The Smittens

The Smittens are an American indie pop and twee pop group from Burlington, Vermont, active since 2002. The line-up includes Max Andrucki, Holly Chagnon, Colin Clary, Dana Kaplan, Missy Bly and David Zacharis. The band works as a collaborative unit, with members switching instruments, songwriting duties and vocals.

Style and approach

The Smittens make harmony-led twee ballads, pop anthems and queer love songs. Their songs are described as lyrical and often political, and the group presents itself as a close-knit band of friends first. Their work is built around an independent, DIY approach, with the band recording its own music.

Releases and artwork

The band has released three full-length albums, a remix EP, several singles and appearances on compilation records. David Zacharis creates the distinctive artwork for the band’s flyers and album covers. Dana Kaplan and Max Andrucki book tours for the group.

Live activity

The Smittens are a fixture on the international indiepop festival circuit, with appearances at Indietracks, Athens Popfest, NYC Popfest, Popfest New England, San Francisco Popfest, London Popfest and the Cosy Den Festival in Stockholm. They tour across the US, as well as in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. They also play a wide range of venues and settings, including bars, clubs, festivals, art spaces, colleges, squats, youth centres, parties, weddings and barns.

Collaborations and shared bills

The band has shared stages with Dear Nora, The Mountain Goats, Ballboy, Tullycraft, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Pony Up!, Mates of State, Mirah, The Butchies, Kimya Dawson, Dub Narcotic Sound System, Tender Trap, Bishop Allen, Boyracer, The Essex Green, Comet Gain, Standard Fare, Allo Darlin’, Bunnygrunt, The Manhattan Love Suicides, Northern Portrait, Cats on Fire, James Kochalka Superstar and Richie Havens.

Other details

The Smittens are associated with a do-it-yourself ethos and a generally optimistic public image. They describe their work as open-hearted indiepop, and their performances and releases emphasise melody, harmony and a collaborative band identity.