Pushing strings and pedals: Lisa Molinaro’s expansive approach to sound

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Pushing strings and pedals: Lisa Molinaro’s expansive approach to sound

Lisa Molinaro explores the sonic potential of amplified viola and effects pedals in this in-depth interview from PEDAL CRUSH. From reverb-drenched pizzicato to synth-like textures, she shares how gear and technique shape her sound across Talkdemonic, Modest Mouse, and beyond.

As a viola artist, Lisa Molinaro pushes sonic boundaries with effects pedals, blending classical finesse with bold experimentation. In this PEDAL CRUSH interview, combined with a conversation led by Nadia Struiwigh, Lisa shares how her unique approach has shaped her sound across projects like Modest Mouse, Talkdemonic, and her own solo work.

Having studied piano and viola from the age of 10, Lisa began her amplified viola journey in 2003. “I started playing with my bandmate from Talkdemonic, Kevin O’Connor, but had to figure a way to play loudly enough over his drums,” she recalls. “Amplifying the viola back then was so new to me; it didn’t sound very good, and so I was driven to make the instrument sound more compelling. It started with reverb and chorus. Distortion came later and opened up a whole new world.”