SRS 2015 RD1 WK 1 Band Bio: Tennessee Stiffs!

“We’re not from Tennessee.

A little bit rock n roll, a little bit country, and a whole lotta rowdy makes up Tennessee Stiffs.

Formed in late 2011 and fueled by their eclectic musical interests, co-founders-turned-married-couple Ethan Lee and Cara B were determined to create something never heard before.

They seamlessly blend Americana, blues, rock, folk, alternative country, and a myriad of other influences into a powerful and provocative product they call “Death Folk.”

something dark, something pretty,
something great, something gritty.

Late night writing sessions soaked in whiskey gave the group a sound all their own. Cara’s melodies range from hauntingly beautiful to wildly soulful. Blended with Lee’s foot-stomping rhythms and gravelly vocals, the two take the “Beauty and the Beast” standard to heart.

The duo spent their first year as a band and as a couple writing tunes and playing shows, often using old books and a hat containing lines of poetry as inspiration. They wanted to build each song as its own story in a greater collection of real-life events. Each song’s characters are vividly constructed and personal, allowing for the listener to relate.

Bassist/guitarist/vocalist Casey Kuznieski joined in the summer of 2012, bringing a new level of levity and technical skill to the table. His wide range of talents allowed the band to expand on stage, where any member could potentially play any instrument. But the music still called for more, and so an exhaustive search for the perfect fifth member led the band to accomplished violinist/vocalist Kate Bivona. Drummer/vocalist Jay Koelbl moved to Austin at the end of 2014 from Tennessee and strolled into the mix with great success. With all the pieces in place, Tennessee Stiffs have become a band’s band: each member is a cornerstone in building each new tune. Having the pleasure of participating in SXSW in recent years, the band won Battle of the Bands in March 2015 resulting in studio time and more with Hand Drawn Records out of Dallas TX. It was the cherry on top of the recording of our album “Nightery” in April 2015 at Cacophony Studios in Austin.

So whether you come to see the spectacle of the full band or the intimacy of the acoustic show, you’re bound to find your toe tapping, your head bobbing along, and hell, maybe even a little speaking in tongues.

Come one, come all
Here we go!
Buy a ticket to the traveling show!”