Discovery: The Indie Electronic Duo

Discovery is an American indie electronic and synth-pop duo formed by Rostam Batmanglij and Wes Miles. The project emerged from the vibrant New York City indie scene of the late 2000s, blending experimental pop with R&B influences to create a distinct sound.

Early career

Discovery formed in 2008 as a side project for its members, who were already active in other successful bands. Rostam Batmanglij was a founding member of Vampire Weekend, while Wes Miles served as the lead singer for Ra Ra Riot. Their collaboration began as a creative outlet to explore electronic music production outside their main groups.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2009 with the release of their debut and only studio album, LP, on the independent label XL Recordings. The album garnered critical attention for its innovative fusion of Auto-Tuned vocals, glitchy electronics, and R&B rhythms, establishing Discovery as a unique voice in the indie landscape.

Key tracks

Orange Shirt — This early single set the tone with its chopped vocal samples and upbeat, danceable synth lines.

Osaka Loop Line — A key track showcasing their melodic sensibilities and intricate, layered production style.

Can You Discover? — This song highlighted their collaborative spirit, featuring guest vocals from Angel Deradoorian of Dirty Projectors.

I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend — A standout track that exemplified their playful yet sophisticated approach to pop songwriting.

So Insane — The album's closing track demonstrated their ability to craft emotionally resonant electronic ballads.

Following the release of LP, both members returned their primary focus to their respective bands, Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot. Despite no subsequent albums, the influence of Discovery's brief output persisted, cited as a precursor to the genre-blending electronic pop that gained wider traction in the 2010s. The project remains a cult favorite, with its sole album occasionally receiving re-evaluation and praise in music journalism circles.

Fans of Discovery's synth-driven sound also enjoy the work of Vampire Weekend for its clever, genre-mixing pop craftsmanship. The rhythmic electronic experimentation can be heard in Passion Pit and their energetic, falsetto-led anthems. Listeners may also appreciate the textured production and indie sensibilities of MGMT.

The music of Discovery maintains a steady presence on various online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in 2000s indie electronica. Their tracks are frequently featured in curated playlists focusing on innovative pop and electronic music from that era.

You can hear the distinctive synth-pop of Discovery on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to onairium.com to discover their music and other artists shaping the sound of modern alternative and electronic music.