American Authors
Biography
American Authors is an American rock band based in New York City, currently consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett, bassist Dave Rublin, and drummer Matt Sanchez. The members met in 2006 while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston and initially formed a band called The Blue Pages. After dropping out of college, they relocated to Brooklyn, where they honed their craft. In 2012, the group changed their name to American Authors and signed with Island Records the following year.
Career Breakthrough
The band's debut single, "Believer," gained traction on alternative rock radio. However, it was their second single, "Best Day of My Life," released in 2013, that catapulted them to mainstream success. The song was widely featured in films, television shows, and commercials, including a campaign for Lowe's and as a theme for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their debut album, "Oh, What a Life," was released in 2014 and achieved gold status.
Subsequent Work
Following their debut, American Authors released their second album, "What We Live For," in 2016, which included the Top 20 hit "Go Big or Go Home." Their third album, "Seasons," came out in 2019. In 2021, guitarist and banjoist James Adam Shelley departed from the band. The remaining trio has since released music independently, including the albums "Best Night of My Life" (2023) and "Call Your Mother" (2024).
Musical Style and Performances
American Authors are known for their propulsive mix of summery indie pop and commercial modern rock. They have toured extensively with bands like OneRepublic, The Fray, and The Revivalists, and have performed at major festivals such as Lollapalooza, Firefly Music Festival, and Reading Festival. The band has also engaged in collaborations with artists like Santana, Rob Thomas, and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Oh, What a Life (2014)
- What We Live For (2016)
- Seasons (2019)
- Best Night of My Life (2023)
- Call Your Mother (2024)
Notable Singles
- "Believer" - "Best Day of My Life" - "Go Big or Go Home" - "I'm Born to Run" - "Deep Water"