founder, Tarana Burke. Leese has been at the musical helm of seven different vocal groups over the past 20 years, and has traveled the world as an ensemble coach and clinician, teaching at numerous festivals and universities including the National A Cappella Convention, London A Cappella Festival, Aarhus Vocal Festival and 1440 Multiversity. Leese is the recipient of the Mason McDuffie Education Foundation Award for "Outstanding Educator," Portland’s “Songwriter of the Year" award, and is one of the 2024 recipients of the Lane Arts Council project grant, funding a queer youth a cappella program in Lane County called RISE. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Leese has released five albums of original music; their most recent releaae From the Ashes touching into themes of destruction and rebirth, grief and joy, transformation, justice and love, all while weaving together lush, dissonant vocal harmonies and life-affirming lyrics. Leese currently resides in on unceded Kalapuya Land (Eugene, OR) where they direct Queer Choir land offer private music lessons and coaching services.

Website: lisaforkish.com + queerchoircollective.com

IG: @leeseloveliberation

FB: @ Lisa Forkish Music

YT: /lisaforkish