The Stiffs—who hail not from the Volunteer State but that other roots-music Mecca, Austin, TX—dip their bucket deep into the well of American music. Warped lo-fi folk gives way to frenetic honky-tonk riff rock and gutbucket country; forlorn Americana anthems resound off Texas hillsides, and blazing Southern rock screeches like tires on the last lap of a cup-winning speedway run. Their third and most recent double concept album goes deeper still, dredging up minor-key Southern-gothic circus waltzes, spaghetti-Western vampire shuffles, and the kind of fuzz-drenched blues you’d hear wafting from a Detroit garage. 

Formed in late 2011 and fueled by their eclectic musical interests, co-founders-turned-married-couple Ethan Lee and Cara B were determined to create something never heard before.

Cara’s melodies range from hauntingly beautiful to wildly soulful. Blended with Lee’s foot-stomping rhythms and gravelly vocals, the two take the “Beauty and the Beast” standard to heart.

In 2022, the release of the highly anticipated third album, a concept collection called “Dearly Departed”, picked up some PR with Glide Magazine, Parade Magazine, Americana UK and more. 

Fast forward to 2023, Cara and Lee have re-located to Red Wing MN,  continuing their musical endeavor with locals Jake Ricks and Adam Olson. They've been featured on The Current, and are making their way around the region with sway. In 2025, they began hosting regular house concerts in their home called the "Funhouse Concert Series". 

“a gritty americana charmer.”

- Parade

“a raucious tale of a young band out on the road, aiming for fun no matter the cost.”

- americana uk

“harrowing and theatrical… Tennessee stiffs “imposter” recalls the big stage canadian collective rock of arcade fire and broken social scene with the roots flair of of monsters and men.

-glide magazine

"A haunted roadhouse where forlorn country, barstool blues and 1970s hard rock hold sway. Husband and wife team Ethan Lee and Cara B. Sadler lay on the spaghetti-western guitars and world-weary vocals with a trowel. It's creepy cool and as southern gothic as Spanish moss, a crumbling mansion and an eerie cry in the dead of night."

- creative loafing charlotte

"Tennessee Stiffs’ grit, attitude, and red dirt edge make for an energizing blend of Americana. Forget boot-stomping music, their sound makes you want to dig your toe nails into the soil. The harmonies echo and the fiddle wails with reverberating emotion. It’s a rich, southern, and dangerous type of folk music that you’ll immediately sink your teeth into."

- Elisa Regulski, Tour Worthy - Austin on Shuffle

“The term "achingly beautiful" was coined just to describe this band.”

- the ripple effect

"Powerful vocals, stunning guitar work and unforgettable melodic hooks dominate Tennessee Stiffs' new album, representing a major contribution to the Americana genre."

-the akademia

TENNESSEE STIFFS ARE:

Vocals, Guitar - Ethan Lee Sadler

 Vocals, Mandolin - Cara Jane Sadler

Cajon, Harmonica - Jake Ricks