The Accidentals

The Accidentals are a American folk rock band from Traverse City, Michigan, formed in 2011 by Sav Buist and Katie Larson. The band's music is influenced by The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and The Avett Brothers. They have performed at various festivals, including SXSW, Bonnaroo Music Festival, and Electric Forest Festival, alongside artists like The Head and the Heart, The Decemberists, and Brandi Carlile.

History

The Accidentals were formed in 2011 when Sav Buist and Katie Larson met in a Traverse City high school orchestra. They began writing songs together, drawing inspiration from Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and Joni Mitchell. The band's early sound was shaped by their experiences growing up in Michigan, surrounded by the Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula. They have shared the stage with notable artists like Jason Mraz, Andrew Bird, and The Wailers, and have been compared to bands like The Civil Wars and The Staves.

Members

The Accidentals' current members are Sav Buist and Katie Larson, who are the primary songwriters and vocalists. They are often joined on stage by Michael Dause on drums and Jake Allen on bass guitar. The band has also collaborated with other musicians, including Darlingside, The Milk Carton Kids, and The Lone Bellow. Sav Buist has cited Ani DiFranco and Indigo Girls as influences, while Katie Larson has mentioned Carole King and James Taylor as inspirations.

Music

The Accidentals' music is a blend of folk rock, indie rock, and pop music, with intricate harmonies and instrumentation. Their songs often feature violin, guitar, and piano, and are characterized by their lyrical depth and poetic imagery. The band has been compared to The Decemberists, The Head and the Heart, and First Aid Kit, and has been praised by critics like NPR, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. They have also been influenced by classical music, with Sav Buist citing Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as inspirations.

Discography

The Accidentals have released several albums and EPs, including Bittersweet and Odyssey. Their music has been featured on radio stations like NPR and SiriusXM, and they have performed on television shows like Conan and The Late Late Show with James Corden. They have also released singles like "Michigan and Again", which features a music video directed by Nathan Williams. The band's discography has been praised by critics like Pitchfork, Stereogum, and The A.V. Club.

Awards_and_Nominations

The Accidentals have received several awards and nominations, including a Detroit Music Award for Best Folk Band and a Northern Michigan Music Award for Best Album. They have also been nominated for a Folk Alliance International award and a Kerrville Folk Festival award. The band has been recognized by organizations like The Grammy Foundation and The National Endowment for the Arts, and has performed at events like The Kennedy Center and The Library of Congress.

Touring

The Accidentals have toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada, performing at festivals like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They have also performed at venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Fillmore, and The Ryman Auditorium, alongside artists like The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and Brandi Carlile. The band has been praised for their live performances, which often feature improvisation and audience participation. They have also performed with symphony orchestras like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Category:American folk rock bands