Denver-based String-Americana group The Sweet Lillies continue to roll out their fourth studio album Equality with the release “Clear Water” available today via Americana Vibes. Keeping the theme of self-exploration and evolution of the spirit, the track reflects on guitarist, Dustin Rohleder’s upbringing on a family farm and the merger between one’s past and present to become their true self. Listen to the track HERE ahead of Equality’s June 2nd release.
Bassist and vocalist Julie Gussaroff reveals the unique way in which the song was written, “ I simply asked Dustin our guitar player to describe his upbringing on his family farm,” she states, “As he talked I wrote. The song describes him being torn between leaving the farm to find his own life and staying on the farm with his family. Dustin comes from generational farmers and deep roots hold him strong. Becoming his true self requires incorporating his past into his present and becoming a true intermingling of both.”
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:
5/12 - Albino Skunk Music Festival 2023 - Greer, SC
5/19 - Breckenridge Brewery - Littleton, CO
6/25 - Togethernessfest - Spencer, NY
7/1 - The Peach Music Festival - Scranton, PA
7/7 - 7/9 - Blissfest Music Festival 2023 - Petoskey, MI
7/19 - Band On The Bricks - Boulder, CO
7/30 - Carbondale Mountain Fair - Carbondale, CO
9/1 - 9/3 - Four Corners Folk Festival 2023 - Pagosa Springs, CO
9/8 - 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.
