Broken Bells

Broken Bells released their self-titled debut album on March 9, 2010, selling over 400,000 copies domestically and reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. The acclaimed indie rock duo, comprised of James Mercer (The Shins) and artist-producer Brian Burton (Danger Mouse), first formed their creative partnership after meeting at the Roskilde Festival in 2004. By March 2008, Mercer and Burton began secretly recording in Burton’s Los Angeles studio, officially announcing the project on September 29, 2009. Their unique sound on the Columbia Records debut was critically praised, with Rolling Stone magazine hailing it as ‘the year’s coolest left field pop disc,’ characterized by Burton’s focus on live instrumentation and Mercer’s expanded vocal range.

They released their first single in three years, ‘Shelter,’ on December 7, 2018, followed by ‘Good Luck’ on September 27, 2019. This creative resurgence culminated in their third studio album, Into the Blue, which was preceded by the single ‘We’re Not in Orbit Yet…’ on June 29, 2022, and officially released on October 7, 2022. The album marked a new phase for Broken Bells, incorporating an increased use of samples and exploring genres including psych-rock, trip-hop, and 70s rock. Broken Bells continues to compose and create as a dynamic duo.

For live performances, Mercer and Burton are supported by their touring members, Dan Elkan and Jon Sortland, further solidifying their presence as a distinctive and innovative force in contemporary indie rock.