World Leader Pretend

World Leader Pretend hails from New Orleans and comprises five members: Keith Ferguson handling vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Parker Hutchinson on keyboards; Matt Martin on guitar; Arthur Mintz on drums; and Alex Smith on bass. Drawing from R.E.M.—whose song of the same name supplied the band’s moniker—Radiohead, and the deep blues traditions of their native city, the quintet came together in 2002 with ambitious aims. They followed that formation a year later by releasing Fit for Faded through Renaissance. Momentum built quickly, prompting Warner Bros. to sign them in 2004. Their slot at the inaugural CMJ Cleveland festival, paired with an extensive run of North American concerts, aligned with the June 2005 arrival of their first full-length album, Punches.