Lisa and Joanie have spent years creating music that brings together their experiences as educators, performers, songwriters, and sisters. Both have been making music their entire lives. They are singers, multi-instrumentalists, and songwriters with hundreds of songs between them, many of which have been featured in movies, television shows, and video games, including Ghostbusters (Answer the Call) (2016), A Simple Favor (2018), Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix), Malcolm in the Middle (Hulu, 2025), and the video game Rock Band. Their work has also been featured on NPR and in Billboard magazine, and they are recipients of a Boston Music Award and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Lisa also brings extensive experience as a music producer, engineer, and composer, and produced Esperanza.
Their music is rooted in their experience working with children and families, with songs that invite listeners of all ages to sing, dance, laugh, wonder, and sometimes sit with more complicated emotions.
“This album was created for everyone, including children,” the sisters say. “It is about fun things, hard things, and things we care about.”
The sisters explore the kinds of experiences that are universal: going to school, celebrating who you are, embracing differences, missing people you love, taking care of yourself, and finding joy in everyday moments. Their music is playful and energetic while still leaving room for meaningful stories. As seasoned educators, Lisa and Joanie know that children learn through movement, repetition, humor, curiosity, and connection. They also know that the best songs can stay with us long after the lesson is over.
“I think what sets us apart is our unique story. Everybody has one,” they say.
Their latest album, Esperanza, is their third full-length project and perhaps their most wide-ranging collection yet. The title, which means “hope,” captures one of the album’s central themes. Across the tracklist, the sisters explore resilience, community, self-expression, curiosity, humor, and the relationships that help us through difficult moments.
“We are super proud of this album and hope people get a chance to hear it. There is something for everyone,” Lisa and Joanie say.
Now, Esperanza is being submitted For Your Consideration for Best Children’s Music Album, giving The Hat Ladies the opportunity to have their work considered alongside other artists creating music for young listeners and families.
Whether Esperanza ultimately makes the GRAMMY nomination list or not, reaching this stage is something worth celebrating. Two Oakwood teachers have created an album they believe in, shared it with listeners around the world, and put it forward for consideration by one of the music industry’s most recognized institutions.
Good luck, Lisa and Joanie!
Esperanza is available on major streaming platforms.
