Vampire Weekend, a band known for mixing well-read indie rock with Afro-pop, ska, hip-hop, ’80s pop, and more, has significantly shaped the indie music scene since the 2000s. With their debut album in 2008, they set the stage for their unique and lively style which evolved over the years. Vampire Weekend made history by being the first indie group to have two consecutive albums top the Billboard 200, including their Grammy-winning 2013 album, ‘Modern Vampires of the City.’ Their musical journey has been a fusion of innovative sounds and concepts, incorporating elements like jam-rock and psychedelic soul. In 2019, they explored the complexities of life in the 21st century with ‘Father of the Bride’ and delved into nostalgic reflections of past New York in ‘Only God Was Above Us’ in 2024.
The band, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Ezra Koenig, drummer Chris Baio, multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, and bassist Chris Tomson, came together during their time at Columbia University. Their formation stemmed from a hip-hop collaboration that eventually led to the birth of Vampire Weekend in 2006. Drawing inspiration from Koenig’s summer project, the band started performing at university gatherings, gradually gaining recognition through their EP releases and singles. Their self-titled debut EP marked the beginning of their journey to success, with support from music blogs propelling them to sign with XL Recordings. Subsequent albums like ‘Contra’ in 2010 and ‘Modern Vampires of the City’ in 2013 further solidified their position in the music industry, earning accolades and certifications across various countries.