Lake Street Dive Returns to Its Roots for Songwriting Retreat in Vermont
Two decades after first meeting as students at New England Conservatory, the original members of Lake Street Dive gathered in Vermont this spring for a songwriting retreat. The session brought together drummer Mike Calabrese ’07, bassist Bridget Kearney ’08 NEC/Tufts, and vocalist Rachael Price ’07, along with guitarist James Cornelison, who joined the band in 2021 following the departure of founding member Mike Olson ’05. The retreat served as an opportunity to write new material for an upcoming album and to revisit the collaborative process that has shaped the group’s identity since its inception.
Lake Street Dive’s songwriting is a collective effort that begins with a single idea and evolves through the input of each band member. Rather than working within the confines of a particular genre, the band creates music that blends their distinct musical voices into something unique and original. This process fueled by mutual respect and creative trust—has become more seamless over time, as the band’s artistic vision has matured alongside their relationships.
The band’s 2024 album Good Together, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” category, reflected this growing cohesion. Over the years, what began as a songwriting process often tackled in pairs has become increasingly collaborative. Each song is now a shared endeavor, shaped by the contributions of all members and informed by deeper conversations about meaning and expression.
Lake Street Dive’s approach to music can be traced back to their formative years in NEC’s Jazz Studies Department. There, they developed the foundational skills of musicianship while being encouraged to cultivate a personal artistic voice. The program’s emphasis on creative individuality and genre fluidity laid the groundwork for the band’s distinctive sound and ongoing evolution.
Since its founding in 2004, the band has continued to grow and change. The addition of keyboardist Akie Bermiss in 2017 marked another step in the group’s development, further enriching their musical palette. Throughout their 21-year journey, the relationships formed at NEC have remained central to the band’s success, anchoring their creative process and sustaining their shared commitment to making music that is both personal and resonant.
As NEC celebrates its 154th Commencement, the members of Lake Street Dive offer an example of how artistic collaboration, forged in a nurturing environment, can evolve into a lifelong pursuit of meaningful expression and community through music.
