Darlingside is an indie folk band that hails from Boston, Massachusetts, known for their unique blend of "exquisitely arranged, literary-minded, baroque folk-pop" as described by All Songs Considered. The band was formed in the fall of 2009 by a group of friends who met during their undergraduate years at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. The original lineup included as many as seven members, but it has since evolved to the current four-person ensemble consisting of Don Mitchell (guitar, banjo, vocals), Auyon Mukharji (mandolin, violin, vocals), Harris Paseltiner (guitar, cello, vocals), and David Senft (bass, kick drum, vocals).
Their musical journey began with a self-produced six-track studio EP, "EP 1," followed by their debut full-length album "Pilot Machines" in 2012. The album garnered praise from critics, including David Fricke of Rolling Stone, who lauded the band for their rich acoustic textures and chamber-rock dynamics. After the departure of member Sam Kapala in 2013, Darlingside shifted towards a more traditional setup, often performing around a single condenser microphone, which led to their second full-length album "Birds Say" in 2015. This album received critical acclaim and led to a national tour supporting Grammy Award-winner Patty Griffin.
Over the years, Darlingside has been recognized for their harmonious vocals and intricate melodies, earning them the title of "Artist of the Year" by Folk Alliance International in 2016. Their fourth LP, "Everything Is Alive," marked a significant departure for the band, as it showcased the individual voices of the members, adding a new layer of intimacy to their sound. The band's commitment to a democratic process of songwriting and their ability to create a cohesive sound from multiple songwriters' contributions have made them a standout act in the indie folk scene.