Paper Planets: The Indie Rock Dreamweavers

Paper Planets is an indie rock band from Portland, Oregon, known for crafting expansive, atmospheric soundscapes anchored by melodic guitar work. The quartet first captured national attention with their 2018 sophomore album, "Echoes in the Static," which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and spawned several alternative radio hits.

Early career

Formed in 2012, Paper Planets began as a collaborative project between vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Sasha Chen while they were students at the University of Oregon. Their self-recorded, lo-fi debut EP, "Cartographer," circulated on Bandcamp in 2014, leading to a signing with the independent label Murmure Records the following year.

Murmure released the band's first full-length album, "The Long Drift," in 2016. The album established their signature blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic, reverb-drenched instrumentation, earning them a cult following on the Pacific Northwest club circuit.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the critically acclaimed album "Echoes in the Static." Produced by Andy Park (known for work with Death Cab for Cutie and The Shins), the album marked a significant evolution in their studio sound. Lead single "Neon Coast" spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, peaking at number 7 and achieving gold certification in Canada.

Key tracks

Neon Coast — This gold-certified single became the band's first top 10 alternative radio hit, defining their anthemic yet melancholic sound.

Static Bloom — The album's title track showcases their skill at building intricate, multi-layered guitar arrangements over a driving rhythm section.

Fault Lines — A fan-favorite deep cut noted for its collaborative guest vocals from singer-songwriter Julien Baker during live performances.

Paper Moon — This earlier track from their debut LP remains a staple of their live set, demonstrating their foundational indie rock ethos.

Following their breakthrough, Paper Planets toured extensively, including slots at major festivals like Shaky Knees and Outside Lands. Their third studio album, 2021's "Glimmer Ghost," debuted at number 8 on the Top Rock Albums chart and featured a collaboration with producer Carlos de la Garza on the track "Halogen." The band has maintained a consistent output, releasing the well-received EP "Low Light" in 2023.

Fans of the detailed guitar textures and earnest songwriting of Death Cab for Cutie will find a kindred spirit in Paper Planets' narrative-driven indie rock. The atmospheric scope of their music shares similarities with The National, particularly in their use of mood and dynamics. Listeners who appreciate the melodic sensibilities of Band of Horses will connect with their soaring choruses. The introspective lyricism and Pacific Northwest roots also align them with the work of Modest Mouse.

The music of Paper Planets has earned regular rotation on a variety of alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Their catalog, from early EPs to latest album cuts, is frequently featured on independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven, artist-forward content, ensuring their songs reach both long-time fans and new listeners daily.

You can hear the dynamic indie rock of Paper Planets on radio stations featured here on OnAirium.com. Tune in to discover their discography, from breakthrough hits to deeper album cuts, broadcast by stations dedicated to bringing you the best in guitar-based alternative music.