The War On Drugs - Biography
Formed in Philadelphia, PA, indie rock band The War on Drugs is known for their experimental, lush rock infused tracks and is comprised of Adam Granduciel on vocals and guitar, David Hartley on bass, Steven Urgo on drums and Robbie Bennett on keyboards.
Originally from Oakland, CA, Adam Granduciel moved to Philadelphia in 2003, where he met Kurt Vile and the two began collaborating on music. Granduciel and Vile, both on vocals and guitar, formed The War on Drugs in 2005, and self-released a demo EP. Eventually Granduciel and Vile had enough material, decided to launch a band, and recruited organist Charlie Hall, drummer Kyle Lloyd, and bassist Dave Hartley. The band recorded their Barrel of Batteries EP and posted it online as a free download early in 2007. The War on Drugs' live show caught the attention of indie label Secretly Canadian, which signed the band and released their first full-length album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008. Produced by Granduciel, Vile and Jeff Zeigler, Wagonwheel Blues used samples of Granduciel’s own early-rough-mix recordings for its finished tracks.
By the end of 2008, Kurt Vile amicably left the group to support his solo career. Charlie Hall and Kyle Llyod exited the band shortly after. Granduciel and Hartley were then joined by drummer Mike Zanghi as the group became a three-piece, and made their recorded debut EP with 2010's Future Weather. After Zanghi’s exit in 2010, Steven Urgo became the drummer and Robbie Bennett joined on keyboards. Future Weather's follow-up, Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian), was recorded over three years and released in 2011 to critical acclaim from Paste, Pitchfork and American Songwriter, and was the final album to feature guitarist Kurt Vile and drummer Mike Zanghi.
With the critical success of Slave Ambient , The War on Drugs have shared the stage with The Walkmen, The National, Yuck, Sharon Van Etten, played the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona, the CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW, and appeared at the 2012 Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.