Auburn

Liz Lenten’s musical journey is a testament to her versatility, resilience, and enduring passion for collaboration. From the intimate jazz clubs of London to the vibrant studios of Nashville, she has captivated audiences with her soulful, husky voice and a distinctive blend of americana, blues, and roots music.

In 1999, she co-founded Auburn with long-time collaborator Mark 'Gus' Gustavina. Their debut album, "Dreams", and the hit single “Cry” propelled the band into the indie music scene, quickly earning them a dedicated following. Liz’s expressive vocals, paired with Auburn’s rich and textured instrumentation, became the foundation of a sound that felt both timeless and contemporary.

After a decade long hiatus, Auburn returned with the critically acclaimed "Indian Summer" in 2012, an album that reflected both personal and musical growth. The release drew comparisons to artists such as Macy Gray, Dusty Springfield, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen, cementing Auburn’s reputation for emotionally grounded, character driven songwriting.

A fruitful collaboration with Grammy nominated producer Thomm Jutz followed, resulting in a series of well received albums including "Nashville", "Mixed Feelings", "Love & Promises", and the innovative 2019 release "Game Of Faith". These records expanded Auburn’s international profile and demonstrated Liz’s increasing confidence as both a songwriter and creative director.

Beyond her work as a recording artist, Liz is deeply involved behind the scenes of the music industry. She runs a community youth choir, manages artists including folk icon Martin Carthy, and hosts the podcast 'Behind The Scenes Of An Indie Artist', where she speaks in depth with collaborators and independent creatives. This broader perspective informs her approach to artist development, mentorship, and community-building within the independent music world.

In 2022, Liz was honoured by HM Queen Elizabeth II with the British Empire Medal for her services to music and her community focused music education initiatives, recognising not only her artistic achievements but also her commitment to nurturing creativity in others.

Auburn’s latest chapter, new album "Behind The Scenes", was a project born out of the isolation and distance of lockdown and driven by a renewed desire for human connection. Working with writers, vocalists, musicians, and producers from around the world, each song emerged from shared ideas and honest conversations. The album explores everyday life, relationships, friendships, and the situations we all find ourselves navigating.

Recorded across the US, the UK, and Brazil, "Behind The Scenes" features contributions from 32 collaborators, each bringing their own perspective, sound, and experience. The result is a richly varied record that moves effortlessly from rootsy americana to soulful pop, embracing a wide range of musical approaches and writing styles. That diversity pushed Liz creatively, allowing the songs to shift across moods and textures, mirroring the people behind the music. "Behind The Scenes" marks a confident and outward-looking phase for Auburn. As the band continues to evolve, Liz remains committed to creating music that connects with audiences around the world.