ladyapples

Veteran Letters To Cleo frontwoman Kay Hanley’s fortuitous relocation to Los Angeles occurred at the same time acclaimed songwriter and solo artist Michelle Lewis was looking to complete a female songwriting trio known as ladyapples. When Tracy Bonham departed the group for a year-long tour, fellow member and former Veruca Salt siren Nina Gordon suggested old friend Hanley as a replacement. Hanley and Lewis instantly bonded as recent transplants from Boston and New York, respectively, and thus began what would become both an enduring friendship and a musical powerhouse on every conceivable level. It was a slow road finding a happy medium between three contrasting musical styles, but the work was satisfying enough to keep propelling the girls forward. When Gordon’s commitments to a solo project forced her to withdraw as a permanent member of the group the baton was passed, sparking a new direction for the band. The Dilettantes (2) were born.