Before knowing worldwide recognition as an iconic figure of the “Midwest Emo” subgenreAmerican Football was a humble indie rock band based at the University of Illinois, fronted by Mike Kinsella (founding drummer of Cap’n Jazz who became singer and guitarist), accompanied by Steve Holmes (guitar) and Steve Lamas (drums/trumpet).
As college and adulthood approached, the group took a leave of absence with an eponymous albumreleased in September 1999 on the label Polyvinyl Record Co. Over the next fifteen years, word of mouth, forums, mixtapes, burned CDs, and nascent file sharing transformed this initially obscure group—with a simple house on the cover of their only album—into a true rock’n’roll legend.
In 2014, answering the call of a growing community of dedicated fans, American Football reformed and received an international welcome. With the addition of bassist/multi-instrumentalist and cousin Nate Kinsellathe quartet has since released two other self-titled albums in 2016 and 2019while naturally evolving their timeless sound towards post-rock, post-punk and more experimental influences.
The group has collaborated with peers and admired fans, such as Hayley Williams (Paramore), Rachel Goswell (Slowdive) et Ethel Cain. Considered one of the most important artists of his generation, American Football has been praised by Alternative Press, The FADER, GQ, The Guardian, NME, NPR Music, KEXP, Vulture, Rolling Stone, and many others.
Over the past two years, the group celebrated the 25th anniversary of its eponymous album — commonly called “ LP1 » — by undertaking a complete world tourall tickets sold. Having recently explored new parts of the world for the first time, the band has also been warmly welcomed by a new generation of fans. Many of these fans have never been to the American Midwest, yet feel that same emotional connection with its vast territory and rich creative soil. As spring 2026 approaches, new growth also looms…
