With their brooding arrangements and signature baritone vocals, the National have secured cult status in indie music circles. Behind the voice and lyrics is frontman Matt Berninger, who co-founded the now-beloved Brooklyn rock band in his 30s after deciding to quit his career in advertising.
Berninger teamed up with bassist Scott Devendorf, who he had met at university, his brother Bryan Devendorf, and twins Aaron and Bryce Dessner in 1999, and the group released their eponymous debut album two years later. Their success grew steadily over the following years, and by 2005 they had all quit their day jobs, signed with Beggars Banquet and put out Alligator, their third album – and first to meet with mass critical acclaim. Now 24 years into their career, the band have eight albums, two EPs and a Grammy award to their name, and are one of the indie world’s biggest live draws.
