The Meadows

The Meadows

The Meadows are a group from the USA formed by Todd Herfindal and Kevin Houlihan. They begin making music together after being introduced in San Francisco by their future ex-girlfriends. Todd grows up in Northern California, while Kevin moves from New Jersey before settling in Los Angeles, where the duo are based.

Formation and membership

The Meadows start in 2005 and remain a two-person project built around shared lead vocals from Todd and Kevin. Both write, produce, record, and master the music themselves.

Sound and style

Their music uses a core of drums, bass, and electric guitars, then adds vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, piano, organ, strings, and other instrumentation. Their sound is described through indie pop, indie rock, and alternative elements, with a broad, cinematic feel.

Releases and collaborators

They release three records and receive praise from Rolling Stone, Playback: Stl, Amplifier, and AllMusic. Their self-titled debut LP is followed by First Nervous Breakdown, their second full-length album. Key tracks on that record are mixed by Danny Saber, who has worked with The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, U2, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, INXS, Garbage, The Charlatans UK, and Black Grape.

On First Nervous Breakdown, additional musicians include Brian Young on drums and percussion, Joe Skyward on bass, and Brian Lapin on organ and piano. The album is presented as a blend of rock, indie, guitar pop, alternative, California, country, and vibey influences.