The National (band)

The National (band)
Name	The National
Origin	Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Brassland, Beggars Banquet, 4AD, Curb Appeal
Associated acts	Clogs, The Walkmen, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire

The National (band) is an American rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1999 and later based in Brooklyn, New York. The group is known for baritone vocals, literate lyrics, and orchestral arrangements melding indie rock, art rock, and chamber pop. The band rose to prominence through a sequence of critically acclaimed albums and collaborations with prominent musicians and producers.

History

The band was founded by brothers Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner after relocating from Cincinnati to New York City, recruiting Matt Berninger, Scott Devendorf, and Bryan Devendorf. Early releases on Brassland Records and Beggar's Banquet Records established the group within the indie rock scene alongside contemporaries such as The Walkmen and Interpol. Their breakthrough came with the album "Alligator" produced in part by Peter Katis and A&R support from 4AD Records, leading to festival appearances at Pitchfork Music Festival, Glastonbury Festival, and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Subsequent albums "Boxer" and "High Violet" expanded their profile with singles that received airplay on BBC Radio 1, NPR Music, and KEXP. The band collaborated with artists including Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, St. Vincent (musician), Elvis Costello, and film composer Alexandre Desplat while engaging in side projects and soundtrack contributions for films screened at Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. Throughout their career, members have balanced studio albums with benefit concerts for organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Housing Works.

Musical style and influences

The group blends elements of post-rock arrangements, art rock aesthetics, and baroque pop instrumentation, often using string arrangements reminiscent of work by John Cale and Ennio Morricone. Matt Berninger's baritone vocal delivery draws comparisons to singers like Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and Tom Waits, while the Dessner brothers' guitar and orchestral textures reference composers Philip Glass and bands such as Talk Talk and Radiohead. Lyrically, the band has been linked with poets and novelists including Sylvia Plath, Don DeLillo, and Raymond Carver for themes of urban ennui, relationships, and existential reflection. Producers and collaborators who shaped their sound include Peter Katis, Craig Silvey, and Ariel Rechtshaid, with recording sessions in studios like Electric Lady Studios, Mastroom St. Joseph, and Long Pond Studio informing their evolving sonic palette. Their work intersects with contemporary movements led by Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, and Wilco in blending indie sensibilities with orchestral ambition.

Band members

Current line-up: - Matt Berninger – lead vocals. - Aaron Dessner – guitar, piano, producer; co-founder with songwriting credits. - Bryce Dessner – guitar, orchestration, composition; collaborator with contemporary classical ensembles such as Bang on a Can. - Scott Devendorf – bass, backing vocals. - Bryan Devendorf – drums, percussion.

Frequent collaborators and touring members have included Benjamin Lanz (trombone), Padma Newsome (strings), Wynton Marsalis-adjacent session musicians, and guest vocalists like Sufjan Stevens and St. Vincent (musician).

Discography

Studio albums: - "The National" (2001) — initial release on Brassland Records. - "Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers" (2003) — increased attention from Pitchfork Media. - "Alligator" (2005) — breakthrough, produced with Peter Katis. - "Boxer" (2007) — critical acclaim, singles promoted on BBC Radio 1. - "High Violet" (2010) — international success, festival circuit prominence. - "Trouble Will Find Me" (2013) — Grammy nominations and wide critical praise. - "Sleep Well Beast" (2017) — won major awards and featured collaborations. - "I Am Easy to Find" (2019) — multimedia project with director Mike Mills and guest artists. - "First Two Pages of Frankenstein" (2023) — collaborations with Taylor Swift-adjacent musicians and producers.

Compilation albums, EPs, and soundtracks include releases tied to Sundance Film Festival screenings and benefit compilations for organizations like Red Hot Organization.

Tours and live performances

The band has headlined international tours across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, performing at venues from Radio City Music Hall to Royal Albert Hall and stadiums during joint tours with Arcade Fire-era lineups. They have appeared on television programs including Saturday Night Live, Late Show with David Letterman, and Later... with Jools Holland. Notable live events include benefit performances for Planned Parenthood and appearances at political and cultural gatherings such as fundraisers associated with Human Rights Campaign-backed events. Their live setup often incorporates string sections, brass ensembles, and guest vocalists, and performances have been documented in live albums and concert films screened at SXSW and Tribeca Film Festival.

Awards and recognition

The group has received nominations and awards from institutions including the Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and NME Awards, with wins for albums recognized in year-end lists by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork Media, and The Guardian (Manchester). "Sleep Well Beast" earned major accolades, and the band's songwriting and production have been honored by organizations such as ASCAP and BMI. Members have been individually recognized for contributions to contemporary composition and philanthropy, with honors from arts institutions like Carnegie Hall and collaborative commissions from ensembles affiliated with Lincoln Center and Bang on a Can.

Category:American rock bands Category:Musical groups established in 1999