KGNU DJ Greg Schultz interviews d’Lovelies, an enchanting local ensemble known for their unique fusion of jazz, soul, and pop influences. In this engaging conversation, the band shares insights into their creative process, upcoming projects, and their connection to the Colorado music scene. (Interview date: 12/17/2024)
d’Lovelies: Yes, we can. Hello!
Greg Schultz: How are you all doing?
d’Lovelies: Doing great!
Greg Schultz: Oh, it’s great to have you here. I really appreciate you coming in, making the trek from wherever you’re from. I know you’re all Colorado folks and local, of course, but we’ll talk a bit more about that in a moment.
Now, you’re here to talk about your new record, which is just about to be released—any minute now, almost, you tell me. You’re also going to play a couple of tunes, come back and chat with us, and then play a few more. So why don’t you kick things off with a song and let us know what you’ll be playing?
d’Lovelies: We’re going to play a song called Marianne. It’s dedicated to my Aunt Mary and my Aunt Anne.
(d’Lovelies perform “Marianne.”)
Greg Schultz: That was incredible! You guys sound fantastic. Let’s introduce everyone. Why don’t you take the lead?
d’Lovelies: Thank you! My name is Aaron Friedman, and I’m a singer. On vocals and guitar, we have Rob Pate. On bass and vocals, Mr. Dwayne Webster. On drums today, Brett Ross. On keys, Ryan McCurry. On saxophone, Mike McCloskey, and on trombone, Nate Better.
Greg Schultz: Wow, what a fabulous ensemble. Seven of you in total—and you’re all packed into that nice little cabaret room George fixed up. It sounds great!
d’Lovelies: Thank you so much for having us.
Greg Schultz: We’re thrilled to have you here live. Now, you’re a local band. I’m curious—how did you all meet, and when did you first come together as a group?
d’Lovelies: Rob and Dwayne have been playing together for quite a while in a band called Voodoo Lily, which Nate also plays in. Rob and I met through the local music community a few years ago, and we started gathering this group of musicians.
We played our first show around this time last year—a New Year’s Eve warm-up at Oskar Blues in Lyons. We’ll actually be playing that same gig a week from today as part of our album release for our debut album.
Greg Schultz: That’s fantastic! Tell us about the new record. What’s it called?
d’Lovelies: It’s called Great Horizon, and it features nine original songs written by Rob, as well as a few classic traditional jazz tunes.
Greg Schultz: Rob, those songs are incredible. That first one, Marianne, was beautiful.
d’Lovelies: Thank you. I wrote Marianne right after my mother passed away. Her two sisters—my Aunt Mary and Aunt Anne—were there for me during that time, and we grieved together. That song is a tribute to them.
Greg Schultz: That’s truly heartfelt. And the second song, Early Fall in Eunice, I loved that one too. It had such a strong Louisiana vibe.
d’Lovelies: Thank you! Eunice, Louisiana, is a magical place. I’ve spent a lot of time in New Orleans, but Eunice holds a special place in my heart. There’s a great festival I go to every year called the Black Pot Festival, where I teach swing guitar. Eunice is a hub for Cajun music and culture, and the community there is incredible.
Greg Schultz: It definitely shows in your music. Where did you record the album?
d’Lovelies: We recorded it with our friend Brian McRae at the Wrecking Room Studio in Lyons. Our drummer, Colin, handled most of the mixing, with some help from the band. Colin plays drums on the record, though today we have Brett with us.
Greg Schultz: That’s amazing. And when does the album officially release?
d’Lovelies: It releases a week from today! We’ll have CDs available at our album release show at Oskar Blues in Lyons next Friday, December 27th. It’ll also be on streaming platforms shortly after.
Greg Schultz: Wonderful! For folks who can’t make it to Lyons, do you have other shows coming up?
d’Lovelies: Yes, the following night, we’ll be playing in Boulder at License No. 1 under the Boulderado Hotel. It’ll be a second album release party for those who can’t make it to Lyons.
Greg Schultz: That’s great—giving fans multiple chances to catch you. And you’ve got a busy schedule coming up, promoting the album and playing shows.
d’Lovelies: That’s right. We’ve already started thinking about our second album!
Greg Schultz: Love that energy. Alright, let’s hear another couple of songs from you. What’s next?
d’Lovelies: This next one is called Take It Easy, Jim. It’s about searching for salvation, failing, and realizing that your initial perspective on what salvation means might need to change.
(d’Lovelies perform “Take It Easy, Jim” and “Mercy River.”)
Greg Schultz: Incredible performances! I could feel the New Orleans and South Louisiana roots in Mercy River. It has that Mardi Gras vibe—just fantastic.
d’Lovelies: Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed it.
Greg Schultz: Absolutely. You guys are incredible. Best of luck with the new album and your upcoming shows. Everyone, make sure to catch d’Lovelies live—trust me, you won’t regret it.
Greg Schultz: And we’re going to bring on d’Lovelies. You guys are here! Can you hear me?
d’Lovelies: Yes, we can. Hello!
Greg Schultz: How are you all doing?
d’Lovelies: Doing great!
Greg Schultz: Oh, it’s great to have you here. I really appreciate you coming in, making the trek from wherever you’re from. I know you’re all Colorado folks and local, of course, but we’ll talk a bit more about that in a moment.
Now, you’re here to talk about your new record, which is just about to be released—any minute now, almost, you tell me. You’re also going to play a couple of tunes, come back and chat with us, and then play a few more. So why don’t you kick things off with a song and let us know what you’ll be playing?
d’Lovelies: We’re going to play a song called Marianne. It’s dedicated to my Aunt Mary and my Aunt Anne.
(d’Lovelies perform “Marianne.”)
Greg Schultz: That was incredible! You guys sound fantastic. Let’s introduce everyone. Why don’t you take the lead?
d’Lovelies: Thank you! My name is Aaron Friedman, and I’m a singer. On vocals and guitar, we have Rob Pate. On bass and vocals, Mr. Dwayne Webster. On drums today, Brett Ross. On keys, Ryan McCurry. On saxophone, Mike McCloskey, and on trombone, Nate Better.
Greg Schultz: Wow, what a fabulous ensemble. Seven of you in total—and you’re all packed into that nice little cabaret room George fixed up. It sounds great!
d’Lovelies: Thank you so much for having us.
Greg Schultz: We’re thrilled to have you here live. Now, you’re a local band. I’m curious—how did you all meet, and when did you first come together as a group?
d’Lovelies: Rob and Dwayne have been playing together for quite a while in a band called Voodoo Lily, which Nate also plays in. Rob and I met through the local music community a few years ago, and we started gathering this group of musicians.
We played our first show around this time last year—a New Year’s Eve warm-up at Oskar Blues in Lyons. We’ll actually be playing that same gig a week from today as part of our album release for our debut album.
Greg Schultz: That’s fantastic! Tell us about the new record. What’s it called?
d’Lovelies: It’s called Great Horizon, and it features nine original songs written by Rob, as well as a few classic traditional jazz tunes.
Greg Schultz: Rob, those songs are incredible. That first one, Marianne, was beautiful.
d’Lovelies: Thank you. I wrote Marianne right after my mother passed away. Her two sisters—my Aunt Mary and Aunt Anne—were there for me during that time, and we grieved together. That song is a tribute to them.
Greg Schultz: That’s truly heartfelt. And the second song, Early Fall in Eunice, I loved that one too. It had such a strong Louisiana vibe.
d’Lovelies: Thank you! Eunice, Louisiana, is a magical place. I’ve spent a lot of time in New Orleans, but Eunice holds a special place in my heart. There’s a great festival I go to every year called the Black Pot Festival, where I teach swing guitar. Eunice is a hub for Cajun music and culture, and the community there is incredible.
Greg Schultz: It definitely shows in your music. Where did you record the album?
d’Lovelies: We recorded it with our friend Brian McRae at the Wrecking Room Studio in Lyons. Our drummer, Colin, handled most of the mixing, with some help from the band. Colin plays drums on the record, though today we have Brett with us.
Greg Schultz: That’s amazing. And when does the album officially release?
d’Lovelies: It releases a week from today! We’ll have CDs available at our album release show at Oskar Blues in Lyons next Friday, December 27th. It’ll also be on streaming platforms shortly after.
Greg Schultz: Wonderful! For folks who can’t make it to Lyons, do you have other shows coming up?
d’Lovelies: Yes, the following night, we’ll be playing in Boulder at License No. 1 under the Boulderado Hotel. It’ll be a second album release party for those who can’t make it to Lyons.
Greg Schultz: That’s great—giving fans multiple chances to catch you. And you’ve got a busy schedule coming up, promoting the album and playing shows.
d’Lovelies: That’s right. We’ve already started thinking about our second album!
Greg Schultz: Love that energy. Alright, let’s hear another couple of songs from you. What’s next?
d’Lovelies: This next one is called Take It Easy, Jim. It’s about searching for salvation, failing, and realizing that your initial perspective on what salvation means might need to change.
(d’Lovelies perform “Take It Easy, Jim” and “Mercy River.”)
Greg Schultz: Incredible performances! I could feel the New Orleans and South Louisiana roots in Mercy River. It has that Mardi Gras vibe—just fantastic.
d’Lovelies: Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed it.
Greg Schultz: Absolutely. You guys are incredible. Best of luck with the new album and your upcoming shows. Everyone, make sure to catch d’Lovelies live—trust me, you won’t regret it.