Family of the Year: The Indie Pop Folk Rock Storytellers

Family of the Year is an American indie pop and folk rock band known for their harmonious, sun-drenched sound. Their major breakthrough came when their heartfelt single Hero was featured in the award-winning 2014 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, propelling them to international recognition.

Early career

Formed in Los Angeles, California, the band coalesced around the core duo of siblings Joe and Sebastian Keefe. They self-released their debut album, Songbook, in 2009, establishing their signature blend of folk-pop melodies and layered vocal harmonies drawn from their New England roots.

Breakthrough

The band's 2012 sophomore album, Loma Vista, released on the Nettwerk label, contained the track that would define their career. While the album itself garnered critical praise, it was the cinematic placement of Hero two years later that transformed the song into a global streaming phenomenon and the band's definitive hit.

Key tracks

Hero - This acoustic-driven ballad became an international sleeper hit after its film feature, celebrated for its tender lyrics and minimalist arrangement.

The Stairs - A standout track from Loma Vista that showcases the band's upbeat, harmony-rich indie folk pop sound.

Make You Mine - A later single that captures their evolved, polished pop rock production while maintaining their lyrical warmth.

Following their breakthrough, Family of the Year continued to record and tour, releasing the album Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime in 2020. Their music consistently explores themes of connection, nostalgia, and personal growth within the framework of accessible indie pop.

Fans of the breezy, harmony-laden sound of Family of the Year might also enjoy the melodic storytelling of The Lumineers. Their folk-pop anthems share a similar heartfelt energy. The coastal indie folk of Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros also explores communal, joyous musical spaces. For another take on harmonized indie pop, explore the work of Grouplove.