There is a beauty in folk music that I am not sure can be found anywhere else in music. It’s an intangible force that brings together the most different of souls through simple lyrics about life and love that many believe has the power to change lives. The best folk artists know how to tap into this power at a moment’s notice, and such is the case with the up-and-comers we’re going to introduce this afternoon.

Lily And The Tigers are a three-piece band that boasts a sound perfect for campfires and large-scale summer music festivals. They recently recorded a brand new album in rural Vermont, and this afternoon UTG is thrilled to present the album opener, “Beaumont,” for your streaming pleasure. You can listen to the song below.

While preparing for this premiere, UTG had the brief opportunity to speak with Lily And THe Tigers’ upright bassist Adam Mincey about the band’s new album. You can read what he had to say following the song stream.

Lily And The Tigers’ new album, The Hand You Deal Yourself, hits stores this March. If you like what you hear, click here to stay on top of the band’s 2014 plans.

UTG: Hello and thank you again for taking the time to speak with us. Before we dive in, would you please tell everyone your name, the band’s name, and your role within the band?

LT: Adam Mincey, Lily and the Tigers, Upright Bassist.

UTG: Welcome! We are thrilled to be assisting you in sharing this track with the world. What can you tell us about the song’s origin?

LT: “Beaumont” is a testament to the feeling that every musician experiences while being on tour. It’s the feeling of freedom. Every night you get to do what you love and are truly passionate about. We get to leave the burdens of the day to day behind, embrace the opportunity to travel, and go from town to town making friends and celebrating our greatest love—music.

UTG: The name of your name album is The Hand You Deal Yourself. What can you tell us about the story behind the title?

LT: It’s very much about believing in something. About putting forth effort and energy without fearing what you think you can or cannot do. The idea that, while you can be influenced by many things, ultimately you deal your own hand. That you get out of this life what you think you will, and that you are the only one who can determine your own outcome.

UTG: The album was recorded in rural Vermont. What influence did the location of the recording have on the final product?

LT: I could not think of a more stimulating and uplifting location to record a folk album than Granville’s mountain side. To wake up in the lush, fertile and rich forest to the sound of the Mad River is truly humbling.

UTG: You have been working together as a group since 2010. What do you believe is accomplished with this album that may not have been found on your previous releases?

LT: Growth. Our older albums have several of our friends from the Atlanta music community complementing our sound. But since paring down to a trio, the three of us have been able to hone in on exactly what we want, giving our music a little more space, and a better sense of direction.

UTG: If you could tell people one thing you hope they take away from your music, what would it be?

LT: Believe in yourself. We believe that our music is honest and true. The songs on this album are about personal growth—being open and true to yourself, hence the name The Hand You Deal Yourself.

UTG: 2014 is shaping up to be a big year for your group. What plans do you have beyond the March 4 album release? Can we expect a tour soon?

LT: Definitely. We can’t wait to get back on the road! We’re in the process of booking our late spring “Middle America” tour. We’re starting in the South then heading up through the Midwest. Also, it’s not booked yet, but we’re thinking about touring Europe this fall.

UTG: I know you’re quite busy these days, so I won’t keep you much longer. Before I let you go however, do you have any final thoughts or observations you would like to share with our readers?

LT: Yes—love life, travel as much as possible, be who you want to be, live in the present, eat better, grow your own food, constructively gather in groups, go outside, and throw away your television.

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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