The Lovelies have been crafting a bright indie rock sound since the mid-'90s. Founding member and singer/guitarist Liv Lovely (born Liv Mueller) had made a name for herself playing in several alt-country bands in her native Milwaukee, but it wasn't until she hooked up with ex-Frogs bass player Damian Strigens that the Lovelies started to come together. In 1997, the Lovelies made their debut with Baby Justice. The glossy pop piece gained fans at college radio. Three years later, guitarist Barb Lovely (born Barbara Endes) joined the group. The band's second album, Hot One, was self-released in 2000 and went on to impact the CMJ charts. As bandmembers came and went, the Lovelies maintained a strong pop style. In 2002, Strigens was out and drummer Billy Backes was in. A deal with Force MP surfaced in early 2003, and shared dates with Guided by Voices and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club followed. The Lovelies' most cohesive material to date, White Leather, appeared in fall 2003. ~ MacKenzie Wilson