Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band formed in 2006 in New York City. Their unique blend of indie rock, baroque pop, and Afrobeat influences has made them one of the most iconic and influential bands of their generation. Their debut album, Vampire Weekend, released in 2008, brought them widespread attention, and they have continued to evolve their sound with each subsequent album. Here are 20 fun facts about Vampire Weekend that you may not know.
1. The Band’s Formation Was a College Affair
Vampire Weekend was formed while the band members were attending Columbia University. Ezra Koenig, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter, met his future bandmates at the university. They began writing music together and playing small gigs, but their music quickly gained traction, propelling them to the national stage.
2. The Band’s Name Came From Ezra Koenig’s Thesis Film
The name “Vampire Weekend” comes from Ezra Koenig’s college thesis film. Koenig was studying English at Columbia and made a film for his senior thesis, which he titled Vampire Weekend. The name stuck when he later decided to start the band, though the film was never actually released to the public.
3. They Are Known for Their Intellectual Lyrics
One of the most distinct features of Vampire Weekend’s music is its clever and literate lyrics. The band’s songs often incorporate references to literature, philosophy, and even the arts. Ezra Koenig’s education in English literature heavily influences the band’s lyrics, setting them apart from many of their indie rock contemporaries.
4. Their Debut Album Was a Major Success
Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut album, released in 2008, was a commercial and critical hit. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound. Tracks like “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma” became instant indie rock anthems, solidifying the band’s place in music history.
5. Their Signature Sound Is Influenced by World Music
Vampire Weekend’s music has been heavily influenced by world music, particularly Afrobeat. The band incorporates intricate percussion, rhythmic guitar work, and global influences into their songs, often blending these elements with traditional indie rock. This fusion has become one of the hallmarks of their sound, especially evident on tracks like “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.”
6. Ezra Koenig Had a Famous Intern Job at The New Yorker
Before gaining fame with Vampire Weekend, Ezra Koenig had an interesting internship. He worked at The New Yorker, one of the most prestigious magazines in the world. His internship was short-lived, but Koenig’s time there was an influence on the band’s approach to culture and intellect.
7. The Band Almost Had a Different Name
Before settling on Vampire Weekend, the band members considered other names for their group. Some of the more unusual names that were floated include The Hungry Hungry Hippos and The House of Muppets. Ultimately, they decided on Vampire Weekend after Koenig’s college film project.
8. They Are Known for Their Bold Fashion Choices
Vampire Weekend’s members are often seen sporting a preppy style that complements their intellectual, East Coast vibe. The band’s signature looks often feature button-up shirts, blazers, and chinos, giving them an instantly recognizable style. This was further solidified when they appeared on the cover of The New York Times in their trademark attire.
9. They Were Early Innovators of the “Indie Pop” Genre
Vampire Weekend has often been credited with helping to define the “indie pop” genre. By blending pop sensibilities with indie rock instrumentation, they brought a new sound to the indie scene. Their early work was integral in shifting the genre’s direction, and they became one of the first indie bands to experience mainstream success.
10. Their Albums Have Been Critically Acclaimed
Each of Vampire Weekend’s albums has been met with critical acclaim. Their sophomore album, Contra (2010), pushed the band’s sound into more experimental territories, incorporating electronic elements and new textures. Modern Vampires of the City (2013) was their most ambitious work yet, earning them Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album. Their most recent album, Father of the Bride (2019), also received praise for its innovative approach to songwriting and production.
11. The Band Had a Significant Break Between Albums
Vampire Weekend took a significant break between their 2013 album Modern Vampires of the City and their 2019 release, Father of the Bride. The hiatus was marked by various side projects from the band members, including Koenig’s work on solo material. The break allowed the band to experiment with new sounds and evolve their music, resulting in an album that blends folk, rock, and pop influences.
12. Vampire Weekend Has Collaborated with Big Names
Throughout their career, Vampire Weekend has collaborated with several high-profile artists, including legendary producers and musicians.
They worked with pop icon Beyoncé, contributing to the track “Lemonade,” and also collaborated with Steve Lacy on their song “Sunflower.” These collaborations further cement their place within the contemporary music scene.
13. Ezra Koenig’s Love for African Music Is Deeply Influential
Ezra Koenig has long been fascinated by African music, particularly African pop and traditional rhythms. This interest plays a significant role in the band’s distinctive sound, especially their use of Afrobeat rhythms and melodies. Koenig has spoken about how listening to artists like Paul Simon and Fela Kuti shaped the way he approached songwriting.
14. Their Music Videos Are Often Highly Artistic
Vampire Weekend’s music videos are known for their artistic and often quirky visual storytelling. Their videos for songs like “A-Punk” and “Diane Young” showcase their sense of humor and creative flair, often using surreal or vintage-inspired imagery. These videos have helped to build the band’s distinct visual identity.
15. They Played Their First Big Show at the Bowery Ballroom
Vampire Weekend’s first significant performance was at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom in 2008. This show helped to launch the band into the indie rock scene and gave them the exposure needed to gain a broader fan base. The intimate venue became a symbol of their rise to fame in the New York City music scene.
16. The Band Has a Strong New York City Identity
As a band that originated in New York City, much of Vampire Weekend’s identity is tied to their city roots. Their lyrics often reference specific places in the city, such as “Oxford Comma,” which alludes to their Ivy League education, and “Cousins,” a song that hints at their close-knit connections to the city’s cultural scene.
17. Their Songs Have Appeared in Popular TV Shows and Films
Vampire Weekend’s music has been featured in a variety of popular films and TV shows, further establishing their cultural relevance. Songs like “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma” have appeared in shows like Gossip Girl and The O.C., while their music has also been used in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
18. The Band’s Art and Album Covers Are Iconic
The band’s album artwork often features striking and thought-provoking visuals. The cover of Modern Vampires of the City, which features a photograph of a building on a black-and-white background, has become iconic. Similarly, the cover art for Father of the Bride continues the band’s trend of using bold and graphic designs that complement their unique style.
19. They Experimented with Genre on Their Latest Album
On their 2019 album Father of the Bride, Vampire Weekend pushed the boundaries of their sound further than ever before. The album incorporated elements of folk, country, and even disco, diverging from their earlier work, which was more focused on Afrobeat and indie rock. This willingness to experiment shows their versatility as a band.
20. The Band Is Known for Their Energetic Live Shows
Vampire Weekend’s live performances are known for their high energy and engaging stage presence. Their shows are marked by a lively interplay between the band members, with Ezra Koenig often interacting with the crowd. Their performances are a testament to the band’s commitment to putting on a show that’s as dynamic as their music.
Conclusion
Vampire Weekend is more than just an indie rock band; they are a cultural phenomenon. From their intellectual lyrics to their eclectic sound and boundary-pushing collaborations, they have crafted a unique place in the music world. These 20 fun facts offer just a glimpse into the fascinating history of Vampire Weekend, a band that continues to evolve and influence the music industry with each release.
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