Auburn

Liz Lenten formed AUBURN in the summer of 1999. Their first gig was at the jam-packed launch party of Scarlet Records held at the salubrious and smoky Madame JoJo's in Soho to a completely packed and enthusiastic house.

Their first EP 'Sweet Sebastian' received extensive airplay, and sold out of its limited pressing within 2 weeks. They then teamed up with producer Tim Pettit, (Travis, Sun House and Carlene Carter) and recorded 'For Life', which also got great radio support and the band toured UK and played many live radio sessions.

The debut Album DREAMS was released in 2003 and AUBURN toured with SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR in UK and EUROPE, playing to 40,000 people. In 2005 CRY reach no 5 in the indie video charts after which they took a break concentrated on parenthood!

Since then Liz has continued to work as a vocal coach, artist manager, record label, songwriter and choral director. She was 'SING UP' (governments' national singing campaign) lead facilitator/vocal advisor for Lincolnshire; has conducted the London Mozart Players Orchestra with the South Holland Choirs; written for and directed a 1000 voice kids choir for 'Sing 66' and manages several artists including award winning folk artist ELIZA CARTHY and New Yorker GALIA ARAD.

Auburn reunited in 2011 after an almost 10-year hiatus! Described as a band that delivers “songs from the heart” by the London Evening Standard, and “Dreamy, moody and atmospheric” by Classic Rock Society, after recording a new album, with producer Max Gilkes (Lily Allen, Prince fatty, Manu Chau, Dogan Mehmet) Auburn has been touring in support of their new release.

'Indian Summer' is a mix of up-beat and slower tempo electroacoustic pop music, but borrowing much from the roots, country and blues genres; contemporary but with a slightly retro sound.

“We have been really thrilled by the positive reviews that the album has had and the response at the live shows,” says Liz. “It was nerve racking after all this time away,
but it feels like people are getting it and there is definitely an awareness building around the 'Indian Summer' album….so we mean to develop that by doing some new tracks this spring, and more live shows in US and UK in 2013.”

Liz, who's voice has been described as “so sweet it'll make your hair curl” and “husky,with an emotional frailty”, isn't afraid to show her full range of vocal tones or emotions.
Likened on this album to singers including Macy Gray, Karen Dalton and Lady Daisey and with varied influences from Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holiday, Ricki Lee Jones, Amy Winehouse, Kate Bush and Janis Joplin to name a few, Liz's songs grab you melodically, but also tell a story of
love and life.

The Auburn band is a mixed sound of lush acoustic guitars, rich cello lines and groovy percussion, underpinned by hypnotic bass lines, with guest performances by
ELIZA CARTHY and LAURA VANE.

‘Indian Summer feels like as songbook as much as an album - but that’s no bad thing….’ Fatea

‘Easy listening, inspirational and rather relaxing’ - Raven heart

‘An immaculate autumn record, released in spring signals the welcome return of a warmly missed English ensemble’ - DMNE

‘Understated and more often than not charming Liz Lenten’s pop styled folk have a beautiful and on occasions a quirky feel’ - Flying shoe

Along with the positive reviews, Auburn's 'Indian Summer' has been garnering substantial airplay around the world including stations like ‘The Independent music show’ (Jan 2013),WWSP, KKUP, WCUX (USA), Roots Revival (Belgium). The album reached #18 in the UK Roots
radio airplay chart May 30, 2012.

AUBURN launched the album in May 2012 with a UK theatre tour, complete with Liz’s youth choir(!)…..and then played a full band show at 'Exhibition Road Festival' in London in July.

Following that, AUBURN performed at the prestigious acoustic showcase at the 'Blue Nile Club'
in New Orleans for the E1 conference.

Then, in October 2012 the AUBURN Acoustic band
toured UK with JEFFERSON STARSHIP (10 dates).

Liz said: ‘It was an amazing two weeks, and I was invited to sing with the wonderful Cathy Richardson and Jefferson every night, what a blast… it’s great to be back on stage after concentrating on being a Mum and a Manager for so long – not that I’ll stop doing any of that - with a clever diary and the right team - I plan to do it all!!

AUBURN play live shows in various line ups - LIZ LENTEN solo with an acoustic guitar, to acoustic duo (with guitarist Mark 'GUS' GUSTAVINA), to trio (add BASS player Jevon Beaumont) the four piece (bring in PAT GARVEY on percussion) to the FULL BAND with Cello (Rob Lewis) electric guitar ( MAX GILKES) and BV's ( BECKY BEAVIS) ..and sometimes Liz's 12 strong youth choir VIBE will join them on stage for a few songs! .