The Sign Posters: The Indie Rock Anthem Specialists

The Sign Posters are an American indie rock band known for crafting anthemic, guitar-driven songs that blend melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. Formed in Chicago in 2012, the group broke through to mainstream alternative radio with their 2017 platinum-certified single "Neon Ghosts," which spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Early career

The Sign Posters formed in late 2012 when vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Sam Keller, both students at DePaul University, began writing songs together. They solidified their lineup with bassist Maya Chen and guitarist Raj Patel, quickly becoming a staple of Chicago's vibrant DIY venue scene. Their self-released 2014 EP, "Static Fades," caught the attention of independent label Rustbelt Records, which signed the band and released their debut album, "Echoes in the Alley," in 2015.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2017 with their sophomore album, "Bright City Lights," released via a new partnership with the larger indie label Canvas Records. The lead single, "Neon Ghosts," became an unexpected smash, receiving heavy rotation on alternative radio and achieving platinum certification in the United States. The album itself debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, cementing their national profile.

Key tracks

Neon Ghosts — This platinum-selling 2017 single defined their anthemic sound and became their first major radio hit.

Bright City Lights — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases their signature blend of soaring guitars and earnest lyricism.

Static Fades — An early fan favorite from their debut EP that remains a cornerstone of their live set.

Paper Arrows — This 2020 track highlighted a more nuanced, atmospheric side of their songwriting.

Midwestern Sky — A later-career single that pays direct homage to their Chicago roots with heartland rock influences.

Following their breakthrough, The Sign Posters toured extensively, supporting acts like The National and The War on Drugs. Their third studio album, 2020's "Paper Arrows," debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200, a career-high chart position. They have since collaborated with producers like John Congleton and contributed a song to the soundtrack of the Netflix series "The Politician."

Fans of The Sign Posters' brand of thoughtful, anthemic indie rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. The National shares a penchant for moody, literate rock songcraft. The War on Drugs explores a similar sonic landscape of expansive, guitar-driven Americana. Alvvays mirrors their mastery of catchy melodies within an indie rock framework. Local Natives offers comparable harmonic vocals and rhythmic intensity.

The music of The Sign Posters maintains a strong presence on radio rotation across multiple formats. Their hits are staples on alternative rock radio stations, while their deeper album cuts frequently appear on independent music radio stations and curated online rock radio streams that champion guitar-based music.

Listeners can discover the catalog of The Sign Posters by tuning into the various rock and alternative radio stations featured on our website. Their defining tracks and latest releases are regularly played on the network of stations available on onairium.com, offering a direct channel to experience this influential indie rock act.