Daughter: The Ethereal Voice of Indie Folk

Daughter is an English indie folk band known for its atmospheric, emotionally resonant soundscapes. The trio, formed in London, achieved significant international recognition with their debut album "If You Leave," which charted in several countries and established them as a defining act in the 2010s alternative scene.

Early career

The project began as the solo moniker of singer-songwriter Elena Tonra, who started performing under the name Daughter in 2010. Igor Haefeli (guitar) and Remi Aguilella (drums) soon joined, solidifying the band's core lineup and leading to the release of their first EP, "His Young Heart," on the independent label Communion Records in 2011.

Breakthrough

Daughter's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of their first studio album, "If You Leave," on the influential indie label 4AD. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 16 and achieved gold certification in the Netherlands, propelled by its haunting single "Youth," which has amassed hundreds of millions of streams globally.

Key tracks

Youth — This breakthrough single became an anthem for the indie folk genre, its viral success driving the band's debut album to chart internationally.

Smother — A track from the "If You Leave" album that exemplifies the band's signature quiet-loud dynamics and raw lyrical intimacy.

Doing the Right Thing — A standout from their sophomore album "Not to Disappear," noted for its stark, poetic exploration of memory loss and aging.

Medicine — Originally from the "Wild Youth" EP, this song's inclusion in the TV series "Grey's Anatomy" expanded Daughter's audience significantly in the United States.

Burn It Down — Featured on the soundtrack for the video game "Life Is Strange: Before the Storm," showcasing the band's music's powerful fit with narrative media.

The band's second album, 2016's "Not to Disappear," debuted at number 26 in the UK and saw the group refining their sound with more complex, driving instrumentation. Daughter has also contributed to notable film and television soundtracks, including the score for the video game "Before the Storm" and the song "Glass" for the series "The Last of Us."

Fans of Daughter's introspective lyricism and atmospheric folk might also enjoy the work of similar artists from the UK scene. The National shares a penchant for melancholic, baritone-led indie rock. London Grammar explores similar terrain of soaring vocals over minimalist, emotive arrangements. Ben Howard delivers a comparable blend of intricate guitar work and folk-infused introspection. Marika Hackman offers a parallel path in contemporary British folk with sharp, narrative songwriting.

Daughter's evocative catalog is a staple on alternative rock radio stations and online indie radio streams that favor deep, atmospheric songwriting. Their music regularly fills the playlists of stations dedicated to modern folk and thoughtful alternative music, connecting with listeners seeking emotional depth.

You can hear the haunting music of Daughter regularly across the network of independent and alternative radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography and experience the powerful, atmospheric indie folk that has defined their career.