The Petals are: Cary Wolf (vocals, guitar and other stringed instruments), Laurie Kern (vocals, wind instruments, keyboards), Tim Kern (bass guitar), and James D. “Tess” Tessier (drums, guitar).  Cary Wolf is the primary songwriter, with Laurie, Tim and Tess also penning songs for various Petals releases.

The Petals were formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1988, when Cary Wolf met Laurie Kern and Tim Kern.  The nucleus of the band’s sound was born out of the local psychedelic underground, shared record collections, and Cary’s acoustic songwriting. After working with several drummers, James Tessier became a permanent member of the band.  The Petals had refined their sound and reputation in local clubs when Cary Wolf decided to record a 7” single, and begin his label, November Rain Records.  Laurie Kern then presented some demo tapes to John C. Frankovic of Plasticland, requesting that he produce the single.  John Frankovic was to produce The Petals until 1995, also guesting on sitar and occasional bouzouki on their recordings from the first release to the present.

The first single “Just Another Flower Song” b/w “Dreamtime”, release