Arts & Entertainment

Loeb says 'Hello' to new label, album and tour

By Bridget Brown
The Daily Cougar

Lisa Loeb doesnit mind being called "the girl with the glasses." In fact, she thinks of her trademark cat-eye look as a throwback to the styles of Elvis Costello, Elton John and Buddy Holly. But Loebis talent progresses far beyond her cute, girly image.

"It was really shocking because I recorded it with my band, and it was the way we wanted it to sound," Loeb said. "There werenit any big record companies helping."

Loeb could write a complete album dedicated to her major-label woes. She definitely has a do-it-yourself attitude when it comes to making her music, and it showed in her recent switch from A&M Records to the indie label Artemis Records.

"I feel like if youire going to sign to a record label, there needs to be a feeling that the focus is on the music," Loeb said. "Major labels are a weird balance of power. It shouldnit be a fight to try to get real fans."

Loeb knows from experience that record labels do not make the magic. She advises young artists that the most important misconception in the industry is that people already in the music business know something you donit.

"Follow your own common sense and intuition," Loeb said. "Make your music special. Use your individuality, and the most important part is trust yourself and your ideas."

While brainstorming cover album ideas, Loeb was highly frustrated with her relationship with A&M Records. Hello Lisa was born as a tribute to her individuality and one of her favorite characters, Sanriois lovable Hello Kitty. The album cover is an orgy of bright pink animal prints and flowers with Loeb and Hello Kitty sporting matching cat-eye glasses.

"I was happy that I got to use Hello Kitty. It adds a little bit of humor and fun. I have everything Hello Kitty from purse to toaster," Loeb said.

To try to add a fresh perspective to her music and tone down her girly instincts, Loeb collaborated with a variety of songwriters and producers on Hello Lisa, including her boyfriend Dweezil Zappa, Glen Ballard and Peter Collins. Loeb was also influenced by artists like Led Zeppelin and old David Bowie music because they made "music where you can hear every instrument."

"I like to do everything myself, but it opened my mind. I realized I could learn a lot from other people," Loeb said.

Loebis music has evolved greatly since her years with her college duo band Lisa and Liz. Her music has changed from complex to acoustic autobiographical.

"There is an element of bravery in trying to express yourself," Loeb said. "I feel like it is important to be able to understand what you are feeling instead of trying to make up a story."

Loeb was raised in Dallas in a family that values the arts. She studied ballet, piano and music theory and started writing music at a very young age. Loeb moved to New York after college in the early i90s, where she performed on the Manhattan club circuit and recorded a tape (referred to by fans as the "purple tape"), which she sold at her shows. Loeb said she always gets excited when she comes back through her true home state, Texas.

"People are very polite but very outspoken, and look at life in a straightforward way in Texas," Loeb said. "I love the edgy humor. I donit know if itis the weather or people."

In addition to performing live, Loeb has shown the world a different side of her talent in acting and doing voiceovers. She has appeared on The Chris Isaak Show and The Andy Dick Show and starred in her first feature film opposite Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush in the hit House on Haunted Hill. She is currently recording voice-overs for Columbia-Tristar Televisionis animated series Spiderman, set to air on MTV.

"We have already recorded all the voices," Loeb said of Spiderman. "It is so fun and laid-back being in the studio with a group of people and not having to worry about wearing makeup or fixing my hair."

Loeb composes songs that combine effervescent pop with the lyricism of a skilled storyteller. Check out this multitalented artist when she kicks off her nationwide tour at The Rhythm Room on Sunday night.

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