The Belles

In 2001, Christopher Tolle, who supplied vocals, guitar, and bass, and Jake Cardwell, who handled drums and percussion, began talking music while sharing drinks at a bar in Lawrence, Kansas. Both musicians, having already participated in earlier projects, wanted a steadier commitment; Cardwell had served as a session player for the New Amsterdams and Safety in Numbers, while Tolle had played in the Creature Comforts. What started as loose plans for a rudimentary two-song EP cassette grew into a mini-LP, leading the pair to name themselves the Belles. A contract with Lakeshore was signed in early 2002. Several months later they worked with Peter Buxton on their first proper studio recording, and Omertá appeared in spring 2003. Idle Acres followed in 2004, and Time Flies When You're Losing your Mind arrived in 2010.