Junior League

Contemplate the quick rise of local band Junior League. In about a year, the indie pop rock roots-infused, bluegrass inspired outfit has gone from nothing to a full length album, headlining the Black Cat, multiple East Coast tours, a California/Northwest jaunt, and the beginning of another full-length recorded effort.

Pretty impressive.

The key to this early success has been Lissy Rosemont, the Atlanta-born, Georgetown educated (Masters in physiology), banjo pickin’, angelic singin’ leader of Junior League. Don’t believe it? Just ask the guys in the band.

“ She’s the core, creative engine,” says bassist Alex Platt.

“I’m definitely impressed (by her) drive and ambition,” adds Eli Cohn, guitarist.

“ She drives the band,” tosses in Martin Thomas, who plays harmonica.

In Rosemont's former band, she was rarely given the opportunity to write. Now, she writes plenty. The result is a sharp, collaborative, blue-grass infused indie rock sound. And it works well.

" I wanted to write, but didn't know if I could," said Rosemont. “I was really nervous, but I was also excited because these guys were interested in working with me. How do you know you have what it takes?"

All questions were answered with the release of the band's first album, "Oh Dear." At times rollicking, other times sweet, all times a sharp effort that you can both chill to or get your groove on with.

“ (Wouldn’t) say that (the sound) is unique, but the songwriting is,” says Thomas. “She has a talent for it.”

But the sound is more than just Rosemont's often voice and banjo. On the album, as well as on stage, the band's vibe is generated through a steady backbeat, sharp guitar and distinctive mandolin and harmonica.

While the line up has changed some over the last year, the band also includes Dale Manning on mandolin and some fiddle and guitar; and Will Waikart on drums.

“ We work as a team and do what we need to do,” said Cohn.

The name Junior League is a play on the charitable, educational and networking women's organization, which Rosemont's grandmother belongs to in Atlanta. The name is both commentary and tribute.

" I thought that would be a funny idea, named after a women's society," Rosemont said.

In Junior League's music and make up, there is definitely a hint of feminism, a band of male members led by a woman. Rosemont also recognizes and appreciates other local female artists.

" Everyone is participating in a bigger situation, but I do notice when there's a girl up there rocking it out," she said. “It's certainly inspiring (to see other women rock it out). Gives you the freedom to do it too."

Rosemont has always had a music background, her father a major influence, and got involved in the local scene waiting tables at Cafe Saint-Ex and seeing shows at the Black Cat. She has a wide range of influences, including Jenny Lewis, Pearl Jam, Tegan and Sara, Death Cab for Cutie and Iron and Wine.

" I've been picking up on the bands we've played with,” Rosemont said. “That's so fun to learn about new music, listen to the bands you share a bill with.”

Still new to the scene, Junior League is finding its place locally.

“ We’re carving out a sort of a niche. From what I’ve noticed, there’s been resurgence in roots inspired music,” said Cohn.

Junior League is releasing a new EP this month, and should have another full-length release out later this year.

Optimism runs high, as well it should. But the band realizes that just a year into this thing, they still have a ways to go.

“ We have a lot of room to grow,” said Platt.

For more about Junior League, visit www.juniorleagueband.com.