Lisa Loeb, having released a very cool video of the title track "No Fairy Tale," consistently creates music and lyrics that flow naturally with multiple narratives and distinctive visuals. Her classic song "Stay," recently on "Girls," is on "Workaholics" today (February 13). Meanwhile, a very special conversation with the delightful conversationalist and iconic legendary musician Lisa Loeb herself continues now in this interview here:
W.E. You're the first artist ever to have hit a #1 song before being on a major label. You opened a lot of doors. Yet, interestingly, your new album seems to suggest significant ambivalence towards the "conformity" of being "alternative" that was part of the 90s aesthetic. To what extent, if any, have your own feelings/perceptions changed in regards to defining "the mainstream?" Specifically, what are your thoughts on the current status of the music industry?
L.L. I think that when you're starting out in the public eye, people like to label you. So, you're always looking for the label that best suits you. In the 90s, "alternative" was cooler than "pop" or "singer-songwriter." And if you were a singer-songwriter and a girl, then you might not be considered a "rock" musician, but more of a "folk" musician. Now, I think people are less affected by [labeling], and with the independent style promotion many people are doing these days, it's not important to fit in, but rather to share your music, no matter what it is.
W.E. Through the looking glasses of your eyes, who are your biggest musical influences? Are there any recently discovered favorite artists you're especially enjoying?
L.L. My biggest music influences range from David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory days, The Police, Rickie Lee Jones, Lyle Lovett, the Cure, Olivia Newton John, the Sherman brothers (who wrote some of the big Disney music), Led Zeppelin, Elton John, the Beatles, and the list goes on. I love strong melodies, emotional production, great storytelling, and style.
Recently I love Tegan and Sara and The Wombats.
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