Cover Girl: Lisa Loeb (Part II) with Melissa A. Bartell
In part one of our interview with Cover Girl Lisa Loeb, we talked about her use of Twitter, her love of food, and her plans for an eye-ware line, soon to be unveiled in opticians’ offices. In part two, we talk about her music, and specifically an ongoing project that’s very dear to Lisa’s heart.
Lisa, tell our readers about the Camp Lisa project. What is it, and what does it do?
“For me, as it is for many kids, [camp] was my first, safe taste of independence.”
It started as an album with my musician friends Michelle Lewis and Dan Petty, and then became the Camp Lisa Foundation, which we founded in order to send kids to camp. Through that, and the Camp Lisa album, we’re raising money to send kids to summer camp.
I noticed that the recording has real kids singing with you - they’re labeled as morning and afternoon campers…?
Yes. They’re friends kids you hear on the CD. I wanted it to feel like real camp. The album art is done by a real teenager, named Esme, who also loves summer camp.
So camp was an important thing for you as a child?
I loved camp! For me, as it is for many kids, it was my first, safe taste of independence.
What was your favorite camp experience?
Being scared to water ski, and then doing it, on this really cold scary lake. Being part of “skit” night. Singing a lot.
It sounds like you think every kid should spend time at summer camp.
Yes. I think it’s an experience everyone should have.
You’re a musician, a camp activist, a wife, a writer, desiging eyeware - how do you balance all the facets of your life?
I try to be disciplined. I focus on what I need to do, and sometimes I have to step back and look at the big picture and not do fun things until the other tasks are complete.
My life is a combination of laid back and structured. I work out most days, and eat really well, but then I’ll allow myself ten minutes to do a specific project.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Social activities - twitter, and also personal things - inspire creative thought. So does listening to other people’s music, and just in normal day-to-day life.
You mentioned in an interview elsewhere that you were a follower of Natalie Goldberg. How has her process helped you, or has it?
“I try to be disciplined. I focus on what I need to do, and sometimes I have to step back and look at the big picture and not do fun things until the other tasks are complete.”
It’s helped me balance discipline with the process of writing, because you have to sink into it. And basically, you have to connect, and just sit your ass down and write. Sometimes, I get too disciplined, and I’m not connected, and I hear a Natalie-voice in my head.
Are you going to publish, or…? What’s next for Lisa Loeb?
I am going to publish. I’m working on two children’s books, and another Camp Lisa album with more sing-a-long songs. I have some more grown-up projects I’m working on, as well, but I’m not ready to talk about them yet.
Are you concerned that talking about it will diminish your interest in a project?
No. But once I talk about something, people will keep asking me about it. It’s better just to wait, and announce it when it’s done, when it’s ready.
For more information about Camp Lisa, or to be the first to know when her eyeware hits stores, to check out Lisa’s website: Lisa Loeb.com.
Melissa A. Bartell likes strong coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. She earns her living writing web-copy for an Internet marketing firm & dabbles in fiction on the side. She lives near Dallas, TX with her husband, two dogs, and more computers than anyone really needs. She is the Managing Editor here at All Things Girl. Find out more about her on our About Page, check out her blog at MissMeliss.com, or follow her on Twitter: @Melysse
