Formed in Austin, Texas, LIP is a contemporary rock band influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and many others. Austin natives Coleman Meola (drums) and Connor Tester (bass/vocals) met in 2013. A year later, Connor filled a vacancy in Coleman’s place of residence. Affectionately referred to as “The Bone Zone” or “BZ”, this house was a proverbial East Austin gem, frequented by local musicians to jam and party. Connor and Coleman focused their energy on locking in a tight rhythm section and in late 2015, were introduced to recent Philadelphia transplant and Berklee graduate Jerome Vivino (lead guitar/vocals). It didn’t take long before the three musicians knew they had something special in the works. Thus, LIP was born. After 6 months of progress, they felt as though they needed another member to round out the sound. Jerome knew the perfect friend for the job, Nashville singer-songwriter Luke Bellet (lead vocals/keys/rhythm guitar). After months of rehearsing at the BZ, the band recorded and produced their debut, self-titled EP, which was released in November of 2017.

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