Vampire Weekend
Biography
Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2006. The original members were lead vocalist and guitarist Ezra Koenig, multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, drummer Chris Tomson, and bassist Chris Baio. The four met while students at Columbia University, bonding over a shared love for punk rock and African music. The band's name was taken from a short film project Koenig worked on in college.
Career
2006–2008: Formation and Debut Album
The band gained buzz on blogs in 2007 for their unique sound, which blended indie pop, Afropop, and chamber music. Their self-titled debut album, "Vampire Weekend," was released on January 29, 2008. Produced by Batmanglij, the album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. Notable singles from the album include "A-Punk," "Oxford Comma," and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa".
2009–2012: "Contra"
The band's second album, "Contra," was released in January 2010 and also produced by Batmanglij. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, a rare feat for an independently released album at the time. The album showcased a more mature and creative sound while still retaining the charm of their debut. "Contra" featured singles such as "Horchata" and "Cousins".
2013–2014: "Modern Vampires of the City"
Their third album, "Modern Vampires of the City," was released in May 2013. For the first time, the band worked with an outside producer, Ariel Rechtshaid, alongside Batmanglij. The album explored more serious themes like aging and mortality, with a sound that was both experimental and direct. It became their second consecutive number-one album in the US and won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
2016–2019: Batmanglij's Departure and "Father of the Bride"
In January 2016, Rostam Batmanglij announced his departure from the band, though he stated he would continue to collaborate with Koenig. The remaining members continued as a trio. Their fourth album, "Father of the Bride," was released in May 2019. This was their first album on a major label, Columbia Records. Primarily produced by Koenig and Ariel Rechtshaid, the album is a musically diverse double LP. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
2024–present: "Only God Was Above Us"
Vampire Weekend's fifth studio album, "Only God Was Above Us," was released in April 2024. Inspired by 20th-century New York City, the album was primarily produced by Koenig and his longtime collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid. The album has been described as both direct and complex, showcasing a grittier yet beautiful and melodic sound. It received critical acclaim upon its release.