We’re doing it all for the record.
That’s what keeps running through my mind: the thought that I’ll do whatever it takes to make the best album of my lifetime. As The Black Lillies approach record number five I could not feel more fortunate, grateful, or optimistic. We’ve navigated changes, challenges, and opportunities, and ultimately we’ve found ourselves in a unique and exhilarating position. We have the band, the songs, the dedication, and the focus – and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to!
What a journey it has been! The Black Lillies formed in my living room in North Knoxville nine years ago. The formula was simple. Make music with your friends, pour your heart out, drink a little whiskey, share the music with your community and see where it goes! Since then we’ve played on some of the most storied stages in the country, toured overseas, driven a gazillion miles, met amazing people near and far, and become part of a musical family that brings creativity, emotion and celebration to life.
It seems the biggest challenges bring the biggest rewards. The past couple of years have brought significant lineup changes to the band, resulting in a rotating cast of stellar musicians playing as guns for hire. Initially, many of the songs and shows benefited from a renewed energy and fresh approach. However, there is no substitute for a consistent and dedicated lineup that works together, plays together, and develops a chemistry that cannot otherwise be replicated. This rebuilding process took hold with the addition of Sam Quinn, a longtime friend and a musician with a cult following due to his role as one half of the driving force behind indie folk favorites the everybodyfields as well as his solo work. He initially signed on to fill in for four shows but after one weekend on the road, we realized the chemistry was undeniable. Sam is still riding shotgun and leading conversations across our fair land! Later in the year, Victoria, Texas native and guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Dustin Schaefer, previously of Micky and the Motorcars, jumped into the mix. Bringing a third voice and rock n’ roll edge to the band, Dustin completed the four-piece equation.
This lineup of Bowman, Sam, Dustin, and yours truly have become something I’ve always dreamed of experiencing: a band in the most complete sense. There is vision and dedication, respect and work ethic. We collaborate, we hang out on and off the road. And with this new project each members’ voice (whether vocal, instrumental, or lyrically) will be heard. This will be the most truly Black Lillies record to date.
We’ve been writing and arranging via our weekly Sprinter Sessions (thesprintersessions.com) and band retreats at Hightop Mountain in East Knox County. The production of this record will be the most refined to date, all the while being executed, for the first time, exclusively by the band. There are no guest musicians this time, and yet the songs sound fuller and lusher than ever before, with deep three-part harmonies and double electric guitar.
We’ve enlisted the production mastery of L.A. based Jamie Candiloro. You’ve heard his skills at work on Ryan Adams’ Easy Tiger, Willie Nelson’s Songbird, records by R.E.M… The Eagles, Luscious Jackson and many others. Jamie’s engineering expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to “the song” will give us the opportunity to capture the most compelling performances, sounds and arrangements for your listening pleasure.
Once again, we’ve partnered with PledgeMusic to give you the opportunity to pre-order the album. You’ll be kept up-to-date with the entire creative process through videos, photos and blogs. Plus, we’re offering a comprehensive list of exclusive benefits as a token of our appreciation. Check them out (to the right) and find the item or experience that’s perfect for you (or any other Black Lillies fan in your life!).
Your pledge will afford us adequate time and resources for tracking, mixing, mastering, design, packaging, and marketing this album. As independent artists, your involvement makes it possible for us to create an album that we believe will be a game changer without bending to the wills of a traditional record deal. And most importantly, it allows us to have a direct relationship with you – one where we can share the entire process of creating a song, showing you the journey from the first rough sketch through the first band arrangement on to the finished product. What record label is going to give you that?
For the record … we have the best people in the world on our team. (I’m talking about you!) It’s not fair to call you “fans” because you’re so much more than that. You’re friends. You’re our promoters, our support, and the reason we’re able to make music without compromising our integrity. Whether you’ve followed the band since those first shows at The Square Room or Barley’s in Knoxville, discovered us at a festival like New Orleans Jazzfest, Bonnaroo or Cayamo, or you just heard us for the first time last week – you’re part of The Black Lillies family. Thank you. This album is for you.
So spread the word, take a look at the exclusives, and join us on this journey … for the record!
Cheers,
Cruz Contreras