By admin 
HangupsMusic.com – Los Angeles, CA – In a candid and expansive conversation that offered fans a rare glimpse into her multifaceted world, BLACKPINK’s LISA recently sat down with Jake Shane on his popular Therapuss podcast. The wide-ranging discussion, aired on Thursday, October 29, delved into the palpable anticipation surrounding her upcoming "VIVA LA LISA" residency in Las Vegas, her recent musical endeavors, a high-profile collaboration with Spanish superstar Rosalía, and even her accidental role in fueling a global craze for quirky collectible dolls. As one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, LISA’s insights provided a compelling narrative of artistic evolution, cultural pride, and personal passions.
The timing of the podcast appearance is particularly significant, coming just weeks before the highly anticipated debut of her "VIVA LA LISA" residency at the iconic Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Slated to kick off on November 12, this residency marks a monumental step in her burgeoning solo career, solidifying her status as a global entertainer capable of headlining one of the world’s most prestigious performance venues. LISA openly shared her pre-show jitters with Shane, a sentiment many artists experience, yet one that resonates deeply when expressed by an artist of her caliber. She confessed to feeling a considerable amount of nervousness leading up to the residency, an emotion that was, somewhat paradoxically, assuaged by her triumphant showing at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
At the VMAs, LISA not only secured a coveted Moon Person trophy for Best Pop for "Dream," a standout track from her acclaimed debut solo album Alter Ego, but also delivered a electrifying live performance of her single "SaWaDiKa." This dual victory, a personal milestone following her solo debut, injected a powerful surge of confidence. "Now I’m like, ‘OK, I’m looking forward to my residency,’" she recounted, indicating how the validation and exhilaration of the VMA experience transformed her apprehension into eager anticipation. The rigorous rehearsals for the six-show Las Vegas run are undoubtedly intense, a testament to her commitment to delivering an unforgettable spectacle for her fans.
"SaWaDiKa," a track that impressively landed at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, serves as the lead single from her recently unveiled six-track Press Play EP. LISA explained that the choice of "SaWaDiKa" as the introductory track was deliberate and deeply symbolic. The phrase, meaning "hello" in Thai, resonated with her desire to welcome listeners into her renewed artistic space while paying homage to her heritage. The song acts as an audible embrace, inviting audiences to experience the vibrant cultural tapestry woven throughout the EP.
Indeed, the Press Play EP is a profound reflection of LISA’s reconnection with her roots. She revealed that she spent an extended period of six to seven months immersed in Thailand, her home country, a journey of rediscovery after living in South Korea since the tender age of 14. This sabbatical allowed her to indulge in the familiar comforts of Thai cuisine, rekindle bonds with friends and family, and bask in the country’s unique atmosphere. "It feels so good to be back home. Home there. Real home," she expressed, underscoring the emotional significance of the experience. This period of deep reconnection served as an abundant wellspring of creative inspiration for the Press Play project.
The cultural influence of Thailand is palpable throughout the EP, extending beyond lyrical themes to the very sound and visuals of her work. The music video for "SaWaDiKa," for instance, prominently features a tuk-tuk, the iconic three-wheeled motorized rickshaw that is ubiquitous on Thai streets, instantly grounding the visual narrative in her homeland. LISA recounted filling her creative mood board with a plethora of Thai-inspired concepts, constantly exploring ways to fuse traditional Thai sounds with contemporary pop sensibilities. This artistic alchemy is particularly evident in "Sweat," the EP’s closing track. Described as a "Britney Spears-like burner," the song masterfully combines sultry, pulsating beats with the distinctive melodic strains of Thai guitar, creating a rich, genre-bending soundscape that is both innovative and deeply personal.
Speaking of Britney Spears, LISA also shared a charming anecdote about her childhood obsession with the pop icon. Thanks to a cousin who was a fervent "Brit booster," LISA developed an early and enduring admiration for Spears’ music and artistry. She fondly recalled "Toxic" as one of her all-time favorite Britney tracks, alongside her deep appreciation for the entire Circus album from 2008, which spawned hits like the title track, "Womanizer," "If U Seek Amy," and "Radar." This revelation offers a fascinating insight into the formative influences that shaped LISA’s own trajectory as a performer, demonstrating how the global language of pop music transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Beyond her musical inspirations, LISA also recounted the serendipitous origin of another, more recent obsession: Labubu dolls. What began as a casual encounter has since spiraled into a global phenomenon, largely attributed to the "LISA effect." She confessed to Shane that she initially had never heard of these "little cutie" plushies until she was famously spotted in 2024 carrying one attached to a luxury handbag. Her effortless styling instantly propelled the quirky, toothy figures into the global spotlight, transforming them from niche collectibles into a coveted accessory for fashionistas and fans alike.
Her personal journey into the world of Labubus began a few years prior during a visit to Thailand with friends. Intrigued by the buzz, she ventured into a Pop Mart store in search of the dolls, only to be informed they were completely sold out. "I’m like, ‘is that so hard to get?’" she recalled asking, to which the store employee reportedly replied, "yes girl. Like ‘where have you been?’" Her friends then showed her the specific Labubu designs they were after, and it was then that LISA’s eyes landed on the distinctive green matcha-colored version. "I was like, ‘I want the green matcha!’" she exclaimed, leading her to eventually acquire an entire box of the elusive figures. From that point on, her fascination only deepened, fueled by updates from a friend about limited-edition releases, which she embraced as a personal challenge. The result? A home now overflowing with these "adorably ugly" plushies, smiling at her from every corner, leaving her with "no space to walk." This endearing anecdote underscores LISA’s relatable human side, showcasing how even global superstars can succumb to the charm of an unexpected collecting craze.
The podcast also touched upon her high-profile collaboration with Spanish musical innovator Rosalía. LISA discussed her experience working on the music video for "New Woman," a track featured on her Alter Ego album. This partnership brought together two of the most influential female artists of their generation, each celebrated for their boundary-pushing artistry and distinct cultural fusion. The collaboration itself was a testament to LISA’s growing stature as an artist capable of bridging diverse musical landscapes and creating compelling work with fellow global visionaries.
Additionally, LISA revealed her personal favorite BLACKPINK song during the interview, a detail eagerly awaited by BLINKs worldwide. While the specific song was not disclosed in this summary, the mere mention of her selecting one track from the group’s illustrious discography speaks volumes about the deep connection she holds with her bandmates and their collective musical journey. Her ability to seamlessly transition between her thriving solo career and her integral role within BLACKPINK continues to define her unique artistic path.
Clips from LISA’s insightful Therapuss appearance are available for viewing across various platforms, offering fans an intimate look into the thoughts, inspirations, and charming quirks of one of music’s most dynamic stars. As she prepares to light up the Las Vegas stage, her podcast revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the passion, heritage, and personal journey that underpin her extraordinary success.
