Renowned indie pop band Lucius has strong roots in Boston, a connection that has only deepened as they prepare to perform at Boston Calling for the third time this year.
The journey of Lucius began when lead singers Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe met while studying at the Berklee College of Music.
Wolfe recalled the early days, saying, “My first friend from orientation was Laessig’s roommate.”
That serendipitous connection eventually led to a friendship and a musical partnership where they explored their mutual admiration for artists like Sam Cooke and David Bowie.
A casual night spent on the roof of Wolfe’s apartment sparked discussions about their musical influences and aspirations.
However, instead of organizing a cafeteria show as they had initially planned, Laessig and Wolfe began writing songs that would later shape the sound of Lucius, including their early hit, “Get on Going.”
Throughout their journey, Lucius has collaborated with a range of well-known musicians, including John Prine, Mavis Staples, and Brandi Carlile.
Among their many star-studded collaborations, one interaction left them especially starstruck—an encounter with Tenacious D at Boston Calling ten years ago.
Reflecting on that unforgettable moment, Wolfe exclaimed, “We were really excited because Tenacious D was playing. We are big fans and do not get starstruck easily.”
Their excitement turned to awe when they met the duo, comprising actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass.
Recalling the moment, Wolfe said, “They started singing about ‘Tenucious’ and invited us to join in. Holly and I were just jaws on the floor.”
Despite missing the chance to sing with Tenacious D, both Laessig and Wolfe remember that moment fondly, considering it a cherished memory.
As Lucius gears up to take the stage at 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, for their latest self-titled album, excitement fills the air.
Wolfe shared her hopes for the performance, stating, “I think it’ll be really special. I hope that it connects with people and we’re just excited to play it live.”
Laessig remarked on the unique environment of music festivals, explaining, “It’s interesting because it’s not necessarily your crowd. They may not know who you are, so you’re performing for completely new faces and ears.”
Their time at Berklee wasn’t just about forming a band; it was also about absorbing knowledge from music legends like John Mayer, James Taylor, and Lalah Hathaway, who frequently interacted with students.
Since officially forming Lucius in 2007, the band has evolved from a duo to a four-piece ensemble, releasing multiple albums and gaining critical acclaim.
Their debut EP dropped in 2012, and since then, they have released four additional studio albums and received three Grammy nominations.
Lucius has not only gained recognition in the music world but also made appearances on popular television programs like NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Various media outlets, including The New York Times and Rolling Stone, have praised their innovative sound, while key tracks have been featured in hit television shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Catfish: The TV Show.”
One pivotal moment in their career came when their song “Until We Get There” was featured in a key episode of the popular series “New Girl.”
Wolfe acknowledged the impact of that appearance, stating, “It was a big deal, and a lot of people discovered us through that show.”
After their appearance at Boston Calling, the band is expected to hit up additional festivals and shows throughout the summer, continuing to share their diverse musical style.
For fans eager to catch Lucius live, a full list of their upcoming concerts can be found on the band’s official website.
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