Rilo Kiley

Like their West Coast contemporaries in Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley steadily gained traction in indie pop circles throughout the late ‘90s and early 2000s before the record industry (and public at large) officially took note. Led by former child actors Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett, The L.A.-based quartet held its first practice in 1998. Bassist Pierre de Reeder and Drummer Dave Brook (later replaced by ex-Foundation lassie member Jason Boesel) completed the lineup, and weekly residency at the Spaceland nightclub in Silverlake allowed Rilo Kiley to hone its’ mix of classic po, country, torch song, and folk.

After some time off, Rilo Kiley reconvened to record 2004’s More Adventurous with their own label, Brute/Beaute records. Buoyed by a cohesive sound, several singles, and big-time distribution from Warner Bros., More Adventurous greatly heightened the band’s profile. Tours with Coldplay and Bright Eyes followed, and the popular song “Portions for Foxes” was featured on the TV drama Grey’s anatomy.

Following the success of their third album, Rilo Kiley took yet another break to focus on personal projects. Notably, Jenny Lewis released her critically acclaimed debut solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat. Rabbit Fur Coat charted higher than any Rilo Kiley album to date.

The group reconvened once again in August 2007 to release their first album on a major’s tab, Under the Backlight.