Drowners

Drowners are an American-Welsh indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, active from 2012. The group is led by Welsh vocalist and guitarist Matthew Hitt and also includes Jack Ridley III on lead guitar, Erik Lee Snyder on bass and Daniel Jacobs on drums. Hitt, who is originally from Wales, moves to New York to pursue modelling after studying English literature, then begins writing songs and putting the band together.

Early releases and debut album

The band debuts with the EP Between Us Girls on Birthday Records in 2013. The release includes the track “Long Hair”. Drowners then sign to Frenchkiss Records and issue their self-titled debut album, Drowners, in 2014. That album is produced by Gus Oberg and Johnny T, and it is preceded by the single “Luv, Hold Me Down”.

On Desire and live activity

In 2016, Drowners release their second album, On Desire, produced by Claudius Mitterndorfer and led by the single “Cruel Ways”. After the album, the band tours in North America and Europe and supports acts including Cage The Elephant, SKATERS, Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines, Foals and Temples. They also perform at Coachella.

Background and later appearance

Hitt’s bandmates come from different parts of the United States, with Ridley from the Northwest and Snyder from near Philadelphia. The group reunites in 2019 to perform at FKR20, marking the 20th anniversary of Frenchkiss Records.