Lisa McHugh says she had to develop a \u201cthick skin\u201d competing with male artists but it taught her the importance of self belief as she prepares to return to music<\/h2>\n\n![\"Lisa](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.rsvplive.ie\/article36738716.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_0-41_websize.jpg\")
<\/div>\nLisa McHugh for RSVP Country <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Country star Lisa<\/a> McHugh has spent years building a loyal fan base across Ireland and the UK, but she admits the live music scene has changed dramatically in recent years.<\/p>\nThe singer says performing live has become much tougher for artists, with rising costs and fewer venues putting pressure on the industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\u201cI definitely think the live scene in general is a lot tougher these days \u2013 ticket sales are harder and the competition is really stiff,\u201d she told RSVP Country.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of venues have closed, which means more artists are fighting for the same dates and spaces. Then you also have the challenge of trying to get people to come to your show when someone similar could have been in that same venue the week before \u2013 it\u2019s tough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lisa said that while she has focused mainly on concert venues in recent years, even those have become increasingly challenging for artists trying to fill seats.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of that comes down to the economy. Money is tight for everyone, the cost of living<\/a> is high and people just don\u2019t have the extra funds they might have had a few years ago,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\u201cThat\u2019s completely understandable \u2013 we\u2019re all in the same boat. Hopefully that will turn around soon so people can get back out and enjoy live music, because there\u2019s really no better therapy than dancing and singing along to your favourite artist and forgetting your worries for a few hours. It can lift your mood for weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges facing the industry, Lisa says it has only strengthened her determination to evolve creatively.<\/p>\n
The singer is no stranger to adversity. Last summer she was was hospitalised after temporarily losing the use of both legs<\/a> and experiencing excruciating pain in her face and head.<\/p>\nFollowing extensive tests, she was eventually diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that affects how the brain and nervous system send and receive signals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt basically means there\u2019s a nervous system problem and your brain isn\u2019t sending the signals properly to your limbs or body. They call it a software problem in your brain, not a hardware problem,\u201d Lisa explained.<\/p>\n
The diagnosis saw her go from touring and raising two young children \u2014 Milo, now four, and Hallie, 18 months \u2014 to being unable to carry them and relearning how to walk using a frame.<\/a><\/p>\nHowever, her recent health issues have made Lisa more determined than ever to seize every opportunity and she is excited to explore what other avenues might lie ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always had it on my radar,\u201d she said of exploring opportunities beyond music.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first tried TV presenting ten years ago and loved it. TV and radio is something I have a passion for alongside music. I don\u2019t want to be pigeonholed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love to challenge myself creatively in the media industry and if the opportunities come along I\u2019m going to grab them with both hands,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Lisa also reflected on the early days of her career, when the Irish country music scene was overwhelmingly male-dominated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was doing 140 or 150 gigs a year, I was the only female on the road full-time doing that at the time \u2013 the rest were all men,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was competing against them for the good venues and the best dates. That was tough.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said it took years of persistence to gain the respect of promoters and prove she could draw the same crowds as her male counterparts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt took a long time for people to believe that I could sell just as many circuits, if not more, than the male artists they might have chosen otherwise. That takes time, effort and hard work.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need a thick skin \u2013 you hear \u2018no\u2019 more than \u2018yes\u2019, and you just have to shake it off, keep hustling and keep working hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lisa believes the experience taught her resilience, and having had to ‘hustle’ to succeed in the industry before she’s prepared to do it again.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the same in any job \u2013 you can\u2019t just walk in and expect the top seat at the table,\u201d she said. \u201cYou have to put in the work, earn respect and trust, and then move up.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said that ability to believe in yourself has been crucial to her success in the industry and is something she will rely on again as she prepares to return to music this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t get far in life if you don\u2019t believe in yourself \u2013 it all starts there,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t believe you can achieve your goals or sell those tickets, no one else will. You have to be confident in everything you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taking time away from performing can naturally bring some doubts, she admitted, but she remains realistic about what it takes to rebuild momentum.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, taking time off brings natural concerns \u2013 you think, \u2018If I\u2019m away for a while, people will forget me.\u2019 They won\u2019t necessarily forget, but you won\u2019t be at the forefront of their minds either,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to be realistic when I come back. It\u2019s going to take a little time for people to fully realise I\u2019m back, see if I\u2019m doing something new and give them the opportunity to buy into it again.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it all starts with you. If you don\u2019t believe in your abilities and what you\u2019re capable of, you can\u2019t expect anyone else to.\u201d<\/p>\n
To read Lisa’s interview in full and see all the stunning pictures, pick up the Spring edition of RSVP Country on shelves now.<\/strong><\/p>\nYou can buy your copy and have it delivered directly to your door through our online shop here.<\/a> Postage fees apply.<\/strong><\/p>\nPhotography by Kate Nolan, <\/strong>SoulSourcedElopements.com, <\/strong>IG: @kate_nolan_photography<\/strong><\/p>\nMakeup by Laura Cadden, Laura Cadden Beauty & Skin<\/strong><\/p>\nHair by Daniel McCrossan, Hair by Daniel Anthony<\/strong><\/p>\nStyling by Babette Ryan<\/strong><\/p>\nLocation: Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh<\/strong><\/p>\nNestled in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort is framed by shimmering waterways and ancient woodland, offering an elegant spring escape with sweeping lake views. A recent multi-million-pound refurbishment fuses baronial grandeur with contemporary Regency style, creating refined public spaces that feel both timeless and fresh. Spring at the Resort brings wellness, gastronomy and sport into focus.The Thai Spa offers restorative treatments inspired by ancient rituals, while the award-winning Catalina Restaurant celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The Blaney Bar and Loughside Grill provide relaxed dining with comforting Irish favourites, perfect after a day exploring. Golfers are spoiled with two championship courses, the Faldo and Castle Hume, delivering spectacular scenery as the landscape bursts into bloom. Guests can enjoy luxury spring escapes combining lakeside relaxation with curated local experiences in Enniskillen and beyond, from heritage pubs and the Game of Thrones Journey of Doors to exploring nearby highlights such as Marble Arch Caves and Belleek Pottery. With luxurious guestrooms and lakeside lodges, Lough Erne Resort blends natural beauty, refined hospitality and a heartfelt welcome for an idyllic seasonal retreat. In spring, wildflowers, migrating birds and lake breezes create serene setting for couples, families and discerning travellers alike.<\/p>\n
For more, visit www.lougherneresort.com<\/a><\/p>\nWant to<\/strong> see more of the stories you love from RSVP<\/a> <\/strong>? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google,<\/strong> simply click here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.rsvplive.ie \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Lisa McHugh says she had to develop a \u201cthick skin\u201d competing with male artists but it taught her the importance of self belief as she prepares to return to music Lisa McHugh for RSVP Country Country star Lisa McHugh has spent years building a loyal fan base across Ireland and the UK, but she admits […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2332463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[22846],"class_list":["post-2332462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists","tag-country-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lisa-McHugh-says-\u2018you-need-a-thick-skin-to-survive.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2332462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2332464,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462\/revisions\/2332464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2332463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2332462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2332462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2332462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/div>\nLisa McHugh for RSVP Country <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Country star Lisa<\/a> McHugh has spent years building a loyal fan base across Ireland and the UK, but she admits the live music scene has changed dramatically in recent years.<\/p>\n The singer says performing live has become much tougher for artists, with rising costs and fewer venues putting pressure on the industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI definitely think the live scene in general is a lot tougher these days \u2013 ticket sales are harder and the competition is really stiff,\u201d she told RSVP Country.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of venues have closed, which means more artists are fighting for the same dates and spaces. Then you also have the challenge of trying to get people to come to your show when someone similar could have been in that same venue the week before \u2013 it\u2019s tough.\u201d<\/p>\n Lisa said that while she has focused mainly on concert venues in recent years, even those have become increasingly challenging for artists trying to fill seats.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of that comes down to the economy. Money is tight for everyone, the cost of living<\/a> is high and people just don\u2019t have the extra funds they might have had a few years ago,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s completely understandable \u2013 we\u2019re all in the same boat. Hopefully that will turn around soon so people can get back out and enjoy live music, because there\u2019s really no better therapy than dancing and singing along to your favourite artist and forgetting your worries for a few hours. It can lift your mood for weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the challenges facing the industry, Lisa says it has only strengthened her determination to evolve creatively.<\/p>\n The singer is no stranger to adversity. Last summer she was was hospitalised after temporarily losing the use of both legs<\/a> and experiencing excruciating pain in her face and head.<\/p>\n Following extensive tests, she was eventually diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that affects how the brain and nervous system send and receive signals.<\/p>\n \u201cIt basically means there\u2019s a nervous system problem and your brain isn\u2019t sending the signals properly to your limbs or body. They call it a software problem in your brain, not a hardware problem,\u201d Lisa explained.<\/p>\n The diagnosis saw her go from touring and raising two young children \u2014 Milo, now four, and Hallie, 18 months \u2014 to being unable to carry them and relearning how to walk using a frame.<\/a><\/p>\n However, her recent health issues have made Lisa more determined than ever to seize every opportunity and she is excited to explore what other avenues might lie ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always had it on my radar,\u201d she said of exploring opportunities beyond music.<\/p>\n \u201cI first tried TV presenting ten years ago and loved it. TV and radio is something I have a passion for alongside music. I don\u2019t want to be pigeonholed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love to challenge myself creatively in the media industry and if the opportunities come along I\u2019m going to grab them with both hands,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Lisa also reflected on the early days of her career, when the Irish country music scene was overwhelmingly male-dominated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was doing 140 or 150 gigs a year, I was the only female on the road full-time doing that at the time \u2013 the rest were all men,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n \u201cI was competing against them for the good venues and the best dates. That was tough.\u201d<\/p>\n She said it took years of persistence to gain the respect of promoters and prove she could draw the same crowds as her male counterparts.<\/p>\n \u201cIt took a long time for people to believe that I could sell just as many circuits, if not more, than the male artists they might have chosen otherwise. That takes time, effort and hard work.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need a thick skin \u2013 you hear \u2018no\u2019 more than \u2018yes\u2019, and you just have to shake it off, keep hustling and keep working hard.\u201d<\/p>\n Lisa believes the experience taught her resilience, and having had to ‘hustle’ to succeed in the industry before she’s prepared to do it again.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the same in any job \u2013 you can\u2019t just walk in and expect the top seat at the table,\u201d she said. \u201cYou have to put in the work, earn respect and trust, and then move up.\u201d<\/p>\n She said that ability to believe in yourself has been crucial to her success in the industry and is something she will rely on again as she prepares to return to music this year.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t get far in life if you don\u2019t believe in yourself \u2013 it all starts there,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t believe you can achieve your goals or sell those tickets, no one else will. You have to be confident in everything you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking time away from performing can naturally bring some doubts, she admitted, but she remains realistic about what it takes to rebuild momentum.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, taking time off brings natural concerns \u2013 you think, \u2018If I\u2019m away for a while, people will forget me.\u2019 They won\u2019t necessarily forget, but you won\u2019t be at the forefront of their minds either,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to be realistic when I come back. It\u2019s going to take a little time for people to fully realise I\u2019m back, see if I\u2019m doing something new and give them the opportunity to buy into it again.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it all starts with you. If you don\u2019t believe in your abilities and what you\u2019re capable of, you can\u2019t expect anyone else to.\u201d<\/p>\n To read Lisa’s interview in full and see all the stunning pictures, pick up the Spring edition of RSVP Country on shelves now.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can buy your copy and have it delivered directly to your door through our online shop here.<\/a> Postage fees apply.<\/strong><\/p>\n Photography by Kate Nolan, <\/strong>SoulSourcedElopements.com, <\/strong>IG: @kate_nolan_photography<\/strong><\/p>\n Makeup by Laura Cadden, Laura Cadden Beauty & Skin<\/strong><\/p>\n Hair by Daniel McCrossan, Hair by Daniel Anthony<\/strong><\/p>\n Styling by Babette Ryan<\/strong><\/p>\n Location: Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh<\/strong><\/p>\n Nestled in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort is framed by shimmering waterways and ancient woodland, offering an elegant spring escape with sweeping lake views. A recent multi-million-pound refurbishment fuses baronial grandeur with contemporary Regency style, creating refined public spaces that feel both timeless and fresh. Spring at the Resort brings wellness, gastronomy and sport into focus.The Thai Spa offers restorative treatments inspired by ancient rituals, while the award-winning Catalina Restaurant celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The Blaney Bar and Loughside Grill provide relaxed dining with comforting Irish favourites, perfect after a day exploring. Golfers are spoiled with two championship courses, the Faldo and Castle Hume, delivering spectacular scenery as the landscape bursts into bloom. Guests can enjoy luxury spring escapes combining lakeside relaxation with curated local experiences in Enniskillen and beyond, from heritage pubs and the Game of Thrones Journey of Doors to exploring nearby highlights such as Marble Arch Caves and Belleek Pottery. With luxurious guestrooms and lakeside lodges, Lough Erne Resort blends natural beauty, refined hospitality and a heartfelt welcome for an idyllic seasonal retreat. In spring, wildflowers, migrating birds and lake breezes create serene setting for couples, families and discerning travellers alike.<\/p>\n For more, visit www.lougherneresort.com<\/a><\/p>\n Want to<\/strong> see more of the stories you love from RSVP<\/a> <\/strong>? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google,<\/strong> simply click here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.rsvplive.ie \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lisa McHugh says she had to develop a \u201cthick skin\u201d competing with male artists but it taught her the importance of self belief as she prepares to return to music Lisa McHugh for RSVP Country Country star Lisa McHugh has spent years building a loyal fan base across Ireland and the UK, but she admits […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2332463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[22846],"class_list":["post-2332462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists","tag-country-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lisa-McHugh-says-\u2018you-need-a-thick-skin-to-survive.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2332462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2332464,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2332462\/revisions\/2332464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2332463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2332462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2332462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2332462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}