Minnesota Music Minute: U Of M Band Getting National Attention
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In this week's Minnesota Music Minute, we are introducing you to a band that started at the University of Minnesota.
They're called Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles. There's an accordion, drums, cello, electric guitar, upright bass and even a ukulele.
"We're like a rock band that doesn't really have any rock instruments," said Eanonn McLain, who plays the cello in the band.
They are Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles. This sextet, ages 24 to 32, got their start in a college house five years ago at the University of Minnesota.
"It just sort of snow-balled and was a cool experience. We never went into it thinking that we were going to be doing it now," said Lucy Michelle, who is on lead vocals and plays the ukulele.
Their gypsy-folk sound is led by Lucy's distinct voice and her little ukulele.
"Ukulele is kind of the joining factor, which is not traditionally an instrument that might play with those other things," McLain said.
Lucy's hand-written lyrics reach into her life experiences and put them to a raw, yet polished, sound. Her songs are stories, about life and love.
"It's more so what just comes out when I'm free writing," said Michelle.
One of those songs, "Just a Kid" off of their album "HEAT," is getting national air time on radio and TV. MTV debuts their single June 11.
"HEAT" is the bands fourth album. It was written primarily about Minnesota's bone-chilling winter of 2010. HEAT came out of a month-long recording session in New York city with producer Matt Boyton, who who has worked with bands like MGMT.
"That was a pretty phenomenal experience, about as good as it gets. He's recorded with bands we love and respect. That was an honor," said Geoff Freeman, who plays the drums.
The Lapelles have also been busy connecting with some big brands. Here's the link to the Apple video (their song starts at 1:55 and runs through the end).
http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/flitch-green/
Apple just bought a song for an online video, and even Target is tapping into the Lucy Michelle sound.
"We just did a national Target ad. They wrote the song for it, so we just played it," Michelle said.
Right now, the band is preparing to kick off a 50-city tour that starts in St. Paul.
"I think we're in a really good spot right now after five years of being here and doing what we need to do. I think we are taking it to the next level which is exciting, a lot of work, but going to be pretty fun I think," Michelle said.
Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles kick off their tour at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Amsterdam Bar in St. Paul. Tickets are still available for $10. Student tickest are $5.
Their video for "Just a Kid" debuts on MTV Monday, and they'll be at the Minnesota Zoo on June 23 and at the Basilica Block Party on July 7.
