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Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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Band Timeline

Late 1990s-2000

Formation of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Early Days

The band Yeah Yeah Yeahs formed in New York City around 2000, originating from the meeting of Karen O, Brian Chase, and Nick Zinner, who initially connected during their college years in Ohio and New York. Inspired by avant-punk and art student movements, Karen O and Nick began with an acoustic duo named Unitard before deciding to form a punkier band. With Brian Chase joining as drummer, they quickly developed their sound and gained attention in the New York indie scene. The band name reflects the modern vernacular of New York City at the time.
2001-2002

Release of Debut EP and Touring Beginnings

In late 2001, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their self-titled debut EP, which they recorded with Jerry Teel. This independent release on their own Shifty label helped the band gain early recognition. Throughout 2002, the band toured extensively, supporting acts such as The Strokes and White Stripes, as well as headlining their own UK tour. Their growing reputation in the indie rock circuit was fueled by energetic performances and their unique, edgy punk sound, setting the stage for their debut album release.
2003-2004

Breakthrough with Debut Album Fever to Tell

In 2003, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their debut album Fever to Tell, which brought them critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 750,000 copies worldwide. The album featured the hit single "Maps," which gained significant airplay and was later ranked among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The band's fusion of garage punk and art rock helped define a new wave in indie music. They also released a music video for "Y Control," directed by Spike Jonze, and their first DVD in 2004 documenting performances and interviews. Fever to Tell was later named one of the best albums of the decade by NME.
2006

Sophomore Album Show Your Bones and Rising Popularity

Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their second studio album, Show Your Bones, in March 2006. The album continued their success, featuring the single "Gold Lion," which charted well in the UK. Show Your Bones was noted for its blend of catchy melodies and raw energy, and it was named the second-best album of the year by NME. The band toured extensively across Europe and the US in support of the album. This era solidified their status as key figures in the alternative and indie rock scenes, with continued acclaim and growing fan bases worldwide.
2007-2009

EP Is Is and Third Album It's Blitz!

Between 2007 and 2009, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released the EP Is Is and their third studio album, It's Blitz!, in March 2009. The latter marked a stylistic evolution with more electronic and dance influences while retaining their punk roots. The band saw some changes in live performances with David Pajo joining as a touring member in 2009. It's Blitz! received positive reviews and earned another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. The band continued touring extensively and evolved their sound, keeping their relevance strong in the indie music scene.
2013

Fourth Album Mosquito and Continued Success

In April 2013, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their fourth studio album, Mosquito, which became their highest-charting album in the US, reaching number five on the Billboard 200. The album showcased a mixture of rock, electronic, and experimental sounds, reflecting the band's willingness to innovate and push genre boundaries. Mosquito was also nominated for a Grammy Award, demonstrating continued critical respect. Touring supported the album's release and the band remained influential within alternative rock circles.
2022

Return with Fifth Album Cool It Down and Grammy Nomination

After a hiatus from studio albums, Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their fifth studio album, Cool It Down, in September 2022. This album marked their return with fresh material, receiving positive reviews and a Grammy nomination, reaffirming their lasting presence in the music industry. The band continued to influence the indie rock genre after more than two decades together, with their combination of raw emotion and experimental sound still resonating with audiences worldwide.

Albums

yeah-yeah-yeahs_1st_album
Fever to Tell
11 tracks
2003
yeah-yeah-yeahs_2nd_album
Show Your Bones
11 tracks
2006
yeah-yeah-yeahs_3rd_album
It’s Blitz!
15 tracks
2009
yeah-yeah-yeahs_4th_album
Mosquito
11 tracks
2013
yeah-yeah-yeahs_5th_album
Cool It Down
8 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Brian Chase

2000

Drums (drum set)

Karen O

2000

Lead vocals

Piano

Nick Zinner

2000

Guitar

Keyboard

Story of Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a seminal indie rock band from New York City, burst onto the scene in 2000. The core trio consists of the charismatic vocalist and pianist Karen O (Karen Lee Orzolek), guitarist/keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. Their explosive live shows are amplified by the addition of touring guitarist David Pajo (Slint, Tortoise), who joined in 2009, succeeding Imaad Wasif. The bands name, according to a 2004 interview on ABCs Live from Central Park SummerStage, is a nod to contemporary NYC slang.

Their prolific career spans five studio albums. Their debut, Fever to Tell (2003), launched them into the indie rock stratosphere. Show Your Bones (2006), their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, earned the #2 spot on NMEs album of the year list. *Its Blitz!* (2009) followed, solidifying their place as indie giants. These three albums all garnered Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Music Album. Mosquito (2013) further cemented their legacy, with their latest release, Cool It Down (2022), also receiving a Grammy nod.

History: Formation and Fever to Tell (1990s–2004)

Karen Orzolek and Brian Chase`s musical journey began in the late 1990s at Oberlin College in Ohio. Chase, a jazz student at the conservatory, and Orzolek forged a creative partnership that would define a generation of indie rock.

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