San Fermin (band)

Origins

San Fermin took shape after Ludwig-Leone's graduation from Yale University, where he studied composition. While still in college, he assisted composer Nico Muhly, known for his work with Antony and the Johnsons, Sufjan Stevens, and Grizzly Bear, on several film scores and operas. Despite being in several bands in high school and even some during college, Ludwig-Leone did not decide to focus on making pop music until the end of his college career: "I put on a concert with some new pieces I had written for female singers, and then we ended the night with some pop tunes from the band, for which I made these totally over-the-top arrangements. It was then I realized that I could bring these things together."

San Fermin

After his graduation from Yale, Ludwig-Leone retreated to Canada's secluded Banff Centre, where he wrote what would eventually become San Fermin. The album was recorded shortly after. It features performances by 22 musicians, including vocals from Ludwig-Leone's longtime collaborator Allen Tate, as well as Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius. While Tate is a member of the touring ensemble, Wolfe and Laessig are not, with Rae Cassidy performing the female parts in the band's live performances instead. Cassidy's interpretations of the songs have been praised by numerous critics, including Paul Krugman of The New York Times. The New Yorker recognized the musicianship of the entire eight-piece live ensemble, noting their ability to "deliver epic and emotion-laden rock, with glorious and operatic vocals, electronic break beats, horns, strings, and other flourishes." In April 2014, Cassidy left the band to focus on her solo career and was replaced by Charlene Kaye.

The band released their self-titled debut on September 17, 2013, via Downtown Records to positive reviews. NPR called the record "one of the year's most surprising, ambitious, evocative and moving records," praising Ludwig-Leone for his ability to write a collection of songs "as easy to love as they are to admire." Pitchfork also gave the album a positive review, declaring the album's lead single "Sonsick", which was released December 2012, "deliriously infectious." The album reached #18 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers album chart.

Jackrabbit

On December 7, 2014, the band teased their new single "Parasites" via Instagram. The next day, NPR premiered the track and announced the release of the band's second album. Jackrabbit was released on April 21, 2015, via Downtown Records and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, was met with critical praise from NPR, Rolling Stone and more. San Fermin made their national television debut on CBS This Morning on May 2, 2015 and made their late night debut on Last Call With Carson Daly on June 2, 2015.

Belong

Throughout the fall of 2016, they posted pictures and short videos of them recording a third album—simply hashtagged LP3—on their Instagram. On December 8, 2016, the band posted on social media that they had finished recording and mixing LP3. On January 6, 2017, San Fermin uploaded a single called Open to their YouTube-channel. NPR reported that their new album would be called Belong. A week later TIME announced a second single 'Bride' and an April 7 release date for their album "Belong." In January 2017, actress/musician Claire Wellin joined the band as a touring member, replacing Rebekah Durham as violinist and vocalist.

Additional musical contributions

Both Ludwig-Leone and the greater ensemble are active in the wider alternative and alt-classical music scenes. Ludwig-Leone has written music for many ensembles including ACME, Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, Decoda, Fifth House Ensemble, Hotel Elefant, JACK Quartet, Metropolis Ensemble, and NOW Ensemble, and was the Composer-in-Residence for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in their 2015 season. In addition, he has written ballets with choreographer Troy Schumacher for the New York City Ballet and BalletCollective.

As a band, San Fermin has performed original works by composer Mark Dancigers in collaboration with NOW Ensemble.

Albums

EPs