Lucius

Biography

Lucius is an acclaimed American indie pop band formed by lead vocalists and songwriters Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, who met while attending Berklee College of Music in the mid-2000s. After relocating to Brooklyn’s Ditmas Park in 2007, they established a collaborative musical community, eventually forming the core lineup with multi-instrumentalists Dan Molad and Peter Lalish. The band’s debut album, 'Wildewoman' (2013), received critical praise for its inventive blend of 1960s girl group harmonies and modern pop sensibilities, with Rolling Stone calling it 'fresh and thrilling.'

Lucius continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums, including 'Good Grief' (2016) and the 1980s dance-influenced 'Second Nature' (2022), the latter produced by Brandi Carlile and Dave Cobb. Their music is characterized by lush vocal harmonies, art-pop arrangements, and a visually distinctive stage presence. Over more than a decade, Lucius has built a passionate global following through their energetic live shows and inventive songwriting, while Wolfe and Laessig have become sought-after collaborators in the music industry.

Beyond their own records, Wolfe and Laessig have contributed vocals to a wide range of artists, from Brandi Carlile and The War on Drugs to Harry Styles and John Legend. Their influence is felt both through their recordings and their participation in projects like Joni Mitchell’s 'Joni Jam.' Lucius’s legacy is defined by their genre-blending artistry, collaborative spirit, and the enduring partnership at the band’s core.

Fun Facts

• Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig are known for their matching stage outfits and hairstyles, creating a striking visual identity that complements their vocal harmonies.
• The band’s debut album, 'Wildewoman,' was recorded in a Brooklyn house (the Bromley House) that had served as a music school and studio for over 60 years.
• Wolfe and Laessig have performed as part of Joni Mitchell’s exclusive 'Joni Jam' sessions, alongside legendary artists.
• Lucius’s music has been featured in numerous television shows and commercials, expanding their audience beyond the indie music scene.

Members

• Andrew Burri
• Holly Laessig
• Peter Lalish
• Dan Molad
• Jess Wolfe

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Berklee College of Music faculty - Wolfe and Laessig studied under various instructors while attending Berklee, shaping their musical foundation. (Early songwriting and performance development) [Mid-2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Dan Molad - Drummer, producer, and founding band member; co-produced debut album. (Wildewoman, Good Grief, Second Nature) [2011–present]
• Peter Lalish - Multi-instrumentalist and core band member. (Wildewoman, Good Grief, Second Nature) [2011–present]
• Brandi Carlile - Producer and guest artist on 'Second Nature'; frequent live collaborator. (Second Nature (2022)) [2022]
• Sheryl Crow - Guest vocalist on 'Dance Around It.' (Second Nature (2022)) [2022]
• Joni Mitchell - Wolfe and Laessig are members of Mitchell’s 'Joni Jam' ensemble. (Live performances) [2020s]
• The War on Drugs, John Legend, The Killers, Harry Styles, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Black Pumas, Jeff Tweedy, Ozzy Osbourne - Wolfe and Laessig contributed vocals to recordings and live performances. (Various collaborations) [2010s–2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging indie pop vocal groups - Lucius’s harmonies and visual style have inspired newer acts, though specific protégés are not widely documented. (N/A) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Don't Live Here Anymore (feat. Lucius) (I Don’t Live Here Anymore)
2. You and Me On The Rock (feat. Lucius) (In These Silent Days)
3. Babe I Know (Tearing At The Seams)
4. Two of Us On the Run (Wildewoman)
5. Final Days (Lucius)
6. Howling (The Day My Father Died)
7. Impressions (feat. Madison Cunningham)
8. Right Down The Line
9. My God (feat. Weyes Blood) (Imploding The Mirage)
10. Until We Get There (Wildewoman)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #adult-alternative-pop-rock, #alternative, #alternative-indie-rock