the lonetones

“The Lonetones have perfected contemporary Appalachian music” according to Blank Newspaper. But that might not mean exactly what you think. Wayne Bledsoe of the Knoxville News Sentinel notes that “it's a group that isn't hemmed in by any boundaries… the Lonetones have developed into a genre-bending group that doesn't quite fit into any niche and instead feels right almost everywhere.” 

They have been called Americana, Folk Rock, Indie Folk, Folk Pop, Modern Folk, Folkadelic.... Driven by the songwriting of Steph Gunnoe and Sean McCollough, the band artfully fuses urban and rural themes and musical styles. The lyrics are fueled by a search for identity in the changing Appalachian landscape. Sometimes you’ll catch them playing banjo and mandolin. Other times, electric guitar and keyboards 

In their early years, they were often compared to revivalists such as Iris Dement or Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. But in more recent years, they have also drawn comparisons to other bands that draw on roots music but expand well beyond it such as Wilco and the Byrds. As they have grown as artists, their sound has become a unique mix of folk, rock, pop, and old-time elements. 

In ranking their fourth album, Modern Victims (which placed on the roots music charts for several weeks) in his top ten albums of the year, Wayne Bledsoe of the Knoxville News Sentinel had this to say: 

Think of the Lonetones as spiritual kin to Wilco or the Byrds. Led by husband and wife team and lead singer-songwriters Sean McCollough and Steph Gunnoe, The Lonetones are folky, a little rock and are constantly finding new and gorgeous sounds and expanding their horizons. The leaders’ songs and vocals are contrasts that blend into something amazing. 

Both the band’s lyrics and music speak to the conflicted nature of a region steeped in tradition while blighted by Walmarts and stripmines. They speak to generational conflicts and the inner struggles of those whose hearts and souls are tied to the mountains but also want to be set free. 

Bradley Hanson of Knoxville Voice writes that “their music rings from the mountains of Appalachia with a reverent, enduring and, at times, conflicted spirit. The band mates shoulder their geography with craft and care.” 

The Band 

 • Steph Gunnoe: vocals, acoustic & electric guitar 

• Sean McCollough: vocals, banjo, mandolin, keys, guitar 

• Jamie Cook: drums, vocals 

• Vince Ilagan: bass, vocals 

• Occasional appearances by Cecilia Wright Miller: cello, vocals 

Opened for… 

• Sam Bush 

• The Carolina Chocolate Drops 

• The Amazing Rhythm Aces 

Notable Performances 

• Bristol Rhythm and Roots 

• Knoxville's Rhythm and Blooms Festival 

• Jamin' At Hippie Jacks Americana Music Festival 

• The Atlantis Music Conference 

• Americana Crossroads Live 

• Tennessee Shines 

• The Dogwood Arts Festival 

• The Tennessee Theatre 

• The Bijou Theatre 

• The Bluebird Café 

Compilation Credits 

• Still Moving Mountains (other acts include Katy Mattea, Blue Highway, Del McCoury, and Everett Lilly) 

• 23 Great Songs from East Tennessee (Knoxville News Sentinel compilation including Robinella and Scott Miller) 

• The United State of Appalachia (Shut-Eye Records) 

More Comments from Others 

Here I was, a local music writer and I had never heard the Lonetones live. What an idiot. I’ll know better next time, as my mouth dropped a mere 45-seconds in. I stopped what I was doing to soak in what was one of the best sets of the weekend. 

• Rusty Odom, Blank Magazine 

I expected to like this CD [Modern Victims], but not necessarily to go crazy over it, but that's what I've done. One minute I love Steph's songs and the next I'm thinking I lean more toward Sean's. Of course, the whole is greater than the parts in this case. I can't stop listening. 

• Knoxville Urban Guy, Stuck Inside Knoxville With The Urban Blues Again  

The tradition they tap becomes only part of the overall equation; these engaging encounters could be considered radio-ready regardless of the environs.  To say this is an outstanding effort doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

• Lee Zimmerman, No Depression Magazine 

The Lonetones are fantastic on stage with the kind of sound that takes your soul on a joy ride! Their professionalism is outstanding. Bottom line... these are fine musicians and their new CD, Modern Victims, is one of the best releases of 2012. 

• Reida Hill Gillespie, General Manager, Relix Variety Theatre 

If a band of 24 year olds with just the right hats and beards came out with this release [Modern Victims], we might be looking for it on the pop charts, catching a ride on the neo-Americana wave that’s been recombining itself every few weeks. 

• Jack Neely, Metro Pulse