Carrying on the folk tradition of “music for the people, by the people”, Lizzy Lehman has arrived with her band Carry Illinois to further push this spirit in meaningful ways.
She began her journey through music at an early age, but three events (during her college career) transformed Lizzy’s life and directed her onto this path…
- she found a guitar teacher who took her seriously as a musician and helped direct her in the right direction to become the artist she wanted to be.
- a friend gave her a homemade notebook that carried a unique creative aura which helped her channel her thoughts into songs.
- she attended an 18-day Texas folk festival where she had the opportunity to share songs with other folk songwriters. This helped her find a place in the folk music community.
“I write about my life, and my perspective of the world surrounding me. My songs are more local than global, but the themes are universal,” the Austin, Texas-based artist explains. This quality of highly relatable vulnerability is a constant within Lizzy’s work as a solo artist, and fronting Carry Illinois. “The songs in both contexts are complimentary, but the sonic treatments are different. My solo work is informed by the roots of folk, but the band reflects more of a connection to the indie folk rock of my generation,” she explains.
Highlights in Lizzy’s live performance career include:
- opening for Gregory Alan Isakov at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas,
- participating in the Fayetteville Roots Festival,
- singing with The Blackwells,
- and performing legendary Austin stages as Antone’s, The Cactus Cafe, The Parish, Cheer Up Charlies, and the Mohawk.
With all of this said, Carry Illinois‘ debut EP Siren is nothing short of exceptional.
The band somehow manages to maintain an authentic folk feel while delivering a modern, almost futuristic barrage of heartfelt frequencies. Accompanied by Lehman’s powerful voice and passionate poetry, these 5 songs will leave you wanting more.
Think Carole King rocking out with Joni Mitchell and Gillian Welch to Bob Dylan songs…add an industrial edge to the production and you have somewhat of an idea what to expect. This is one of the most intriguing and fascinating folk albums I have listened to in a long time.
Siren is innovative.
The current line-up includes Lizzy Lehman singer, songwriter, guitar; Nick Droz, bass; Rudy Villarreal, drums; and Darwin Smith, guitar.
Go grab your copy and support the band. Then visit their website and connect on FB or Twitter.
