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Draft:Lovers (band)

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Lovers
OriginAthens, Georgia and Portland, Oregon
Genressinger-songwriter, indie folk, electropop, folktronica
Years active2001–2014 (hiatus)
LabelsOrange Twin, Pop Heart/ Able Hearts Records, Badman Recording Co
MembersCarolyn “Cubby” Berk (vocals)
Kerby Ferris (keyboard/synths)
Emily Kingan (percussion)

Lovers was an indie musical group founded in Athens, Georgia[1] and later based in Portland, Oregon.[2][3] Originally a solo singer-songwriter project, Lovers later became an electropop trio consisting of Carolyn "Cubby" Berk, Kerby Ferris, and Emily Kingan.

History[edit]

Solo project (2001-2009)[edit]

In 2001, Carolyn “Cubby” Berk founded Lovers as an acoustic singer-songwriter project while she was an art student at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.[2][1][4] She had originally started writing songs as a way to cope with the death of her mother.[5] [6] For awhile, she was based in Boston, Massachussetts[7] before moving to Portland, Oregon around 2005.[1][5]

In 2002, Berk released her debut album, Starlit Sunken Ship, on Orange Twin Records. Many of the songs are about her family,[8][9] and the song "Winter Takes a Lover" became a fan favorite.[7] A reviewer wrote that the songs were "delicate and powerful" and would cause a "delightful sense of unease that will creep under your skin".[10]

That year, Berk almost died and her instruments were destroyed after her van exploded on tour.[11][12][4]

The Gutter and the Garden was released in 2004. Reviewers said that the album was "magical",[13][14] "the softest glimmer of hope",[15] and "slightly less spirit crushing" than Lovers' previous release.[16]

Sleep with Heat (2007) was hailed by one reviewer as Berk's "first consistently solid set of songs" and features musicians from Phosphorescent and Parker and Lily.[17] A theme throughout the album is constant travel and "the emotional labor of perpetual goodbyes".[18] It includes a song called "An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail", a phrase used by the Gay liberation movement[19] and Rita Mae Brown.[20]

Berk named I Am the West (2009) for her relocation to Portland.[1] The album follows a romantic relationship from beginning to end.[8] She collaborated with producer Suny Lyons on the project and played most of the instruments herself.[8][21][22] They recorded two different versions of the album before deciding which version to release. Stylistically, Berk moved away from the singer-songwriter genre towards pop. In an interview with Portland Mercury, Berk stated: “I decided that I wanted to bring a different energy to a room; I wanted to bring more joy to wherever I was traveling." She also stated that the album reflected a shift between the sadness of her 20s and the optimism of her 30s.[1][3]

Lovers the band (2009-2014)[edit]

By 2009, Berk was performing with two different line-ups: one played music in Lovers' original acoustic-based style and the other played a more electropop style.[1][5] Ultimately, Berk decided to move forward with the latter version of Lovers, which featured Kerby Ferris on keyboards/synths and Emily Kingan on percussion.[3]

In October 2010, Lovers released Dark Light, their first album as a trio.[23][9] Written and recorded over 3 months, the album included a re-recording of "Peppermint", a song from Lovers' first album. Although Berk composed the music using the guitar, the band decided not to heavily feature the guitar on Dark Light.[24] Despite the album's electropop sound, the music reflects Berk's singer-songwriter roots, and the album was called "an admirable attempt at melding genres".[8][25] Lovers embarked on a national tour to support the album.[24] In December, Lovers recorded a live session at KEXP-FM, including four songs from Dark Light.[26]

In December 2011, Lovers released I Was the East, a digital-only collection of alternate versions and unreleased songs. Originally recorded in 2006, many of the songs were later reworked into I Am the West.[27][28]

In April 2012, Lovers performed with Tender Forever at the Keep Portland Weird festival at the Centre Pompidou.[29][30] Berk later referred to this as her favorite performance.[31]

Lovers performed at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival in 2011 and 2013.[32][33] In 2013, several artists pulled out of the festival due to its controversial policy of excluding trans women.[33][34] Lovers expressed their opposition to the policy but decided to perform anyway. They posted a statement on Facebook arguing that "MWMF responds not to external, but internal pressure, and we believe that ultimately, the women who attend the festival are the ones who will decide it’s future."[35] During their set, Ferris made a statement in support of allowing trans women to attend the festival. After the festival, there were calls to boycott musicians who had performed there.[36]

Berk began writing songs for Lovers' seventh album, A Friend in the World, soon after recording for Dark Light was finished.[31] By April 2013, Lovers had begun working daily on the album. Recording began a month later at Type Foundry Studios in Portland.[36][37] The album was mostly self-produced, but Andy LeMaster assisted with mixing.[12][38][39] Released in September 2013, the album's title comes from the band's experiences touring and meeting fans in various places throughout the world.[36] Berk called it "a love album".[12] Reviewers said that the album was "understated", "minimalist", and "gentler" compared to Dark Light.[40][41][42] Lovers toured extensively in Fall 2013, throughout the US and Europe.[43][12]

Current status[edit]

Lovers has been on hiatus as of 2014.[44] Since then, Kingan and Ferris have been involved with other musical projects and worked as software engineers.[44][45] Additionally, Kingan has continued working as an accountant through her business, Math LLC.[3][46]

Style and Image[edit]

Musical Style[edit]

Before 2009, Lovers' musical style was described as singer-songwriter[8][3] and indie-folk[13] and was compared to Conor Oberst.[13][16][41] Later, their music was described as electropop[47][48][23] and folktronica.[8][49] One reviewer wrote: "Lovers is a delightful case of an acoustic artist who took the trip to Electro-land and lived to tell the tale."[25] Berk would write songs on the acoustic guitar and collaborate with Kingan and Ferris to turn them into electropop.[42][23][44][6]

The members of Lovers have been influenced and inspired by various musicians. Berk has cited Sinéad O'Connor, Jay-Z, Bon Iver, Kathleen Hanna, Frank Ocean, Conor Oberst, and others as influences.[31][47][9][50] Kingan has been inspired by Team Dresch, Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy, and The Third Sex, while Ferris's influences include Team Dresch, Ani DiFranco, Sleater-Kinney, Indigo Girls, Arthur Russell, and Sylvester.[24][47][4]

Queer Identity[edit]

Lovers' queer identities were an important part of their music[51][44][24][23] and public image. Reviewers and interviewers frequently highlighted their queer identities[47][13][52][6] and compared them to Tegan and Sara.[53][54][55] They have been called "three dykes"[5][56] and “loud and proud queercore”[53][51] and have cited queer musicians including those involved with the Riot grrrl movement as influences.[47][24][44] Their queer identities were expressed through their physical appearances, including hairstyles, facial hair, and clothing.[51]

DIY[edit]

Lovers exhibited a DIY, homemade ethos.[2][31] They arranged tours, travel, and accommodation on their own, often staying in people’s homes rather than booking hotels.[8][43] They credited the internet with their success in organizing tours and gaining fans.[8][31] Without much formal training as musicians, they learned through trial and error.[36][24][8] In an interview with Bitch, Kingan stated: "I’m resigned to be self-made. I’ve resigned myself to be the do-er and the maker of the things I want to do and make."[36]

Once called "indie darlings" and "an underground band with digital global reach", Lovers never had mainstream success.[8][2] When asked about whether they were interested in it, Berk responded: "I don’t feel physically capable of it. [...] We would love to have more opportunities, but we’re pretty stubborn—not stubborn, but we’re weird."[42]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

  • 2002: Starlit Sunken Ship (Orange Twin)
  • 2004: The Gutter and the Garden (Orange Twin)
  • 2007: Sleep With Heat (Orange Twin)
  • 2009: I am the West (Pop Heart/ Able Hearts Records)
  • 2010: Dark Light (Badman Recording Co)
  • 2011: I was the East (Badman Recording Co)
  • 2013: A Friend in the World (Badman Recording Co)

Music Videos[edit]

  • "Tonight", directed by Yvette Choy[57]
  • "Igloos for Ojos", directed by Padraic O'Meara[58]
  • "Tiger Square"[59]
  • "Girl in the Grass", directed by Sini Anderson[60]
  • "Girl in the Grass (acoustic)", directed by Christopher Coates[61]

Other Media[edit]

  • 2009-2011: Kingan and Berk created a series of videos called "Man Times" that were posted to YouTube.[9][62][63]
  • 2011: Lovers music was featured in The Real L Word Season 2.[2]
  • 2012: The song "Igloos for Ojos" was featured in Revenge Season 1, Episode 17.[64][65]
  • 2013: Lyrics from the song "Winter Takes a Lover" were quoted in the graphic novel Calling Dr. Laura by Nicole Georges[66]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Lannamann, Ned (2009-05-14). "Hooky, Heartfelt Frivolity". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Hot Licks: Lovers". Curve. 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  3. ^ a b c d e Hallett, Alison (2010-10-14). "Lovers Are for Lovers". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  4. ^ a b c Jones, Mia (2011-06-14). "An Interview with Lovers". AfterEllen. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  5. ^ a b c d Reighley, Kurt (2009-08-01). "Girl, uninterrupted: as the Portland, Ore.-based band Lovers releases its third album, lesbian lead singer Carolyn Berk drops the angst and, in the process, finds herself". The Advocate. Retrieved 2024-07-06 – via The Free Library.
  6. ^ a b c Lopez, Rich (2011-05-05). "Lovers' Carolyn Berk finds zero limits as an out musician — but gets a little nervous coming back to Texas". Dallas Voice. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  7. ^ a b Grubb, R.J. (2004-09-16). "Three muses". Bay Windows. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Armstrong, Gene (2013-12-12). "Lovers in a Dangerous Time". Tucson Weekly. Archived from the original on 2024-03-04.
  9. ^ a b c d Hoffman, Kim (2013-10-09). "Lovers' "A Friend in the World" will leave you less lonely". AfterEllen.
  10. ^ Keast, James (2002-08-31). "Lovers Star Lit Sunken ShipStar Lit Sunken Ship". Exclaim!. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  11. ^ "Lovers – WSR Interview". Wicked Spins Radio. 2013-09-25. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  12. ^ a b c d Anderl, Timothy (2013-09-16). "From The Horse's Mouth: Carolyn, Kerby and Emily (Lovers) on A Friend in the World". Ghettoblaster Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  13. ^ a b c d Carioli, Carly (2005-02-11). "St. Valentine's Day massacre". Boston Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  14. ^ Carioli, Carly (2004-11-05). "Music | Used and abused". The Providence Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  15. ^ Monger, James Christopher. "The Gutter and the Garden Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  16. ^ a b "Secret Lovers". Portland Mercury. 2005-08-18. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  17. ^ Mason, Stewart. "Sleep with Heat Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  18. ^ "Nail Welcomes the Return of Orange Twin Records". NAIL. 2007-01-23. Archived from the original on 2023-02-24 – via Issuu.com.
  19. ^ Cohen, Stephen L. (2008). The Gay Liberation Youth Movement in New York: "An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail". New York: Routledge. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-203-94057-0.
  20. ^ Enszer, Julie (2012-04-30). "National Poetry Month: Rita Mae Brown's Army of Lovers". Ms. Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  21. ^ "Interview: Suny Lyons". After The Show. 2014-11-19. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  22. ^ Ruhlmann, William. "I Am the West Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  23. ^ a b c d Blum, Andy (2011-03-14). "Lovers!". Tom Tom Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  24. ^ a b c d e f Ammann, Ana (2010-10-08). "Friends and Lovers: Portland's dynamic synth-pop trio are full of heart". Oregon Music News. Archived from the original on 2010-10-10.
  25. ^ a b Hazani, Michael (2010-09-28). "Review : Lovers - Dark Light". Groovemine. Archived from the original on 2010-11-09.
  26. ^ KEXP (2010-12-30). Lovers - Boxer (Live on KEXP). Retrieved 2024-07-06 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ Jarman, Casey (2011-12-14). "Album Review: Lovers I Was the East". Willamette Week. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  28. ^ McQuiston, James (2011-12-08). "Lovers I Was The East Out Now On Badman Recording Co". Neufutur. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  29. ^ "Photo Review: Keep Portland Weird Festival (in Paris), Day Two". Willamette Week. 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  30. ^ "Keep Portland Weird - Lovers, Tara Jane O'Neil & Vanessa Renwick, Tender Forever". Centre Pompidou. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  31. ^ a b c d e "Unwavering Kindness: An Interview with Lovers". OCCII. 2013-10-30. Archived from the original on 2024-07-06. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  32. ^ "Michigan Womyn's Music Festival 2011 lineup announced!". Windy City Times. 2011-03-07. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  33. ^ a b McCroy, Winnie (2013-08-02). "Gearing Up for Michigan Womyn's Music Festival". EDGE Media Network. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  34. ^ "Heated debate follows Michigan Fest boycott petition". Windy City Times. 2013-04-12. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  35. ^ Lovers (30 May 2013). "As the band, Lovers, we would like to voice our stance". Facebook. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  36. ^ a b c d e Mirk, Sarah (2013-10-04). "Lovers is an Uncool Band". Bitch. Archived from the original on 2022-04-14.
  37. ^ Lovers (2013-04-15). "Hi All, Here is a Lovers update". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  38. ^ Lowry, Hannah. "Lovers – "A Friend in the World" album review". Performer. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  39. ^ Fortson, Erinn (2013-10-22). "No Regrets: A Conversation with Lovers". That Music Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  40. ^ RJP (2013-09-18). "Up & Coming". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  41. ^ a b Singer, Matthew (2013-09-18). "Album Review: Lovers, A Friend in the World". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on 2013-09-25.
  42. ^ a b c Ventura, Leslie (2013-12-11). "The Weekly Interview: Lovers Singer/Songwriter Carolyn Berk". Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13.
  43. ^ a b "Remain open, keep an open mind and an open heart."". Everybody has a story Every story has a lesson. 2014-01-22. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  44. ^ a b c d e Jeffery, Luisa (2016-11-29). ""Can't We Just Be a Band?" // A Conversation with Musician, Emily Kingan". Marmoset. Archived from the original on 2024-07-06. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  45. ^ "Interview: Kerby Ferris". After the Show. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  46. ^ Schonberg, Lisa (2017-03-14). "Tips from an Accountant: The Best Way for Musicians to Do Their Taxes". Tom Tom Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  47. ^ a b c d e Steinfeld, Dave (2011-09-01). "Music for lovers: a queer electro-pop trio worth falling for". Curve – via The Free Library.
  48. ^ Tonry, Andrew R. "Review: Tender Forever & Lovers". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  49. ^ poet, j. "Dark Light Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  50. ^ Carr, Jessica Cassyle (2011-05-05). "Song Roulette: Random Tracks From Carolyn Berk, Front Woman Of Portland's Lovers". Weekly Alibi. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  51. ^ a b c Gray, S.M. (2012). "The Queer Sounds of Justice: Contemporary Queer Musicking and Transformative Justice in The United States". Wellesley College Digital Repository. Archived from the original on 2024-07-08. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  52. ^ Diaz, Henry M. (2012-01-22). "Oral Fix Podcast: Music Fix - Keep Warm This Winter W/ @LoversTheBand". Oral Fix Podcast. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  53. ^ a b Levack, Chandler (2011-05-25). "Lovers+My Gay Banjo". The Village Voice. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  54. ^ Shephard, Allison (2013-10-02). "Reviews: Lovers – A Friend in the World". SLUG Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  55. ^ Lewis, Carly (2010-11-27). "Lovers Dark Light". Exclaim!. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  56. ^ "A chat with Lovers on the eve of their Euro Tour". Rock Club UK. 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  57. ^ Eric Lucas (2009-06-17). Lovers Tonight Music Video. Retrieved 2024-07-06 – via YouTube.
  58. ^ Lovers theband (2012-04-14). LOVERS - Igloos for Ojos. Retrieved 2024-07-06 – via YouTube.
  59. ^ "Film At 11: Lovers". Magnet. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  60. ^ Lovers (2013-10-13). "Girl in the Grass video shoot with director, Sini Anderson and DP Moira Morel". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  61. ^ Mills, Fred (2013-09-12). "Video Premiere: All-Female Trio Lovers Do "Girl In the Grass"". Blurt. Archived from the original on 2015-01-08.
  62. ^ Maleney, Ian (2011-12-08). "Lovers - Friendship, Music, And Belief In Ourselves". Thumped. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  63. ^ "Man Times". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  64. ^ "Season 1 | E17 | Doubt". Tunefind. 2012-04-18.
  65. ^ Lovers (2012-04-17). "Lovers song "Igloos for Ojos" will be featured tonight on ABC's Revenge". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  66. ^ Georges, Nicole J. (2013). Calling Dr. Laura. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. iv, 71–72. ISBN 978-0547615592.

External Links[edit]

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