In a world where mainstream music always puts artists on the pedestal, a thriving band with no connections to anything ‘famous’ will certainly have a difficult time becoming known or patronized. With how things are going nowadays, genres such as pop, rock, R&B and ballad are those raking in support, sales and veneration from crazed music fans.
But as they always say, music is for everyone who has the heart for it, and yes, we can still see a plethora of acts and groups slowly inching their way to fame, one day at a time, despite the fact that it all seems too difficult. Equipped with nothing but unshakeable passion, innate musical talent and resilience, these so-called indie acts are something that we should also look into, starting with The Lumineers.
Hailing from the music-rich corners of Denver, Colorado and Ramsey, New Jersey, the talented members of The Lumineers ensure that their names will be carved deeply onto the canvass of music history. Focusing on music genres which are considered ‘non-mainstream’, the group still plays what it wants including indie folk, folk rock and Americana.
Founded by members Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the band is now considered a solid mainstay in several music charts, including the illustrious Billboard which is notorious for sending budding artists into the blinding lights of fame.
During the time when Schultz and Fraites circled New Jersey for a series of acts, another equipped musician joined the group: cellist Neyla Pekarek. In 2012, two additional members joined in as well: bassist Ben Wahamaki and pianist Stelth Ulvang, completing the quintet now called The Lumineers.
Right after they found their ‘tune’, the band immediately worked on their first self-titled album in April 2012, which is bound to leave an impression on millions of listeners worldwide. Carried by Dualtone Records, this album release has soared well in its first week of release, placing at the second spot in the Billboard 200 albums chart.
The Lumineers’ first attempt through their debut album granted them Platinum status in the United States and Ireland, merits of Gold certifications in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Due to this album, an extended play entitled ‘Winter’ was released shortly thereafter, solidifying their presence as a group to watch out for.
The Lumineers then received nominations from the coveted Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Americana Album in 2012. Last April 8, the band set forth once more to make some noise within the halls of mainstream when they released their sophomore album entitled Cleopatra. Quite accordingly, this album is set to remove the lid created by pop illusions and expose what’s happening in real life.
