One of the nicest surprises coming out of the world of alternative rock over the past year is Silversun Pickups. Founded in L.A. in 2002, the group continues to expand its fan base after a successful tour opening for Muse.
Silversun Pickups’ second album, Swoon, came out in 2009 and received great reviews. They are also gaining a reputation as an amazing live band.
The foursome was nominated in the Best New Artist category at the 52nd Grammy Awards broadcast earlier this year. This nomination was a bit of a surprise because the band’s 2006 album sold more than 300,000 copies.
Frontman Brian Aubert talked about the band’s Grammy nod. He admits, "It was bizarre. It was something I was never even romantic about. It wasn’t on our radar. We were almost unqualified to understand what the Grammys really were. But, saying that, when we look back on it, it seemed like a really lovely gesture. That’s sort of how we took it and we didn’t go too much further than that. It was a lovely nod and we really appreciate it and that’s kind of that."
The band continues to build on its solid reputation. It just announced a series of North American shows which includes a stop at Toronto’s Sound Academy on June 29. The tour starts June 6 in Mountain View, California and wraps up July 4 in Milwaukee. Punk band Against Me! will join them on tour.
Where the band goes next, nobody knows. They could head out on a worldwide tour or take a break from touring to work on a new album. Time will tell…