Roo AOTD #99 Vampire Weekend

By Daniel Karasek | May 12, 2025

All aboard the hype train for Bonnaroo 2025! Only 31 days until we are all on the Farm again, can you believe it? It’s coming up fast and we can’t wait to be dancing with all of you at Bonnaroo! Today’s Artist of the Day is the one and only Vampire Weekend. Learn more about the artist below. Don’t forget to check out all of our artist spotlights! Thank you for reading these posts!

Artist Biography

Vampire Weekend, the indie rock band that emerged from New York City in 2006, has become synonymous with a sophisticated blend of genres and intellectual lyricism. Formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Ezra Koenig, multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, drummer Chris Tomson, and bassist Chris Baio, the band quickly distinguished themselves with their eclectic sound and literary references.

Their self-titled debut album, Vampire Weekend (2008), introduced a fresh fusion of indie rock with Afro-pop and ska influences, setting the stage for their unique musical identity. The follow-up, Contra (2010), continued this trajectory, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.

In 2013, the band released Modern Vampires of the City, which showcased a more mature sound and garnered widespread praise, including a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Their 2019 album, Father of the Bride, marked a significant evolution in their musical style, incorporating a broader range of influences and featuring collaborations with artists like Danielle Haim and Steve Lacy.

Throughout their career, Vampire Weekend has been celebrated for their intellectual approach to songwriting, blending literary references with catchy melodies. Their ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical styles has solidified their place as one of the most innovative bands in the indie rock scene.