by Erinn Fortson
Lovers was already established as a band before Carolyn Berk met Kerby Ferris and Emily Kingan. In 2002, the same year Star Lit Sunken Ship was released, Berk had her first encounter with her future band mates. Fast-forward a few years later and thousands of miles from Portland, Oregon, the three musicians all met again in São Paulo, Brazil.
“It was all very cosmic,” says Berk about coming into contact with Ferris and Kingan.
Not only did these meetings mark the start of what would later be a long lasting, intimate friendship, but it also set the stage for a new platform of creativity through song. Berk, Ferris, and Kingan share a deep connection and it’s evident through their music. The band’s newest record, A Friend in the World, is no exception. Having come out earlier this fall, the 10-track album is the seventh release from Lovers (the second album with Kerby and Kingan in the band) and it contains some of the group’s best work.
“I think we try to bring out each other’s best sides,” says Berk. “I feel like I continually learn from [Emily and Kerby] and that’s nice. I just respect them both a lot as individuals, as people moving through the world, and as creative people; we definitely connect nicely in that way. When you’re a band, it’s like a family. Intimacy is hard, but it’s gratifying.”
Lovers have hit the road, beginning their world tour on the East Coast, which includes a stop in Philadelphia at Kung Fu Necktie on the 23rd of this month. The band will also travel to Europe and the West Coast, where their last show is scheduled at Bows & Arrows in Sacramento.
“[Going on the road] continues to get more and more dynamic as we get older and more fussy. But in a good way,” says Berk.
A Friend in the World was recorded at Type Foundry Studios in Portland, Oregon. The album was mixed by Andy LeMaster (R.E.M., Bright Eyes), who has had a long-standing relationship with Berk. The two have known each other since Berk was 18 and LeMaster produced some of her earlier works.
As with their last record, Darklight, Lovers have embraced electronic pop, using it to explore the depths of their sound. Intact with a fearless and limitless vision has given the band an ability to continuously make great music together. Berk, Ferris, and Kingan are also able to rely on each other for unconditional support, giving each other the confidence to truly express their talents.
“I think [Emily and Kerby] brought out my love for performance,” says Berk. “Before, I just really needed to write and record music. It was just something [that was very clear from an early age], the thing I was allowed to do and most passionate about. And whatever was going to come my way, [recording] was sort of going to be the engagement in my world. I was pretty shy. Performance was also something that I enjoyed on a certain level, just because it has this like movement forward sort of aspect. But since the three of us have started playing together, [its more enjoyable]; it’s enjoyable to feel that connection.”
