The Vamps speak to Metro about how the National Lottery-funded project Sound Life changes lives through music
7 years ago
United Kingdom The National is an American indie rock band recognized for their evocative songwriting and consistent critical acclaim, leading to Grammy Awards and global chart success. Their career spans over two decades, marked by consistent touring and a distinctive musical style.
New York-based Pentagram partner Luke Hayman collaborated with The National on designs for their new record Sleep Well Beast, and later for 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein' which won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album.
Concord Music Publishing announced a new deal with Matt Berninger, frontman of The National, covering publishing rights for his work.
The National's connections to Taylor Swift include Aaron Dessner co-producing her albums 'Folklore' and 'Evermore,' and Taylor Swift featuring on 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein.'
Phoebe Bridgers has collaborated with Matt Berninger on tracks like 'Crumble' and has featured on The National's album 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein.'
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver co-produced the PEOPLE streaming platform with The National's Bryce and Aaron Dessner. Bon Iver also featured on The National's song 'Weird Goodbyes.'
Sufjan Stevens was a guest artist on The National's album 'Boxer' and featured on 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein.'
The National is an American rock band that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later formed in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1999. The band comprises Matt Berninger (vocals), twin brothers Aaron Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards) and Bryce Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), and brothers Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Their early days saw them playing regularly at Lower East Side venue Luna Lounge while members maintained day jobs, including involvement in the New York dot-com boom. Their debut self-titled album, “The National,” was released in 2001 on Brassland Records, an independent label co-founded by Aaron and Bryce Dessner.
Following their debut, The National released “Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers” in 2003, which marked their first collaboration with producers Paul Heck and Peter Katis, who would also produce later albums. This album received critical acclaim, with some publications naming it album of the year. In 2004, they released the “Cherry Tree” EP and moved to Beggars Banquet Records, leaving their day jobs behind. Their third album, “Alligator” (2005), garnered significant recognition and increased their audience, leading to sold-out shows and festival appearances at events like the Pitchfork Music Festival.
The band’s fourth album, “Boxer” (2007), further expanded their reach, featuring contributions from guest artists like Sufjan Stevens and Doveman. The album’s track “Fake Empire” was notably used in Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign video, “Signs of Hope and Change.” Their subsequent albums, including “High Violet” (2010), “Trouble Will Find Me” (2013), and “Sleep Well Beast” (2017), continued to achieve commercial and critical success. “Sleep Well Beast” earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, solidifying their standing in the music industry. The National also released “I Am Easy to Find” (2019) and, in 2023, two albums: “First Two Pages of Frankenstein” and a surprise album, “Laugh Track.”
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