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Lucero
Biography
Adding a Southern flavor to their love of the indie folk-pop of Ida, Memphis alt-country rockers Lucero have suffered the turbulence that comes with the indie scene, but their story of perseverance and survival is triumphant, so much so that director Aaron Goldman made a film about it. Formed by leader Ben Nichols in the late '90s, Lucero took their name from the Spanish word meaning "bright star." After releasing a single on the Landmark label, Lucero -- rounded out by drummer Roy Berry, bassist John C. Stubblefield and guitarist Brian Venable -- signed with the alternative country label Madjack for their 2001 self-titled debut. Momentum started to build with their 2002 release Tennessee. With critics picking up on their rock and Replacements edge, a decision was made to sign with the more diverse label Tiger Style. The 2003 release That Much Further West earned them positive reviews and a spot on Rolling Stone's "Hot List." Things seemed to be going well, but as the album was catching indie fire, Tiger Style announced they were closing shop. The band formed their own label, Liberty & Lament, through a deal with East West and worked on their next album with famed musician/producer Jim Dickinson.