The Graceful Failures are a two-man acoustic band featuring longtime Knoxville musician Scott Sokoloski and emerging talent Jean-Louis Lawson. Although friends for years, Scott and Jean-Louis were engaged in different projects which kept them both with busy schedules. However, after a few random occasions to perform together, the two discovered their striking similarities in musical styles and interests. As a result, they decided to join in a formal partnership in the Fall of 2003. And there was much rejoicing!

Now, they needed a name.

After digging through hundreds of options, an audience vote at a show in Knoxville produced the moniker "The Graceful Failures." Being neither entirely graceful nor prone to failure, both Scott and Jean-Louis thought it would be a perfect name for their project. And once again, there was much rejoicing!

With over 15 years of combined experience in performing music live before an audience, The Graceful Failures bring a mixture of energy and professionalism to people who love music. Their goal is to entertain, whether at a local pub, private party, or community event, and they can guarantee 110% of effort to provide you with a wide variety of your favorite tunes and exciting original music.

Currently, The Graceful Failures are also performing under the name "ScottSki & Jean-Louis." Check the NEWS section for more info.

Scott Sokoloski

Scott has been an active member of the Knoxville music scene since 1993. Beginning with the trio "Big, Free, & Easy" (1993), he soon moved on to perform regularly with Knoxville artist David Landeo (1995-2001). He was also a member of the All-Vol Band (1998-2002), a group of Knoxville musicians bonded in support of the University of Tennessee football team, and was briefly a member of the now-defunct acoustic act "Jakrabbit Slim" (1998). Scott is also currently a member of the longtime Knoxville group Absolute Wood, with vocalist/guitarist Matt Woods from the band Plan A, performing regular weekly gigs throughout the area.

Along with his performance work, Scott is also an award-winning poet and songwriter. Many of his collaborative efforts with Knoxville musicians have appeared on album and CD projects, or have been performed live, including songs with Matt Woods, David Landeo, and Tall Paul. "Left Behind", a song co-written with Paul in 1998 in honor of their fathers, appeared on Paul's 2002 CD "Fast Beneath My Feet." It is also currently being performed and recorded by The Graceful Failures.

Jean-Louis Lawson

Jean-Louis began performing music at the age of 7 while travelling in a military family and living throughout the US and Europe. His second love, however, was athletics, so he temporarily placed a music career on hold while engaging in a highly successful amateur career, including playing college football at Arizona State. At the end of his sports career, he decided to re-dedicate himself to performing and writing music. After moving to Knoxville in the late 1990s he began spending time in the local music scene, and became friends with notable area musicians such as Matt Woods (Plan A, Absolute Wood), Jason Ellis (The Fifth), Tall Paul, David Landeo, Brian Stephens (Solvi), Brent Smith (Shinedown), and Curtis Anderson (Short Bus). Inspired by the wealth of music in Knoxville, he decided to strike out on the scene, and began performing with many of his friends. Eventually, he also crossed paths with Scott, and they decided to start writing and performing together.

Jean-Louis also currently plays with Jason Ellis on a weekly basis throughout Knoxville.