Callers

Combining the powerful vocals of singer Sara Lucas and intricate playing of guitarist Ryan Seaton, Callers craft music equally inspired by folk, jazz, and the more challenging corners of indie rock. Lucas grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, steeped in the city's rich history of jazz, blues, and gospel, and began singing as a child; meanwhile, Seaton lived in Little Rock, Arkansas and was raised on a diet of underground punk shows. The pair met in 2004 while working in a New Orleans café and, after comparing musical tastes, began working together. After recording an EP in the Big Easy, Seaton and Lucas moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where they recorded another EP before heading to Brooklyn. In 2008, the duo released its intimate debut album, Fortune -- which drew comparisons to Joni Mitchell, Linda Perhacs, and Loren MazzaCane Connors -- on Western Vinyl. By the time they returned to the studio for 2010's more expansive Life of Love, Callers had added drummer Don Godwin to their fold. Godwin stayed with the group to record Callers' third album, 2012's Reviver, but parted amicably with the band due to his inability to keep up with its touring commitments. At this point, collaborators Keith Souza and Seth Manchester, who helped Callers record Life of Love and Reviver at their Machines with Magnets studio, became full-time bandmembers. Callers also collaborated with the like-minded group Delicate Steve on the 2012 single Further Out/Perfect Pairs, and supported Wye Oak and Dirty Projectors on tour that year. ~ Heather Phares