Lake Street Dive has redefined the landscape of pop music, establishing themselves as a unifying force through their sonically diverse approach and an inclusive ethos. This five-member band masterfully blends soul, folk, jazz, and classic pop, crafting a signature sound that is both original and captivating. Renowned for their compelling live performances, Lake Street Dive excels at forging a profound connection with their audience, creating an atmosphere of shared experience and musical camaraderie.
Their album, “Good Together,” delves deeper into this sense of collective purpose. In its creation, vocalist Rachael Price, bassist and background vocalist Bridget Kearney, drummer and background vocalist Mike Calabrese, keyboardist and vocalist Akie Bermiss, and guitarist and background vocalist James Cornelison, explored the elements that contribute to contemporary societal divisions. These include the rapid advancement of technology, increasing social isolation, and the pervasive pressure for relentless self-improvement. “Good Together” emerges as a powerful and spirited response to these challenges, embodying what the band describes as “joyful rebellion”—a collection of songs designed to inspire both defiant optimism and exuberant movement.
Mike Calabrese articulates the album’s core message: “There’s ample cause for anger in today’s world, with widespread pain, fury, and separation. However, sustained anger is not viable; one needs an alternative to persevere. Joy serves as that essential sustenance, and we aim to remind everyone to consciously embrace it. This album, in essence, is our declaration to ‘Take your joy very seriously.’”
Lake Street Dive’s commitment to unity and mutual support is palpable throughout “Good Together”. Rachael Price reflects on the band’s evolving dynamics: “Our individual musical tastes have diversified more than ever, yet we continue to synthesize these influences with genuine affection and respect for the band’s internal diversity. The enduring foundation of our friendship is, I believe, the key to our longevity. Each member’s voice is valued, everyone is heard, and we prioritize each other’s well-being.”