Big Thief

This article is about the American band. For the German silent film, see The Big Thief.

Big Thief
Big Thief performing onstage
Big Thief performing in 2018. From left to right: Buck Meek, James Krivchenia, and Adrianne Lenker (Max Oleartchik is obscured by Lenker)
Background information
OriginBrooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres
Years active2015–present
Labels
Members
Past membersJason Burger
  • Max Oleartchik
Websitebigthief.net

Big Thief is an American indie folk band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2015. The band consists of Adrianne Lenker (vocals, guitar), Buck Meek (guitar, backing vocals) and James Krivchenia (drums).[1] Between 2015 and 2024, the band also included longtime bass guitarist, Max Oleartchik.

The band's debut album, Masterpiece, was released on Saddle Creek Records in 2016. Their second studio album, Capacity, was released in 2017. In 2019, the band signed to 4AD and released two studio albums: U.F.O.F. in May 2019 and Two Hands in October 2019. Both albums received critical acclaim; U.F.O.F. was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, and the song "Not", was nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

The band's fifth studio album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, was released in February 2022. A double album, it reached the top ten in the Netherlands and was also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2023 Grammys, while its second single "Certainty" was nominated for Best Alternative Music Performance. After nine years within the band, Max Oleartchik departed in June 2024, with the band citing "interpersonal reasons" for the departure.[2]

  1. ^ Salmon, Ben (July 6, 2016). "Big Thief's Masterpiece Finds the Right Alchemy". Portland Mercury. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  2. ^ Strauss, Matthew (July 11, 2024). "Big Thief Bassist Max Oleartchik Leaves Band for "Interpersonal Reasons"". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 12, 2024.