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Lisa Loeb knew she had to make music with The Hollow Trees the minute she saw them play live. As a new mom, Lisa had gone to the park for a family-friendly festival, and found herself face-to-face with The Hollow Trees, the perfect partner for a project she had long envisioned could transport her back to childhood memories of music and family. When she saw the band perform classic songs from the late 40s to the early 60s in true fashion, like “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain” and clever originals like “What Do You Want On Your Taco?” she knew her dream was meant to be. 

Serendipitously reconnecting with The Hollow Trees at the Great Big Family Play Day in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, years later, where both were performing this time, Lisa shared her hope for their collaboration. At last, as envisioned, Lisa has finally come together with the Hollow Trees to record tunes like “Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo,” the song from her wind-up teddy bear as a child; “Mairzy Doats,” a song her father used to play on the piano from the well-worn fake book every Sunday morning; and “If I Knew You Were Comin I’d’ve Baked A Cake,” the popular radio hit she’d hear on visits to her grandparents in Sweetwater, Texas. Lisa and The Hollow Trees were also inspired to write a couple of originals inspired by their favorite classics too. 

Traci Green, one of seven members of The Hollow Trees, recalls, “Lisa has always been an inspiration to me. It was a huge compliment that she would want to collaborate! I pursued, with excitement! It's so incredible to work with another artist that feels exactly the same as we do about music and art!”  

Says Gregory of The Hollow Trees, “When Lisa explained her concept we understood right away and had a lot of fun helping to refine it and bring it to life with the songs we chose and the arrangements. The whole experience of making the album was so great.  Working with Lisa really brought out the best in the band and I’m really proud of what we produced. It was a real thrill to make this album. We’re looking forward to sharing this album with folks.”  

Best described as a slice of uplifting, feel-good nostalgia, Loeb says “On That’s What It’s All About, I really wanted to share with my fans and listeners some of my favorite songs from my childhood; those that my folks used to play around the house, on the record player, and on the piano. The songs make me feel like I’m in a different place and time, like I’m sitting at a diner in West Texas, eating grilled cheese and drinking a Coke. Or shopping at the Piggly Wiggly for Brach’s caramels with my Grandma Daisy. I’m curious where it’ll take everyone else when they hear it.” These were the songs she listened to growing up, those embedded in her DNA, as she likes to say.  
 
The new album was recorded mostly live at Kingsize Soundlabs to really capture the live energy and natural arrangements one can only get from playing together in the same room all at the same time. The fabled L.A. recording studio, which was founded by record producer Dave Trumfio, is known as the birthplace for most of the indie-rock albums from artists like Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, The Violent Femmes, Wilco, Rilo Kiley, Built to Spill, and countless others, over the last 25 years.   

That’s What It’s All About was mixed at Boulevard Recording by engineer Clay Blair, who Loeb found on the recommendation of her friend from the American indie folk duo, The Milk Carton Kids.  

The album is full of humor and heart, Green says. “All these songs wrap me up in a warm, comforting hug and stir up loving memories from my childhood.” It features both artists’ unique musical styles including all of the great instrumental hallmarks of the folk band, from guitar to jug, plectrum banjo, ukulele, mandolin, accordion, and drums, and of course, plenty of singing. 

One great example of the dynamic and varied musical styles captured on the album is “A Doodlin’ Song,” which features Loeb’s tap dancing. “While recording the song, we realized it needed a solo, but not just any kind of solo…but, a tap solo!” exclaims Loeb.  

Over the last few years, Lisa has reconnected with her love of tap dancing and began taking lessons again, including private lessons in her backyard during the height of the COVID lockdowns. You’ll hear Lisa’s tap solo, choreographed with her longtime friend and childhood classmate, and dance teacher, Jeanne Simpson, on the song, “A Doodlin’ Song.” (which Lisa calls, ‘another dream come true.’) 

The album’s first single, “If I Knew You Were Coming I’d’ve Baked a Cake” was on the top of the song list for both Loeb and The Hollow Trees. “I have always loved singing about food, and I know The Hollow Trees do as well, so recording the song was a piece of cake!” Loeb quips.  

Not only does Loeb have an entire album called Cake and Pie, but she’s written songs like “The Disappointing Pancake,” and loves classics like “Peanut Butter & Jelly,” and “Found a Peanut.” And, The Hollow Trees often sing delicious songs like “What Do You Want on Your Taco?” and “Salad for Breakfast," and others.