The Airborne Toxic Event

The Airborne Toxic Event emerged from the Los Angeles indie scene in 2006, founded by writer Mikel Jollett following a period of intense personal upheaval. This literary origin is central to their identity, evidenced by their name (a Don DeLillo reference) and Jollett's prose-heavy songwriting style.

Musically, they bridged the gap between the post-punk revival of the early 2000s and the more earnest, orchestral indie folk-rock of the 2010s. Their signature sound is defined by the integration of a string section - most notably the viola - into high-energy rock arrangements, often collaborating with the Calder Quartet to achieve a 'chamber rock' aesthetic. Their breakthrough single, 'Sometime Around Midnight,' became a cultural touchstone for its unique structure: a single, continuous crescendo without a traditional chorus. Critically, they are recognized for their ability to translate complex emotional states into anthemic, radio-friendly formats. Over their career, they have evolved from indie darlings to a sophisticated legacy act, culminating in the multimedia 'Hollywood Park' project which paired a memoir with a companion album, cementing Jollett's status as a dual-threat literary and musical figure.