Khruangbin

Although formed in Houston, Texas, in 2007, Khruangbin developed a diverse sound inspired not only by American traditions like rock and soul, but also global influences such as Middle Eastern music, dub, and Thai funk. Guitarist Mark Speer, drummer Donald Johnson, and bassist Laura Lee released their debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You, in 2015. Although the album failed to chart outside of Belgium, it nevertheless helped Khruangbin earn a spot on the international concert circuit, leading to appearances at SXSW, Outside Lands, and Glastonbury. The band's second album, Con Todo el Mundo, was released in 2018, peaking at Number 46 in Belgium and Number 82 in the UK. A remix album titled Hasta el Cielo followed in 2019, and Khruangbin spent 2020 in a whirlwind of activity, with highlights including a collaborative EP Leon Bridges (Texas Sun), whose title track reached Number 17 on the American Adult Alternative Airplay chart, and another full-length studio album, Mordechai, which peaked at Number 31 in America, Number 7 in the UK, Number 4 in Belgium, and Number 5 in the Netherlands. Teaming up with Leon Bridges once again, the group returned in 2022 with another EP, Texas Moon, which climbed to Number 23 in America. Another collaboration, Ali, was released that year, featuring guitar and vocals from the Malian singer Vieux Farka Touré. A La Sala, the band's first album to not feature any outside collaborators, followed in April 2024.  In 2025, Khruangbin unveils the follow-up to their debut album with The Universe Smiles Upon You II.