Death Cab for Cutie

Formed in 1997 in Bellingham, Washington, Death Cab for Cutie has become synonymous with indie rock's introspective and emotive sound. The band's unique blend of melancholic lyrics, intricate melodies, and Ben Gibbard's distinctive vocals have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Founding members Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Walla (guitar, keyboards), Nick Harmer (bass), and Nathan Good (drums) embarked on a musical journey that would see them rise to prominence in the indie music scene. Their name, a nod to the unconventional and somewhat dark humor of a Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band song, foreshadowed the band's penchant for exploring themes of love, loss, and existentialism.

In 1998, Death Cab for Cutie released their debut album, "Something About Airplanes," setting the stage for a discography that would evolve and mature over the years. The release of "We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes" in 2000 marked a turning point for the band, showcasing a more refined and emotionally charged sound.

The breakthrough came with their fourth studio album, "Transatlanticism" (2003), which received widespread acclaim for its poetic lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. This album laid the foundation for their mainstream success and remains a landmark in indie rock.

Notable albums such as "Plans" (2005), featuring the Grammy-nominated single "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," and "Narrow Stairs" (2008) solidified Death Cab for Cutie's place in alternative music. The departure of Chris Walla in 2014 marked a significant change, but the band continued to innovate with albums like "Kintsugi" (2015) and "Thank You for Today" (2018).

Throughout their career, Death Cab for Cutie has captivated audiences with their introspective and introspective songwriting, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time. Their music resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level, and their live performances are known for their emotional intensity.

As they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of indie rock, Death Cab for Cutie remains a symbol of authenticity, artistry, and the enduring power of thoughtful, emotionally resonant music.

Death Cab for Cutie’s rise from small-time solo project to Grammy-nominated rock band is one of indie rock’s greatest success stories. Launched in the bayside college town of Bellingham, Washington, the group was originally a side project for singer/guitarist Ben Gibbard. Since that day the band has undergone many incarnations and released a total of seven studio albums, most recently 2011’s Codes and Keys. Amongst the highlights for the band include gracing the cover of Spin magazine and hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live. Transatlanticism in 2003 gained the band commercial success. After signing with Atlantic Records, Death Cab For Cutie released Plans in 2005, which contained the singles “Soul Meets Body” and “Crooked Teeth”. The 2008 record Narrow Stairs served as a stylistic departure for the group. The band released their seventh album, Codes and Keys, in 2011.

The first single from the latest album, “You Are A Tourist,” has drawn The Stone Roses comparisons. In 2011, the group streamed a live performance of the music video for “You Are A Tourist.” The video was accomplished in one take, using multiple cameras, and no edits or re-takes. The innovative and artistic production employed dancers, actors, and projected images. The band released the video for “Home is a Fire” in May of that year, featuring street artist Shepard Fairey plastering lyrics from the song around Los Angeles. Ben Gibbard told Shave Magazine that the album was written in 4 different studios in 4 different sittings “to keep the creative progress moving forward” and prevent stagnation. Codes and Keys was also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 54th Grammy Awards. In 2012, the band toured across the globe, starting in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia. In April and May, the band toured in the United States with members of the Magik*Magik Orchestra, who collaborated on tracks on Codes and Keys. After headlining the inaugural Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati, the band played several summer festivals in Europe. Contact SME today to book Death Cab for Cutie!