Lake St Dive

Biography

Lake Street Dive is an American multi-genre band formed in 2004 by four students at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston: Rachael Price (lead vocals), Mike 'McDuck' Olson (trumpet, guitar), Bridget Kearney (upright bass), and Mike Calabrese (drums). The band’s name was inspired by Lake Street in Minneapolis, a nod to Olson’s hometown and its array of dive bars. Initially conceived as a 'free country band,' the group quickly shifted toward a more accessible and genre-blending sound, drawing from jazz, soul, pop, and rock influences.

Lake Street Dive’s early years were marked by grassroots touring and self-released albums, with their debut 'In This Episode...' arriving in 2006. Their breakthrough came via viral video covers, notably a funk-infused take on The Jackson 5’s 'I Want You Back,' which showcased their inventive arrangements and Price’s dynamic vocals. The band’s relentless touring and energetic live shows built a devoted following, leading to a deal with Signature Sounds and later Nonesuch Records. Their 2016 album 'Side Pony' debuted at No. 1 on three Billboard charts, solidifying their reputation for sophisticated musicianship and genre-defying songwriting.

Over the years, Lake Street Dive has evolved both in sound and lineup, with keyboardist Akie Bermiss joining in 2017 and guitarist James Cornelison in 2021 after Olson’s departure. The group is celebrated for their tight harmonies, inventive covers, and original songs that blend retro soul, jazz, and pop. Their legacy lies in their ability to transcend genre boundaries while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie and musical curiosity, inspiring a new generation of musicians with their eclectic approach.

Fun Facts

• The band’s name comes from Lake Street in Minneapolis, known for its dive bars, reflecting their eclectic and unpretentious musical style.
• Bridget Kearney won the Jazz Category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2005 with the band's performance of her song 'Sometimes When I'm Drunk and You're Wearing My Favorite Shirt,' funding their debut album.
• Lake Street Dive’s viral video cover of The Jackson 5’s 'I Want You Back' helped launch them to wider fame.
• Each founding member hails from a different part of the United States, bringing diverse musical backgrounds: Price from Tennessee, Kearney from Iowa, Calabrese from Philadelphia, and Olson from Minnesota.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New England Conservatory Faculty - All founding members studied under various jazz and contemporary music instructors at NEC, shaping their technical skills and collaborative ethos. (Band formation, early performances, and songwriting approach) [2004–2007]

Key Collaborators

• Rachael Price - Lead vocalist and co-songwriter, original and current member (All albums and live performances) [2004–present]
• Mike 'McDuck' Olson - Founding member, trumpet/guitar, arranger, left in 2021 (All albums through 2021) [2004–2021]
• Bridget Kearney - Bassist, songwriter, and vocalist, original and current member (All albums and live performances) [2004–present]
• Mike Calabrese - Drummer, vocalist, original and current member (All albums and live performances) [2004–present]
• Akie Bermiss - Keyboardist and vocalist, joined as touring member in 2017, became full member in 2018 (Albums from 2018 onward) [2017–present]
• James Cornelison - Guitarist, joined after Olson’s departure (Albums and tours from 2021 onward) [2021–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging indie and jazz-pop bands - Lake Street Dive’s genre-blending style and viral covers have inspired a wave of young musicians to experiment with cross-genre arrangements and vocal harmonies. (Numerous covers and stylistic homages by up-and-coming artists) [2015–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Better Than (Bad Self Portraits)
2. Hypotheticals (Obviously)
3. Rich Girl (Fun Machine EP)
4. Good Kisser (Free Yourself Up)
5. What I'm Doing Here
6. I Can Change (Free Yourself Up)
7. Bad Self Portraits (Bad Self Portraits)
8. I Want You Back (Fun Machine EP)
9. Know That I Know (Obviously)
10. You Go Down Smooth (Bad Self Portraits)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia