Biography
The Black Lillies are an Americana band from Knoxville, Tennessee that was founded in early 2009 by Cruz Contreras (formerly of Robinella and the CCstringband). Other include Tom Pryor and Jamie Cook (both formerly of the everybodyfields), Robert Richards and Trisha Gene Brady. The band's debut album, Whiskey Angel, was recorded in Cruz's living room and released in April 2009. It featured Billy Contreras on fiddle, Taylor Coker on bass, and Leah Gardner on backing vocals. Contreras wrote and arranged all of the songs on the album. It is deeply personal material, covering the fallout of his divorce from Robinella and the breakup of the band they shared. The album resonated strongly with listeners, and Whiskey Angel was ranked in several Best of 2009 lists in publications across the country.
The Black Lillies made an immediate impact on Knoxville's growing music scene and the band was selected to play the Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival within weeks of releasing the album. They quickly signed a management and booking deal with Chyna Brackeen of Attack Monkey Productions and in October of that year, they launched their first national tour. The tour kicked off at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and the band played 38 shows in 40 days. Two additional national tours took place in 2010 and included appearances at festivals including Bristol's Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Pickathon, Four Corners Folk Festival, Pagosa Folk & Bluegrass, and Rhythm & Blooms. The band has been ranked as the "Best Americana Band" in the Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville poll [1]. They have appeared multiple times on live radio shows including WDVX's Tennessee Shines and WSM's Music City Roots. In 2010, they were the first band selected and announced to participate in the Americana Music Association's Festival & Conference - their selection was announced a full two months prior to the rest of the lineup.
In early 2010, the Lillies announced that they were beginning work on a new album. The project was entirely fan-funded via sponsorship packages sold through the band website. The final funds needed were raised through a house concert that drew more than 300 people. The album will be released in October, 2010.
-- via Wikipedia
The Black Lillies made an immediate impact on Knoxville's growing music scene and the band was selected to play the Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival within weeks of releasing the album. They quickly signed a management and booking deal with Chyna Brackeen of Attack Monkey Productions and in October of that year, they launched their first national tour. The tour kicked off at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and the band played 38 shows in 40 days. Two additional national tours took place in 2010 and included appearances at festivals including Bristol's Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Pickathon, Four Corners Folk Festival, Pagosa Folk & Bluegrass, and Rhythm & Blooms. The band has been ranked as the "Best Americana Band" in the Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville poll [1]. They have appeared multiple times on live radio shows including WDVX's Tennessee Shines and WSM's Music City Roots. In 2010, they were the first band selected and announced to participate in the Americana Music Association's Festival & Conference - their selection was announced a full two months prior to the rest of the lineup.
In early 2010, the Lillies announced that they were beginning work on a new album. The project was entirely fan-funded via sponsorship packages sold through the band website. The final funds needed were raised through a house concert that drew more than 300 people. The album will be released in October, 2010.
-- via Wikipedia
