The Lumineers

Members: Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites, Jay Van Dyke, Maxwell Hughes, Ben Wahamaki

The Lumineers are an American band from Denver, Colorado. Wesley Schultz (lead vocals and guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums and percussion) began performing together in Ramsey, New Jersey in 2005. They released their self title album in the United States on April 3 2012 and the singles “ho hey” “stubborn love” and “submarines.” This album was a huge success it peaked at #2 on the billboard 200 chart.

On April 8 2016 the Lumineers went on to release another masterpiece “Cleopatra.” This album contained the singles “Ophelia” “Cleopatra” “Angela” and “Sleep On The Floor.” This album had huge success reaching #1 on the UK charts and on the billboard 200. It is the last album to feature Neyla Pekarek (cello). It is an absolutely brilliant record.

“III”was released September 13 2019. This is a very unique album. It comes with a 44 minute long film. The III chapters of this film correspond with the 10 songs on the record. This movie has only been shown one time in its entirety and it was at the Toronto internationals film fest. This short film was written by Wesley Schultz and director Kevin Philips. Though fictional, this film is about a member in Schultz’s family. Who suffered from addiction that led her to rehab, jail and homelessness. Jeremiah Fraites also has suffered from addiction. He has been sober for 4 years now, but lost his brother, Josh, to a drug overdose in 2011. Josh Fraites and Wesley were good friends. Which led to Schultz and Fraites meeting and starting The Lumineers.

The songs in “III” speak about addiction a lot. “III” represents 3 generations in one family. In the film they are exploring what is handed down from generation to generation and what you can choose for yourself having free will.

Schultz has always had a knack for lyrical story telling. In “III” he conveys how alcoholism travels through generations. Unlike their self titled album. No song from “III” will be stuck in your head for years to come. However, it will leave you with a undeniable desire for more. The singles on the album are “Gloria” and “In The City.” Suffering from addiction issues myself this album really hits home for me. They accomplished what they wanted on this album and really found their stride.

Thank you.