American Authors: Indie Pop Rock with an Anthemic Heart

American Authors is an American indie pop rock band best known for their uplifting, chart-topping anthems. The quartet, originally formed in Boston, achieved mainstream success with their multi-platinum single "Best Day of My Life," which became a staple in film, television, and advertising worldwide.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to 2006 when members met while studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Initially performing under the name The Blue Pages, the group—Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar/banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums)—relocated to Brooklyn, New York to pursue music full-time. They began building a local following and eventually signed with Mercury Records in 2012, adopting the name American Authors.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of their debut EP, "American Authors," featuring the lead single "Best Day of My Life." The track became a slow-burn hit, eventually peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving quadruple-platinum certification in the United States. This success propelled their debut album, "Oh, What a Life," which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart in 2014.

Key tracks

Best Day of My Life — The band's signature anthem, this quadruple-platinum single defined their optimistic sound and launched them to international recognition.

Believer — A later single from their sophomore album, this track showcased a matured, anthemic rock style and became a top 10 hit on the US Adult Top 40 chart.

Go Big or Go Home — Featured on the "Oh, What a Life" album, this song exemplifies their high-energy, stadium-ready pop rock approach.

Deep Water — This track from their 2016 album "What We Live For" highlighted their ability to craft emotionally resonant, mid-tempo songs with folk-pop influences.

I'm Born to Run — A 2021 single that marked a return to their core anthemic style, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their uplifting indie pop rock formula.

The band solidified their place in the pop rock scene with their second studio album, "What We Live For," in 2016. They have since continued to release music, including the 2019 album "Seasons" and subsequent EPs, while maintaining a consistent touring schedule. Their music has been featured in major campaigns for brands like Hyundai, Beats Audio, and the MLB, further extending their cultural footprint beyond traditional radio play.

Fans of American Authors' brand of positive, guitar-driven anthems often enjoy the music of The Script, who share a knack for emotive, mainstream rock with huge choruses. The folk-pop energy of OneRepublic presents a similar blend of organic instrumentation and polished production. Listeners might also appreciate the anthemic alternative rock of Imagine Dragons, known for their massive, crossover hits. The upbeat, melodic rock of The Lumineers offers a more rustic, folk-oriented parallel to American Authors' sound.

The music of American Authors maintains a steady presence on modern rock and adult contemporary radio stations across the country. Their catalog, from "Best Day of My Life" to newer releases, fits perfectly into the playlists of alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams seeking energetic, positive anthems.

You can hear the uplifting indie pop rock of American Authors on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their hits and deeper cuts through our curated selection of independent music radio stations and classic rock FM stations broadcasting online.