Børns: The Ethereal Voice of Indie Pop

Børns is the stage name of American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns, an artist known for his distinctive falsetto and lush, retro-modern indie pop sound. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, he achieved mainstream success with his 2015 debut album Dopamine, which spawned the platinum-certified hit single Electric Love and charted on the Billboard 200.

Early career

Garrett Borns was born in 1992 and began his musical journey in Michigan, initially gaining local attention as a solo performer. After relocating to Los Angeles, he independently released the Candy EP in 2014, which caught the attention of major labels with its dreamy, psychedelic-tinged pop aesthetic.

Breakthrough

Børns' major breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the release of his debut studio album, Dopamine, on Interscope Records. The album's lead single, Electric Love, became a slow-burn smash, eventually earning a platinum certification from the RIAA and propelling the album to a number 24 debut on the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks

Electric Love — This platinum single became his signature song, defining his shimmering, anthemic pop sound and receiving massive alternative radio play.

10,000 Emerald Pools — The atmospheric opening track from Dopamine that perfectly introduced his ethereal vocal style and cinematic production.

Sweet Dreams — A standout track from his 2018 sophomore album Blue Madonna, showcasing a darker, more synth-driven direction.

God Save Our Young Blood — This collaboration with Lana Del Rey from Blue Madonna highlighted his ability to blend with other distinctive vocal stylists.

Faded Heart — A driving, glam-rock-infused track that demonstrated the expanded sonic palette of his second album.

His 2018 follow-up, Blue Madonna

Fans of Børns' brand of lush, vocal-forward indie pop should also explore Lana Del Rey for shared cinematic and melancholic pop sensibilities. The Neighbourhood offers a similarly moody and stylish blend of alternative rock and pop. MisterWives delivers energetic indie pop with powerful lead vocals and catchy hooks. Foster The People shares a knack for crafting impeccably produced, infectious indie pop anthems.