The National

The National is an Indie rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1999 by Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Scott Devendorf, and Bryan Devendorf. The band's music is known for its Post-punk revival sound, with Matt Berninger's distinctive Baritone vocals and poetic Lyrics. The National has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Boxer, which was produced by Peter Katis and features guest appearances by Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver. The band has toured with notable acts such as Arcade Fire, The Strokes, and Interpol.

● History

The National was formed in 1999 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Scott Devendorf, and Bryan Devendorf. The band's early sound was influenced by Post-punk bands such as Joy Division, The Cure, and Talking Heads. The National released their debut album, The National, in 2001 on Brassland Records, a label founded by Alec Hanley Bemis and Aaron Dessner. The band's early work was also influenced by Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen. In 2003, the band released their second album, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, which featured the single "90-Mile Water Wall". The National has also been compared to other notable bands such as The Velvet Underground, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Sonic Youth.

● Music

The National's music is characterized by Matt Berninger's distinctive Baritone vocals and poetic Lyrics, which often explore themes of Love, Death, and Existentialism. The band's sound is also marked by the Guitar work of Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, who have been influenced by Post-punk and Indie rock bands such as The Chameleons, Echo & the Bunnymen, and R.E.M.. The National has also been influenced by Classical music, with Bryce Dessner having composed music for Ballet and Orchestra. The band's music has been praised by critics such as Robert Christgau, NME, and Pitchfork Media, and has been compared to other notable bands such as Interpol, The Strokes, and Arcade Fire. The National has also collaborated with other notable musicians such as Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, and Feist.

● Band_members

The National consists of five members: Matt Berninger (lead vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (bass guitar), and Bryan Devendorf (drums). The band members have also been involved in other musical projects, such as Dessner's work with Ballet and Orchestra, and Berninger's collaborations with Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens. The National has also worked with other notable musicians such as Peter Katis, Carin Besser, and Padma Newsome. The band's members have been influenced by a wide range of musicians, including David Bowie, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen.

● Discography

The National has released eight studio albums: The National (2001), Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003), Cherry Tree (2004), Alligator (2005), Boxer (2007), High Violet (2010), Trouble Will Find Me (2013), and Sleep Well Beast (2017). The band has also released several EPs and Singles, including "Bloodbuzz Ohio", "Anyone's Ghost", and "Don't Swallow the Cap". The National's albums have been released on several labels, including 4AD, Beggars Banquet Records, and Brassland Records. The band's music has been praised by critics such as Rolling Stone, NME, and The New York Times.

● Awards_and_nominations

The National has received several awards and nominations for their music, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album for Trouble Will Find Me. The band has also won several awards from NME, Pitchfork Media, and Rolling Stone. The National has been nominated for several other awards, including the Mercury Prize and the Shortlist Music Prize. The band's music has also been featured in several Films and Television shows, including Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Boardwalk Empire. The National has also performed at several notable Festivals, including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Glastonbury Festival, and Lollapalooza.

● Tours_and_live_performances

The National has toured extensively throughout their career, performing at several notable Festivals and Venues around the world. The band has toured with several other notable acts, including Arcade Fire, The Strokes, and Interpol. The National has also performed at several Benefit concerts, including a Benefit concert for Obama for America in 2008. The band's live performances have been praised by critics such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and NME. The National has also been known for their energetic and intense live performances, which often feature Matt Berninger's charismatic stage presence and the band's tight musical chemistry. The National has performed at several notable Theaters, including Radio City Music Hall, Hollywood Bowl, and Royal Albert Hall.