Biography
Drowners were an American-Welsh indie rock band formed in New York City in 2011 by Welsh vocalist and guitarist Matthew Hitt, alongside Jack Ridley III (lead guitar), Erik Lee Snyder (bass), and Daniel Jacobs (drums).
Hitt, originally from Wales and holding a degree in English Literature, moved to New York to pursue modeling but soon began writing songs and assembling the group. The lineup featured musicians from across the U.S., with Ridley hailing from the Northwest and Snyder from near Philadelphia.
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The band debuted in February 2013 with the EP Between Us Girls on UK label Birthday Records, featuring the track “Long Hair.” Soon after, they signed with Frenchkiss Records and released their self-titled debut album Drowners in January 2014, produced by Gus Oberg and Johnny T. The release was preceded by the single “Luv, Hold Me Down” and received mixed reviews.
Following the album’s release, Drowners toured North America and Europe, supporting acts such as Cage The Elephant, SKATERS, Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines, Foals, and Temples. They also performed at Coachella.
In June 2016, the band released their second album On Desire, produced by Claudius Mitterndorfer and led by the single “Cruel Ways.” Like their debut, it received mixed critical reception.
Drowners reunited in October 2019 to perform at FKR20, marking the 20th anniversary of Frenchkiss Records.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.