Folded: The Dynamic Force in Modern Alternative Rock

Folded is an American alternative rock band known for its intense live performances and textured, guitar-driven sound. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the group achieved notable commercial success with their major-label debut album, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned several rock radio hits.

Early career

Folded formed in 2012, solidifying its lineup around founding members vocalist/guitarist Alex Sterling and drummer Leo Vance. The band cut its teeth in the vibrant Chicago club scene, self-releasing their raw, energetic debut EP, Static Bloom, in 2014. This independent release caught the attention of several regional labels, leading to a development deal and increased touring across the Midwest.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with their first full-length album, Gravity & Grace, released on the independent label Canvas Records. The album's lead single, "Echo Chamber," became a breakout hit, receiving heavy rotation on SiriusXM's Alt Nation and climbing into the Top 20 of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. This success propelled Gravity & Grace to number 87 on the Billboard 200, a significant achievement for an independent rock act.

Key tracks

Echo Chamber — This breakthrough single defined their early sound with its propulsive rhythm and anthemic chorus, becoming a staple on rock radio.

Paper Walls — A deeper cut from Gravity & Grace that showcases their dynamic range, moving from quiet introspection to explosive crescendos.

Vertigo — The lead track from their 2020 follow-up, this song marked a shift towards a denser, more atmospheric production style.

Fault Lines — A fan-favorite track known for its complex guitar work and a collaboration with producer John Congleton, highlighting their artistic growth.

The Letting Go — This later single demonstrated a more melodic, expansive direction while retaining the band's signature guitar attack.

Building on their momentum, Folded released their sophomore album, Vertigo, in 2020. The record saw them experimenting with broader sonic palettes and more layered production, earning positive critical reviews for its ambition. They have since collaborated with artists like Julien Baker on a special acoustic session and contributed a track to a compilation for the nonprofit Plus1 Mental Health Fund.

Artists exploring a similar space in the modern rock landscape include Manchester Orchestra, who share a penchant for building intense, emotionally charged rock soundscapes. Thrice parallels Folded's evolution from post-hardcore roots to more textured and experimental alternative rock. The melodic aggression of Citizen also finds common ground with Folded's approach. Furthermore, the anthemic quality in the work of The Republic Of Wolves mirrors the larger-than-life feel in Folded's biggest choruses.

The music of Folded maintains a strong presence on radio, featured regularly on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM channels that champion guitar-based music. Their tracks are also programmed on various online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations seeking energetic, contemporary rock acts.

Listeners can discover the powerful alternative rock of Folded by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their catalog, from early hits to recent releases, is played on a variety of stations available on onairium.com, offering a direct path to experience their evolving sound.