Indie Rock band, Local Natives, are gearing up to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their third studio album Sunlit Youth. This record marked a pivotal moment in the band’s career. It took them on a massive tour playing to the biggest crowds and on the biggest stages thus far. To celebrate and reminisce on such a special time, the band is diving back into the Sunlit Youth era for one night only.
Your Favorite Locals
Originally, Local Natives started as a trio with founding members Taylor Rice, Ryan Han and Kelcey Ayer. The three grew up together in Southern California. In their early adulthood, Andy Hamm and Matt Fraizer joined the band. All five members moved into a house together in Los Angeles and began working on what would be their 2009 debut album Gorilla Manor. With a solid debut, the band quickly established their signature sound. Songs like “Sun Hands,” “Wide Eyes” and “Who Knows Who Cares” became instant fan favorites that the band continues to play to this day.
In 2013, Local Natives followed Gorilla Manor with Hummingbird. Produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, this project was much more emotionally heavy and introspective. Themetically, the tracks explored grief, loss, relationships and adulthood. Back in 2023, the band celebrated Hummingbird’s tenth anniversary at The Ford in Los Angeles, playing the record front to back.
On their third album, Local Natives was more ambitious than ever. They explored with synths, electronic production and heavier pop sounds. Songs like “Dark Days” and “Jellyfish” amplified the band’s new sonic territory. While exploring with different sounds, Local Natives managed to stay true to their signature sound and harmonies that fans know and love.
Over the last ten years, Local Natives continued to grow and evolve sonically and individually. Several of the members branched out making solo projects, got married and became fathers. Their fourth album, Violet Street, came in 2019. Between 2023 and 2024, the band gave fans their latest full length project. Time Will Wait For No One But I’ll Wait For You came out as a double album.
In April of 2024, founding member Kelcey Ayer announced his departure from the band. Local Natives is still very much active with its current four members. They have teased moments from the studio as they work on a brand new record. In a few months, the band is taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate ten years of Sunlit Youth.
10 Years of Sunlit Youth
In June, Local Natives launched their very own fan club LOCALS in celebration of the ten year anniversary of Sunlit Youth. Since the announcement, the band posted behind the scenes and interviews about the era. At the start of this month, the band announced a ten year anniversary show at Libbey Bowl in Ojai California.
Here’s what we know so far. Local Natives will play the record in its entirety. The band teased there will be a handful of special events fans can attend with the band. This will be an event you won’t want to miss. While fans are unsure if Kelcey will return for the anniversary show, you can guarantee it will be a night to remember.
Tickets are on sale now.
