Larissa Lam:
The Revolutionary Singing CFO
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Larissa Lam:
The Revolutionary Singing CFO
LL: I worked as an intern in college and was given quite a heavy load of duties, especially at Columbia. I was basically like one of the A&R assistants handling department budgets for Randy Jackson, screening demos, handing out label release schedules, and the list goes on.
GS: What prompted you to leave the security of a major label for an independent one?
LL: After working at 2 major labels, I saw a lot of waste and bureacracy. There seemed to be a general disregard for developing artists. There was a lot of pressure to produce results quickly. I would have been up for the challenge, but I ended up with an unique opportunity working for an indie, where I would be heavily involved with all decision making.
GS: How did you become the CFO of NSOUL?
LL: My friend's brother in law because the president of NSOUL. I took a meeting with him and he offered me the job of being Financial Controller. It quickly turned into a promotion to CFO.
GS: How did you transition into full-time singing and song writing?
LL: It was when I working as a CFO at NSOUL that I began my path towards singing. There was a group on the label that lost a singer. They turned to me to sub and I ended up singing with the group for a couple of years while I was still CFO. That's why I'm nicknamed the "singing CFO." I started out in the business wanting to be a producer and songwriter so it was just time for me to develop my own identity.
GS: How did your parents react?
LL: When I was in high school and told them I didn't want to be a doctor and go into music, they freaked out. They had a few years to change their attitudes. By the time I was working at the label, they were actually the ones encouraging me to go solo. The really believed in my talent and have been supportive since.
Larissa performs at the Nissei Week Festival in August of 2004. (Photo Courtesy of Ken Hagler) |
