Bailen sounds like the precise moment three voices become a single, shimmering instrument. There is a specific warmth to their sound that only comes from 'blood harmony,' where the natural timbre of siblings creates a resonance that feels both familiar and otherworldly. It is folk music with a high-definition sheen, trading campfire grit for studio-perfected clarity and lush, layered arrangements.
What makes them distinctive is the interplay between their traditional folk foundations and a restless, modern indie-pop sensibility. While the acoustic guitar often provides the heartbeat, you will find unexpected synth textures and driving drum patterns that push the songs into more expansive territory. Their lyrics are sharp and self-aware, often dissecting the complexities of young adulthood and family dynamics with surgical precision.
Start with 'Thrilled To Be Here' to experience their most cohesive statement of intent. It showcases the band's ability to balance intimate, hushed moments with soaring, anthemic choruses. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who appreciates the craft of songwriting paired with vocal performances that feel like a physical embrace.
BAILEN is an American alternative music group based in New York City. The band consists of fraternal twins Daniel Bailen (vocals/bass/synth/guitar) and David Bailen (vocals/drums), as well as younger sister Julia Bailen (vocals/guitar). The band performed a Paste Session on February 5, 2019 and had their single "I Was Wrong" featured as Song of the Day by The Current on March 14, 2019. Their single "I Was Wrong" was featured by NPR World Cafe in "Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs They Can't Stop Listening To" on March 30, 2019. The band was featured in Billboard just a few weeks later on April 18, 2019. The band's Fantasy Records debut album, Thrilled To Be Here, produced by GRAMMY-Award winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, The War on Drugs), was released on April 26, 2019. On January 25, 2019, the band released "I Was Wrong", the first song off "Thrilled To Be Here." On August 7, 2019, BAILEN performed their song "Something Tells Me," on TODAY. Moving into 2020, the band's song "Your Love Is All I Know" was featured on XPN’s Top 100 Songs of 2019 list. On February 14, 2023, BAILEN announced their next studio album release on Fantasy Records, Tired Hearts, accompanied by the first single released from the album, "Call It Like It Is." Available May 5, 2023, the album was produced by Brad Cook and BAILEN, and mixed by Lars Stalfors.
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