Okkervil River | Artist

Okkervil River is an American rock band formed 1998 in Austin, Texas, by singer-songwriter Will Sheff (vocal, guitar). Along with Sheff in the founding lineup were Zachary Thomas (vocals, bass, mandolin) and Seth Warren (guitar), who met as school friends attending Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire. Long time member Jonathan Meiburg (vocals, banjo) joined in 1999. The band has garnered positive critical reception for its brand of indie folk-pop, highlighted by Sheff's expressive vocals and melancholy lyrics. They have performed with acts such as The Decemberists, The New Pornographers, The National and Lou Reed. To-date they have released 12 studio albums, highlighted by Don't Fall in Love With Everyone you See, Down the River of Golden Dreams, Black Sheep Boy and The Stage Names. On 20 April 2010, former 13th Floor Elevators singer-guitarist Roky Erickson released the album True Love Cast Out All Evil, produced by Will Sheff and backed by Okkervil River. In 2001, Meiburg and Sheff founded a second band known as Shearwater. Originally an outlet for Meiburg songs and some Sheff songs that didn't fit the Okkervil style, Shearwater has gradually evolved into a full-fledged band. The band name Okkervil River comes from a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya set on the river in Saint Petersburg.

Artist Website: okkervilriver.com

Featured Albums: Okkervil River

Related Artists: Shearwater, Roky Erickson

Video Clips: Tiny Desk Concert, For Real, Down Down the Deep River