Fort Lean

Fort Lean, the indie rock quintet based in Brooklyn, first crossed paths at Wesleyan University, the liberal arts school situated in Connecticut. Guitarist Zach Fried, bassist Jake Aron, and drummer Sam Ubl started a band together on their opening day of classes, with singer/guitarist Keenan Mitchell and keyboardist Will Runge added several years afterward. After regrouping in New York, the group began operating in earnest during 2011 through the issue of its self-titled, self-released debut EP. That recording fused jangly, melodic art pop with subtly psychedelic textures, and the band followed one year later with a second EP titled Change Your Name. The pair of independent releases drew strong critical notice and secured opening slots for HAIM, Future Islands, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. After signing to the Brooklyn indie label Ooh La La Records, Fort Lean released its first full-length album, Quiet Day, in early 2015.