Blame It On Abba: How I ditched my day job to chase a childhood dream.

by Lisa Nimmo

Do you have a dream waiting to be brought to life? Lisa Nimmo did, and this daring musical adventure is proof that it’s never too late to follow your heart, reinvent yourself and become the person you were born to be. With no prior music experience and armed with only her business savvy and determination, 32-year-old Lisa embarks on a bold quest to transform herself from closet-karaoke-singing salesperson to professional singer. Six years on she’s a mother, a recording artist and her band Pearl shares the stage with Sir Elton John and Eric Clapton. She is living the dream. But what if this life, that she’s worked so hard to create, isn’t the life she wants now? What if it has all been a terrible mistake? Blame It On Abba is an uplifting story of courage, triumph and self-discovery and a revealing, behind the scenes insight into the music industry from a founding member of NZ pop-rock duo Pearl. Contains practical advice, inspiration and truths for musicians, artists and anyone wanting to make a living from their art. “ Compelling reading, huge heart, actual honesty. A great story. A real story.” Simon Sweetman, Off The Tracks

Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2018

About the author

Lisa Nimmo is an author, songwriter and speaker with a proven history of personal transformation.

In her twenties she mustered the courage to overcome a debilitating fear of public speaking that helped her grow to become one of New Zealand’s top radio advertising sales people.

In her thirties Lisa embarked on a radical career change in pursuit of a childhood dream, transforming herself from closet-karaoke-singing salesperson to professional musician. In 2002 she formed Wellington pop/rock duo Pearl and the debut album ‘No Ordinary Day’ was released in 2006. Pearl performed international supports for Eric Clapton, Jimmy Barnes and Sir Elton John.

In her forties Lisa brought another dream to life by becoming an author. Her memoir Blame It On Abba tells the story of her journey from fear to freedom in pursuit of her childhood singing dream.

A lover of corny seventies music, pretty rocks and weepy chick flicks, Lisa lives in Wellington with her husband Chris, two teenage kids and a couple of needy but adorable furry friends.

Reviews

[Kirstie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame it on ABBA is an engaging, gritty, and motivational autobiography by Lisa Nimmo detailing her journey to becoming a recording artist. Despite the devastating experience of being told at 11 years of age that she could not sing, Lisa decided in her early 30s that she was going to become a popstar. Age, lack of singing experience, and pregnancy/babies were no barrier for her. Throughout the book, Lisa persuasively argues that popstars are made-not born. Through sheer tenacity, resourcefulness, business acumen, and clearly some hidden raw talent, Lisa provides the readers with an insight into how one’s childhood dream can come true. Living the dream, however, can also be challenging. This book also captures the reality of success, including the strain on friendships, finances, and most importantly, family.
In addition to Lisa’s many talents, she is a natural storyteller. Her memoir is raw, open, and honest yet simultaneously it is also inspiring and heart-warming. This book is an essential read for anyone who has a dream but lacks the determination and gumption to go for it.

[Liz Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lisa’s story. It’s an interesting peek into the NZ music industry from the point of view of a brave woman who, against ageism and industry odds, walks away from her day job to pursue her rock-chick dream. It’s an engaging, uplifting but also frequently raw and poignant reminder of how self-doubt can hold us back. Lisa fearlessly documents her personal struggles along the way, but there is also tremendous joy and success. Her perseverance, courage and ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ attitude makes this an inspiring read.

[Lynley Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candid, honest, inspirational - and what a story! Blame it on Abba is such a great read - how one amazing woman made her childhood dream of becoming a pop star come true. But believe me this book is not a fairy tale! It's a story of determination, knock backs and overcoming obstacles, of inspiration and keeping going when the going gets tough. And ultimately of being brave enough to question your dream.

[Kate Norquay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun easy read with a lot of heart. I really enjoyed Lisa's story of her journey from
sporty spice wannabe to professional musician, particularly when she took us though the hard
times, from dick-head band members to lactating while filming music videos. Blame it on Abba is
funny, honest, and inspiring, and a must read for anyone with a big dream!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book to read on holiday - robbed me of my first nights' sleep! An engagingly honest recount full of determination and grit that has left me reflecting on my own dreams.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Lisa's story of pursuing her music dream. What determination, hard work and perseverance she shows in order to succeed in such a cut throat industry. The epilogue was a touching end , and an example of where without knowing it, her music touched those she least expected.

[Maree Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read! This is a candid account of what it takes to realise your dream, hard work, persistence, resilience as well as patience and talent.
A reminder that it's not to late to take a risk and see what you can achieve, you might surprise yourself.

[Anna Bryers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the memoir of Lisa Nimmo, from Pearl - based in New Zealand which recounts a period of time early into the millennium. It covers her journey of transforming herself from corporate sales to a professional singer.
With the unwavering support of her musically talented husband she embarks on a life-changing decision to try and make it big. With no previous knowledge of the music industry, a fear of performing and no training, Lisa’s sheer determination helps drive her career from singing in small venues to the ultimate big stage.
The book documents the harsh reality of having to deal with rejection and disappointments along with the additional juggle of being a mum of two young toddlers thrown into the mix. The story is a truly remarkable account of one woman’s hard work - an inspiring narrative.
A great easy read - recommended for any audience.

[Beverly Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ripped through this book because it was such a page turner. Not only did I enjoy the roller-coaster ride Lisa Nimmo took to become a 'rock chick' (and one half of the very successful contemporary music duo 'Pearl) but also because her tenacity was/is awe-inspiring!. She stayed so focused through the (many) ups and downs of the music biz - working just as hard, harder probably, in chasing her new dream as she did in her previous career. And that's where the gold nuggets within Blame it on ABBA lie - for the rest of us to mine - as she tells us how to transfer the skills you already have across into something you really want to pursue.
Lisa doesn't just kick procrastination to the kerb - she jumps all over it - singing her heart out all the way!

[Dan Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome inside view of the struggles and trials of trying to make it in the New Zealand music business! Could not put if down!! Love the honesty and pure way this book was written and wish it were a little longer. Hoping there is a sequel in the works with more of the passion and feeling this book has. Makes you a little angry how talent and determination is so obstructed in the commercial world of music. To tackle that while starting a family just shows you nothing is impossible if you follow your dream. Would recommend this book to anyone for it's determination and certainly to anyone out there with music aspirations. Easy to read.

[Sue Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written from the heart for the heart. Lisa's honest portrayal of attaining and living the musical dream is both captivating and inspiring. Her easy and informative style of writing held me within the story and her sheer energy of desire to succeed ensured at times I couldn't put the book down. This book is a wonderful read for the enlightenment of what it takes to truly follow one's dream and the intricacies of the highs and lows of what this actually demands of the person and those closest to them.

[Tsb1972 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guessing I’m roughly the same age as Lisa, I totally understood her struggle from the corporate world into a new & exciting career with all the daily challenges life brings. I was inspired by her bravery & determination when all the odds seemed stacked against her. I read the book in 72 hrs straight. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an interesting read about breaking out of your comfort zone & reaching for the stars. I have no doubt this book will do really, really well. Another string to your bow Lisa!

[Kate Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and couldn’t put it down! An inspirational account of how Lisa Nimmo had the courage and belief in herself to become a recording artist and performer- ending up on a wild ride sharing the same stage with household names and seeing the good, and the bad, sides of the music industry along the way. A timely reminder of the courage it takes to follow a dream and the places it can take you.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and hard to put down! An inspirational story that takes you on a real journey, illustrating the highs and lows of following your dreams and being true to yourself. It proves that with hard work and determination anything is possible. I also found it an eye-opening account of how much hard work goes on behind the scenes in the music industry.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about one women’s journey to live her childhood dream of becoming a pop star. The road to stardom is not without its disappointments and frustrations and Lisa tells it like it is - the good and the bad. Blame It On ABBA is an easy, enjoyable read about Lisa’s commitment and determination to live her dream while giving you a peek into the NZ music industry.

[Erica McCrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame it on ABBA is such a fabulous book.
I was hooked from the start and struggled to put the book down. It was like a rollercoaster going through the highs and lows with Lisa, but she did an amazing job and stayed focused.
Lisa is a very determined, strong lady and so inspiring to me.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Roller coaster ride of the NZ Music industry. I was taken on an inspiring, entertaining, sad, happy, courageous, real story of how Pearl happened and the journey along the way. Well worth reading for all ages.

[Simon Evans]

What a heart warming, beautifully written book. When I borrowed this book a few weeks ago I thought "This is gonna be a bit of chick-lit". But it's not. Not really. It a honest telling of the highs and lows of an individual who gave up the day job to chase the dream of performing on stage. I loved the honesty. It just goes to show that through grit and determination anything is possible. I highly recommend you give it a read. Especially, if you feel like you're reaching the point in your life when those dreams you had when you were sixteen/ seventeen are starting to slip away.