The best thing about talking to Lisa Loeb — beyond gathering insights into how she crafts her memorable pop music — is finding out that she’s just as cool as you’d hope.
Miss Loeb is now married with two kids, but she still radiates the down-to-earth, brainy hipster vibe that makes so many people want to be her pal.
“I always try to say ‘Hi, you guys! How are you doing?,’ and just get the conversation going,” she said of her reaction when people recognize her. “I just try to make the connection happen. I learned that from some old-school Hollywood business executives and actors. They knew how to go into the room, and people would say, ‘Oh, my god! I can’t believe you’re here,’ and they made people feel good.
“They were proud of being recognized [and] not in a tacky way. And I do try to learn from those guys. That’s part of our job, not, ‘Don’t look at me.’ I got myself on TV and in movies, and people recognize me, so I’m glad to give them autographs and [pose for] pictures. I’m very grateful.”
Those who are surprised by Miss Loeb’s accessibility should recall the grass-roots movement that spurred her nearly two decades of popularity, recently re-energized thanks to the release of her 12-track pop-rock album “No Fairy Tale.”
The Bethesda, Maryland-born, Dallas-raised Miss Loeb first gained notice as part of a duo while earning a comparative literature degree from Brown University. After graduating and moving to New York, she continued to play coffeehouses as a solo act. Then her song “Stay (I Missed You)” was chosen for the 1994 film “Reality Bites.” The ballad went to No. 1, achieved platinum status and earned its composer a Grammy nomination.
Credit her warm, unpretentious persona with helping to build a cult following.
Her latest song, “3-2-1 Let Go,” is featured in the recent movie “Helicopter Mom,” in which Miss Loeb portrays a teacher.
“Now that I have had kids I can’t believe how time flies,” she said. “I am writing songs. I have a kids project underway, and I also have written some adult music. I’m always touring, and that’s great, because I’m able to play the songs live and become comfortable with them before I go into the studio. I love to get into that phase.”
Social media and targeted mindfulness allow her to juggle a busy personal life while remaining fruitful artistically.
“I am managing a household and family and kids, but I have a great husband and a great support system,” she said. “It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s made me more focused. I feel really good about where I’m at.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Lisa Loeb in concert
WHERE: Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Md. 21401
WHEN: Thursday 8 p.m., doors at 7 p.m.
INFO: Tickets $35, by calling 877/987-6487 or visiting www.ticketfly.com
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