Most people remember Lisa Loeb for her 1994 No. 1 single, “Stay (I Missed You).” As a 26-year-old unsigned artist, Loeb quickly made a name for herself with the song, which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Reality Bites. Loeb has since made various career moves, including appearing on the reality TV show No. 1 Single. The show aired in spring 2006 on E!, and was about Loeb’s search for love in New York City. Loeb’s latest project is an album of children’s songs called Camp Lisa, which will be released on June 3.
If you could see anyone in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix. I just heard that he was a magical guitar player and, from what footage I’ve seen, I want to see that in real life.
Lisa Loeb
We’ve heard you love to cook. What is your favorite meal to make for yourself?
I like pecan-crusted salmon and beet salad and roasted brussel sprouts. That sounds so gross, but it’s delicious.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When people make that crinkly sound with snack bags that chips come in, especially when women with really long nails do it on the subway.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of Led Zeppelin, and just classic rock. I also really like more underground music, which seems to be getting more popular now.
You were on the show No. 1 Single. What did you like about doing it?
I enjoyed the creators and the production side of the show, such as deciding where we were going to shoot and what situations would be on camera. I thought the show told a story that people could relate to, and it represented me well. I also liked representing a sector of the community, women in particular, that seems to be left out of reality television.
How do you think the show affected your career?
I definitely had more exposure to the general public, and people became more aware of me if they hadn’t heard of me in awhile. It also gave me more flexibility and personal freedom as a singer, because I think it gave a more well-rounded presentation of myself. Too often, people have known me for my quiet acoustics, and now they can see a broader side of me.
Who inspires you?
Natalie Goldberg. She’s a writing teacher who inspires me because she encourages people to just write and not edit yourself. This is something that I didn’t learn growing up, and it has been helpful advice.
Why did you decide to write music for kids?
This is my second children’s album, but this one has camp songs because those were my favorite songs when I was a kid. Kids music made a big impact on me when I was young, and because I have nieces, I wanted to make music for them that they could relate to. I also just wanted to be up for the challenge.
What things do you write about now that you wouldn’t have 20 years ago?
The biggest difference is that I liked music that was abstract when I was younger. I never knew what people were talking about and I thought that was a strength in their writing. Now, I like to write songs that are more straightforward. It’s hard to look at things the way they really are, but I think that challenge to be honest has made my music better and easier to relate to.
You turned 40 in March. How do you feel about this milestone?
I’m excited, because I don’t really feel old. I feel wise and have more perspective, but it feels surprisingly normal. I thought my life would be settled and put into this neat package by now, but it’s the same. I’m still driven, just less hyper.
Ethan Hawke had a big influence on your career in the ‘90s. Do you ever see him these days?
I see him every once in awhile, but we don’t hang out now or anything. He was really supportive and helpful back then, though. When he directed my video for “Stay,” it helped put a lot of attention on the video.
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