Waterfall: The Driving Force of Modern Alternative Rock

Waterfall is a dynamic American alternative rock band known for its atmospheric soundscapes and powerful live performances. Hailing from Seattle, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified sophomore album, "Echo Canyon," which spawned several top-ten rock radio hits.

Early career

Waterfall formed in 2008, rooted in the rich musical soil of Seattle, Washington. The founding trio, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Liam Vance, bassist Maya Chen, and drummer Ronan Shaw, honed their craft through relentless local gigging before self-releasing their debut EP, "First Light," in 2011.

This independent release caught the attention of several indie labels, leading to a signing with the respected imprint Deep Well Records in 2012. Their first full-length album, "The Silent Divide," arrived in 2013, establishing their signature blend of melodic guitar work and introspective lyrics.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came in 2016 with the release of their second album, "Echo Canyon," on Deep Well Records. Propelled by heavy rotation on alternative radio, the album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and was later certified platinum for sales exceeding one million units.

This commercial success was bolstered by a relentless international touring schedule, including slots on major festival lineups like Lollapalooza and Reading & Leeds. The album's longevity on the charts solidified Waterfall's place in the modern rock landscape.

Key tracks

Vertigo — This lead single from "Echo Canyon" became the band's first number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

Fault Lines — A deeply personal ballad that showcased the band's lyrical depth and expanded their audience beyond rock radio.

Gravity Fails — An anthemic track known for its explosive bridge and a staple of their live setlist since 2016.

Northern Lights — This later single from their 2019 album "Horizons" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance.

Anchor — A fan-favorite deep cut that highlights the intricate rhythm section and remains a b-side highlight.

Following their breakthrough, Waterfall collaborated with producer Catherine Black on their third album, "Horizons," in 2019. The record debuted in the Top 10 and featured a notable duet with folk-rock artist Julien Baker on the track "Carry the Sound." The band continues to evolve, with their most recent work, the 2023 EP "Currents," exploring more textured, synth-inflected territory while maintaining their core alternative rock identity.

Fans of Waterfall's expansive and emotive brand of alternative rock should also explore The National for similarly brooding and atmospheric songcraft. The driving guitar work and anthemic choruses of Kings Of Leon share a clear musical lineage. Listeners drawn to the textured dynamics might enjoy Manchester Orchestra, while the melodic intensity of Jimmy Eat World offers another compelling parallel.

Waterfall's music maintains a strong presence on radio, featured prominently on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM channels across the United States. Their hits are staples on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven sound.

You can hear the powerful music of Waterfall on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their catalog of anthems and deep cuts through our curated selection of dedicated rock and alternative stations.