Denver-based String-Americana group The Sweet Lillies have released “18 Wheels,” the second single off of their fourth studio album, Equality, out for release on Friday, June 2nd via Americana Vibes. “18 Wheels” forges forward through a mid-tempo soul-searching journey with vocals courtesy of guitarist & vocalist, Dustin Rohleder and is available HERE to stream and download. The release is accompanied by a surrealist animated music video depicting an 18-wheeler truck and a man walking through different settings bending the imagery as symbolism for his quest for self-actualization and growth. Watch the video HERE.

“The song 18 wheels is a metaphor that uses the concept of a tractor-trailer driver to describe the experience of being a lone wolf in search of your life,” explains Rohleder, “ It is a diesel-soaked narrative of a man reaching further than he has ever reached before to find his inner self.”

Recorded at Mighty Fine Productions in the band’s hometown of Denver, Colorado, Equality is an intrepid collection of songs that represents the current and evolved sound of the band. Comprised of core members Julie Gussaroff (Upright Bass, Vocals, Guitar & Mandolin), Becca Bisque (Viola, Vocals & Percussion), Dustin Rohleder (Guitar & Vocals), and Jones Maynard (Drums & Percussion), the band enlisted GRAMMY-award winner Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters to produce the album and it features guest appearances by Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident on keys and Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident on additional drums.

On working with the band on their forthcoming album, Pandolfi says, “Every band that makes meaningful music over a long career will go through concentrated moments of evolution, where most aspects of their sound and vision take a huge leap forward, seemingly in a moment's time. 'Equality,' the excellent new album from the Lillies, is a coming of age for this up-and-coming band. From hip-hop-inspired writing to an expansive new sound featuring guest Jason Hann from String Cheese on drums, this record makes a powerful statement that will surely catch the attention of new ears. Becca, Julie, and Dustin all brought their A game, laying down emotive, compelling live tracks in the studio, exceeding expectations at every turn. It was an honor to produce 'Equality,' and I can't wait to see where it takes The Sweet Lillies.”

Equality features 12 brand new compositions by the quartet that explore themes of social justice, self-exploration, and evolution of the spirit, which make for an aptly titled new release. The band will be embarking on a national tour spanning the Midwest and east coast with key plays at The Peach Music Festival (Scranton, PA), Blissfest 2023 (Petoskey, MI), and more.

Full tour dates are as follows:

4/26 - Redstone Room - Davenport, IA

4/27 - Bourbon on Division - Chicago, IL

4/28 - Kenny’s Westside Pub - Peoria, IL

4/29 - The Mousetrap - Indianapolis, IN

4/20 - The Nook - Danville, KY

5/3 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT

5/5 - One Longfellow Square - Portland, ME

5/6 - Ten Forward - Greenfield, MA

5/7 - Caffè Lena - Saratoga Springs, NY

5/10 - Pearl Street Warehouse - Washington, DC

5/11 - The Spot on Kirk - Roanoke, VA

5/12 - Albino Skunk Music Festival 2023 - Greer, SC

6/25 - Togethernessfest - Spencer, NY

7/1 - The Peach Music Festival - Scranton, PA

7/7 - 7/9 - Blissfest Music Festival 2023 - Petoskey, MI

9/1 - 9/3 - Four Corners Folk Festival 2023 - Pagosa Springs, CO

9/9 - Summer Music Evenings - Longmont, CO

10/6 - 10/8 - The Ramble Festival - Darlington, MD

Equality is available for pre-order on vinyl, CD & exclusive merchandise at Americana Vibes HERE.

For more information and to learn more, please visit: https://www.sweetlillies.com.