Broken Bells

Broken Bells is an American indie rock band formed by James Mercer, known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins, and Brian Burton, recognized as the artist-producer Danger Mouse. The collaboration began after Mercer and Burton met at the Roskilde Festival in 2004, discovering a mutual appreciation for each other’s musical work. By March 2008, the duo started recording in secret at Burton’s Los Angeles studio, officially announcing their project on September 29, 2009. Their approach deviated from their individual styles; Burton focused on live instruments rather than his characteristic sample-heavy production, while Mercer expanded his vocal range, incorporating falsettos and deeper registers. This creative synergy defined their sound, described as both melodic and experimental.

The band’s self-titled debut album, “Broken Bells,” was released on March 9, 2010, through Columbia Records. It achieved significant success, selling over 400,000 copies domestically and reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album received positive reviews, with Rolling Stone magazine calling it “the year’s coolest left field pop disc.” Following this success, Broken Bells released the EP “Meyrin Fields” on March 18, 2011. Their second studio album, “After the Disco,” was announced on October 8, 2013, and released on February 4, 2014. The album featured the lead single “Holding on for Life.” In the years between album releases, both Mercer and Burton engaged in other projects, with Burton producing for artists such as Norah Jones and Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mercer releasing albums with The Shins.

After an eight-year hiatus, Broken Bells returned. They released their first single in three years, “Shelter,” on December 7, 2018, followed by “Good Luck” on September 27, 2019. Their third studio album, “Into the Blue,” was preceded by the single “We’re Not in Orbit Yet…” on June 29, 2022, and subsequently released on October 7, 2022. This album marked a new phase for Broken Bells, with an increased incorporation of samples and exploration of genres like psych-rock, trip-hop, and 70s rock. The band continues to compose and create as a duo, supported by touring members Dan Elkan and Jon Sortland during live performances.