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The Bands

Vampire Weekend: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

todayNovember 4, 2026 3

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Vampire Weekend made preppy, bright and clever indie rock that stood out from the moment it arrived. Formed by students at Columbia University in New York in 2006, the band mixed indie guitars with Afropop rhythms and baroque touches, and went on to win two Grammys for Best Alternative Music Album. They are an indie rock and indie pop band, with baroque pop and Afropop influences.

Vampire Weekend at a glance

   
Formed 2006, New York City, U.S. (Columbia University)
Members Ezra Koenig (vocals, guitar), Chris Baio (bass), Chris Tomson (drums)
Former member Rostam Batmanglij (keyboards, guitar, production; left 2016)
Genres Indie rock, indie pop, baroque pop, chamber pop
Labels XL Recordings, Columbia
Grammys Best Alternative Music Album for Modern Vampires of the City and Father of the Bride

Formation

Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Baio and Chris Tomson met at Columbia University and formed the band in 2006. Buzz from early songs online led to a deal with XL Recordings, which released their self-titled debut in 2008.

The sound

Vampire Weekend combine crisp, bouncy guitars inspired by African pop with harpsichord, strings and Koenig’s witty, detailed lyrics. Their later albums grew warmer and more expansive, drawing on folk, gospel and classic pop.

Ezra Koenig and Rostam Batmanglij

Koenig is the band’s singer and main songwriter. Batmanglij shaped the band’s sound as a multi-instrumentalist and producer before leaving in 2016 to focus on his own work, though he has continued to collaborate with the band.

Legacy

Vampire Weekend became one of the defining indie bands of the late 2000s and 2010s. Modern Vampires of the City (2013) and Father of the Bride (2019) each won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and Only God Was Above Us followed in 2024.

The albums

Vampire Weekend (2008)

The debut, with “A-Punk”, “Oxford Comma” and “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”.

Contra (2010)

The follow-up, featuring “Holiday” and “Cousins”.

Modern Vampires of the City (2013)

A more reflective, Grammy-winning album, with “Step”, “Diane Young” and “Hannah Hunt”.

Father of the Bride (2019)

A sprawling, sunny double album and second Grammy winner, with “Harmony Hall”.

Only God Was Above Us (2024)

The band’s fifth album, with “Capricorn”.

Ten songs to start with

  1. A-Punk
  2. Oxford Comma
  3. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
  4. Mansard Roof
  5. Holiday
  6. Cousins
  7. Step
  8. Diane Young
  9. Harmony Hall
  10. Hannah Hunt

Songs we play on The Alternative One

These Vampire Weekend songs are on our charts and lists:

If you like Vampire Weekend, try

Talking Heads, The Strokes, MGMT, Arcade Fire, The Shins and Grizzly Bear.

Frequently asked questions

What genre is Vampire Weekend?

Vampire Weekend are an indie rock and indie pop band, with baroque pop and Afropop influences.

Where are Vampire Weekend from?

New York City. The band formed at Columbia University in 2006.

What is Vampire Weekend’s most famous song?

“A-Punk” (2008) is their best-known song, along with “Oxford Comma” and “Harmony Hall.”

How many Grammys has Vampire Weekend won?

Two, both for Best Alternative Music Album: Modern Vampires of the City and Father of the Bride.

What is Vampire Weekend’s latest album?

Only God Was Above Us, released in 2024.

Hear it on The Alternative One

Vampire Weekend bring the bright side of indie rock to our playlist. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team. Official artist website: www.vampireweekend.com. Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.

Written by: Alternative One

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