Started by front man Patrick Keenan in 2006, The Winter Sounds quickly gained a reputation as one of the ‘must see’ bands of the crowded music scene in Athens, Georgia. Known for their frenetic live performances, the band blended the danceable post-punk of pioneers like Gang of Four with more contemporary electro-pop to forge their own unique sound. In 2007, The Winter Sounds signed with Atlanta-based Live Wire Records and recorded Porcelain Empire, their first full-length album. Hailed as, “thought provoking, atmospheric, uplifting, and just plain enjoyable,” Porcelain Empire established The Winter Sounds as a band poised for a breakthrough.
After relentless U.S. touring in 2008, the Winter Sounds followed Porcelain Empire with the thematic album Church of the Haunted South; released on Nashville label Theory 8 Records in 2009. Declared one of the “Top 10 Albums of 2009” by Atlanta A-List magazine, Church of the Haunted South reflects the contentious, transcendent shadow cast by the culture and history of the South. Insomnia Radio proclaimed Church “an intricate masterpiece, piecing together individually beautiful and unique tracks to create a warming, powerful album full of contrast and intrigue.” The album was a mature departure from the raw aesthetic of their first record and represented a new direction for the band.
Following an extensive 2010 North American tour, Keenan moved to Nashville, Tennessee to work on their forthcoming album ‘Runner’. Featuring a new lineup of indie music veterans, The Winter Sounds recorded with legendary producer, Scott Solter (Spoon, St.Vincent, Okkervil River) in July 2011. ‘Runner’ is set for a summer 2012 release.
While finishing ‘Runner,’ The Winter Sounds released an EP entitled ‘L’été des Trois Michelles.’ Affectionately referred to as “The Michelle EP,” this new release is folksy but danceable, energetic and sincere. It is a sign of great things to come for The Winter Sounds, truly “the hardest working band you haven’t heard of but should.”