Johanna Chase, a Seattle born singer/songwriter, turns a new page with the amazing vocal performances found on this record. Staying true to her unique and mature songwriting, Johanna departs from her usual acoustic guitar built songs and sings on top of Smoota and Henderson's famous Brooklyn horns and band arranged by Chase and Greenawalt. Noah Peller playing a multitude of instruments, performed alongside Matt Knapil many of the sounds heard throughout the record. Afro-Jersey's Sidike Conde joined the project for "Sister Pico", Chase's song about the women and families that line Los Angeles' Pico Blvd. That song also features Los Angeles/Atlanta MC Damon Turner, also known as Real8.

As Johanna's 6th full length independent release, #<3 shows the songwriters ability to evolve as a singer and genre-defying artist; still hinting at her folk and afro-folk past and welcoming reggae and rock in a new way. As for the lyrical content, Chase noticed on one of the last days of recording that producer Roger Greenawalt had two old car engines in his basement, adding more aesthetic mythos to the process, as over half the lyrics on the album refers to automobiles. Call it forward thinking woman mysticism or the natural feminist residual of a DIY lyricist, Greenawalt's studio used to be a mechanics shop. Greenawalt and Chase met in New York in April 2012 and after slaying a one take go at "Hey Jude", which can still be found on Greenawalt's The Beatles Complete on Ukelele page online, decided to work together. Roger has worked with Nellie McKay, who chase had met and admired in years past. Greenawalt is also known for bringing a young Ben Kweller to his first major record deal and also orchestrating Sophie B. Hopkin's hit, "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover". Chase brought in bassist and genius musician, Noah Peller from Washington state and longtime collaborator and expert Saxaphonist, Matt Knapil, from Long Beach to further mold the sound of the record. Most of Chase's vocal tracks were captured in 1 or 2 takes while the artist faced New York City's East River.