Indie rock legends The National are set to make their debut at the Eden Sessions tonight, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performance, which will mark a highlight in the concert series.
Band Formation and Success
Formed in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1999, The National consists of five members: vocalist Matt Berninger, twins Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf. The band has enjoyed sustained success over the years, with their unique sound and evocative lyrics earning them a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
The National’s latest album, Laugh Track, released as a surprise in September 2023, received critical acclaim, adding to their impressive discography of nine previous studio albums. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2001, and they have continued to evolve their sound with each subsequent release.
Chart-Topping Albums and Collaborations
The National’s last five albums have all secured top-five positions in the UK charts. Their 2017 album, Sleep Well Beast, not only reached number one but also won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album. In the US, the band boasts five top 10 albums on the Billboard 200.
The band’s members have also made significant contributions outside of The National. Aaron and Bryce Dessner co-produced Taylor Swift’s album Evermore, on which The National also featured. Aaron Dessner produced Swift’s Folklore, which won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards and was hailed as the best album of 2020 by numerous publications. He has also produced music for Ed Sheeran, Michael Stipe, and Ben Howard.
Latest Releases and Notable Nominations
In April 2023, The National released their ninth studio album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, featuring collaborations with Taylor Swift, Sufjan Stevens, and Phoebe Bridgers. Over their career, The National has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, three NME Awards, and one Brit Award.
Supporting Act: This Is The Kit
The National will be joined by special guests This Is The Kit, led by Paris-based bandleader Kate Stables. The band released their sixth studio album, Careful of Your Keepers, in June 2023, produced by Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals. This Is The Kit has a history of collaboration with Aaron and Bryce Dessner, who worked on their third album, Bashed Out, released in 2015.
Upcoming Eden Sessions
The Eden Sessions continue with an exciting lineup:
- Wednesday, July 3rd: Rick Astley with special guests The Lightning Seeds
- Friday, July 5th: Tom Grennan
- Saturday, July 13th: JLS with special guest Tinchy Stryder
In 2019, the Eden Project partnered with AEG Presents to create Eden Sessions Ltd, ensuring high-quality live events. Volvo Car UK, since September 2021, has been the Official Automotive Partner of the Eden Project and Eden Sessions, thanks to a partnership brokered by AEG Global Partnerships.
Tonight’s Eden Sessions promises to be an unforgettable experience, with The National set to deliver a powerful and memorable performance. Doors open at 6.00pm, with This Is The Kit taking the stage at 6.45pm, followed by The National at 8.00pm.
