Irene & Reed

Members
Leslie Benson: vocals, lyrics, flute, guitar Jason Reed Milner: keyboards, piano, organ, guitar Guests (Live): Edward Venable: drums; Eric Latham: bass; "Closer to Home": Brad Milner: drums, bass
About

Leslie Irene Benson and Jason Reed Milner formed Irene & Reed in 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana, releasing their debut CD, "Closer to Home," in March of 2010. Drummer Edward Venable (Placebo, Bone Daddie, and Second Fiddle) joined in 2010 on drums and backing vocals to launch the band's first live tour, in support of their debut album, "Closer to Home." Guest bass guitarists included Scott Carroll and Eric Latham. Latham also played bass guitar on demos and live tracks.

Genres
Folk / Acoustic, Indie Rock, Americana

Related Bands

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Burning Veda

Leslie Benson

Albums

Closer to Home

12 songs

Irene & Reed (indie rock/dark-tinged Americana) released its debut album, "Closer to Home," in March of 2010. Interweaving a raw American folk vibe with sultry blues/jazz vocals, a hint of pop sensibility and a playful blend of melodic rock, ragtime and classical piano, the album takes listeners on an emotional ride of aural storytelling. 
 
With music and lyrics inspired by vocalist Leslie Benson’s poetic works, Jason Reed Milner showcasing his skills on piano, organ, strings and guitar, and Milner’s brother, Brad, a former sound engineer from Sony Tree Studios in Nashville, TN, guest-performing on bass and percussion, the songwriters present a humble first-take glimpse of pure Midwestern culture. It’s about reclaiming the dreams you once had and remembering what you love most and the things that make you who you are — your home, your experiences and your family. 
 
PRESS REVIEWS:
 
“The sultry, haunting lounge sound comes naturally.” – Metromix
 
“A sonic playhouse for strong-willed love songs and dreams of better days.” – IndyStar.com
 
“Close-mic’ed, with a torch song flavor.” – NUVO Newsweekly
 
“Sultry with a classic edge … a mix between Sara Bareilles and Greta Garbo …Modern meets the Golden Age of Hollywood.” — Krista Detor, singer-songwriter
 
“With an antique ambiance, there’s an ‘old-time’ theme. By releasing their inner superheroes, these musicians have constructed a creative outlet through their songs. This is true art.” – Stereo Subversion
 
“For fans of dark-tinged Americana.” – IndianapolisMusic.net
All Your Tomorrows
5:39
Small Miracles
3:35
Crucified
4:42
In Your Arms
5:11
Wine & Whiskey
4:38
Don't Want to Sleep Alone
3:18
Good Medicine
4:30
Lose Myself
3:38
Someday
4:21
Melt Me
5:21
Fragile
5:01
Even with Closed Eyes
4:38

Struggle, Strength, Reclamation - Unreleased Demos

12 songs

"Struggle, Strength, Reclamation" was Irene & Reed's second full-length album, which was recorded at Sony Tree Studios in Nashville, TN, in 2013 but then unexpectedly shelved before it could be released due to the floods and various technical issues.

Performing on the album were Leslie Irene Benson (vocals), Jason Reed Milner (piano, organ), Eddie Venable (drums) and Eric Latham (bass guitar). The music was produced by Brad Milner of LEF TON Studios in Indianapolis, IN.

The sophomore album is a bittersweet reclamation of Benson's self-identity after surviving years of domestic violence. The album can be summed up in its lyrics.

“I am filled with love stories and inconsistence. I am a free spirit tied to indecision. I don’t come with instructions. I move in all directions. I may make bad decisions, but I’m on a mission.” 

"You can't break me."

Break Me - Demo
Hardened Hands - Demo
High Roller - Demo
Intuition - Demo
Mission - Demo
Not Supposed to Happen - Demo
Not Lonely Anymore - Demo
4:19
Pieces of the Girl - Demo
Purge - Demo
The Price of Love - Demo
The Swan - Demo
Tochter von Berlin - Demo