Lula Wiles is a band deeply rooted in traditional folk music, but equally deep is their devotion to modern songcraft. They deliver love songs that are at once defiant and heartsick, as well as new contributions to the folk ballad canon and timely explorations of what it means to live in America today. Drawing from the deep wells of traditional old-time and bluegrass, classic country, and contemporary indie-folk-rock, Lula Wiles melds diverse influences to create a sound all their own.
The three band members – Ellie Buckland (vocals/acoustic guitar/fiddle), Isa Burke (vocals/acoustic and electric guitars/fiddle), and Mali Obomsawin (vocals/acoustic guitar/bass) – deftly swap instruments and frontwoman duties. Onstage, they gather tightly around a single microphone for an emotionally resonant live show, anchored by their powerful three-part harmonies. Lula Wiles were recently featured on NPR Music’s All Songs Considered, and have played festivals and venues across the United States as well as in Canada and Germany. Currently based in Boston, they released their debut album in May 2016 and will be releasing their sophomore album in early 2019 on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.