Outkind: The Driving Force of Modern Alternative Rock

Outkind is an American alternative rock band known for its anthemic guitar-driven sound and introspective lyricism. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified sophomore album, which spawned several top-ten rock radio hits and cemented their place in the 2010s rock landscape.

Early career

Formed in 2008, Outkind's founding members met while studying at the University of Illinois. The band, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Marcus Vale, lead guitarist Eli Vance, bassist Sarah Reed, and drummer Theo Clarke, began by playing local venues and self-releasing their music online. Their raw, energetic performances and a series of well-received DIY EPs caught the attention of independent label Rustbelt Records, which released their debut album, Static Horizon, in 2011.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2014 with their second album, The Great Divide, released on the larger imprint Canvas Records. The lead single, "Fading Echoes," became a runaway hit on alternative rock radio, spending eight consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. The album itself reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum, selling over one million copies in the United States.

Key tracks

Fading Echoes — This chart-topping anthem served as the band's commercial breakthrough and remains their signature song.

Paper Crowns — A slower, piano-accented track that showcased the band's dynamic range and earned critical praise.

Signal Fire — Known for its explosive guitar riff, this song became a staple of their live set and a fan favorite.

The Architect — This epic album closer demonstrated the band's ambition with its complex structure and lyrical depth.

Following this success, Outkind toured extensively and collaborated with producer John Congleton on their 2017 follow-up, Vertigo. The album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and included the successful single "Vertigo," which earned a gold certification. The band has maintained a consistent presence in the modern rock scene, known for their powerful live shows and commitment to the core tenets of guitar-based alternative rock.

Fans of Outkind's potent blend of melodic hooks and muscular riffs should also explore similar artists in the genre. Highly Suspect shares a similar gritty, blues-inflected rock intensity. Nothing But Thieves offers a comparable mix of soaring vocals and inventive alternative rock songcraft. Royal Blood delivers the same kind of massive, riff-oriented sound distilled into a duo format. The Blue Stones channels a similar raw, minimalist rock energy with modern production.

Outkind's music maintains a strong rotation on a wide variety of rock-focused radio stations, from major market alternative rock radio stations to dedicated online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven music. Their hits are fixtures on playlists designed for listeners seeking powerful, melody-forward modern rock.

Listeners can discover the driving alternative rock of Outkind by tuning into the many radio stations featured on our website. The music of Outkind is regularly broadcast on the independent and alternative rock radio stations available on onairium.com, providing the perfect platform to experience their anthemic catalog.