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Where It’s @: Get Familiar with the Incredible Band Whose Name Is a Symbol
Philadelphia duo @ (pronounced "at"), formed by Victoria Rose and Stone Filipczak, are set to release their first album for indie label 4AD, marking a significant step up for a band that built a devoted cult following largely through word of mouth. Their new record, Autosmile, arrives after six years of quietly gathering acclaim, including praise from Mitski and a hushed reception when they supported Geese's Cameron Winter in New York earlier this year, suggesting the pair are poised for a much wider audience.
The band, both members aged 32, formed almost by accident after reconnecting over text during the 2020 lockdown, having previously known each other from Boston's music scene. Their debut, Mind Palace Music, was recorded remotely and uploaded to Bandcamp in 2021 with little promotion, yet steadily grew into an "if-you-know-you-know" indie favourite, helped by their unusual name and lack of an easily traceable backstory. Autosmile, more than two years in the making, is due out on 16 October and has been described as blending baroque orchestration and pristine harmonies with influences ranging from Elliott Smith to Joanna Newsom and Animal Collective.
In short
- Philly duo @ sign to 4AD for new album Autosmile, out 16 October
- Band formed accidentally in 2020 lockdown, built cult following via word of mouth
- Praised by Mitski; new music stunned a New York crowd in January
Explained simply
@ is a Philadelphia duo formed by Victoria Rose and Stone Filipczak, both 32 years old. The pair reconnected unexpectedly during the 2020 lockdown after previously knowing each other in Boston's music scene, and began collaborating on music.
Over six years, they have quietly built a devoted underground following largely through word of mouth and the intrigue of their distinctive name. Their 2021 debut album, Mind Palace Music, was recorded remotely and uploaded to Bandcamp with minimal promotion, yet gradually gained recognition as an indie favourite, earning praise from established artists such as Mitski.
The band's sound blends baroque orchestration with pristine vocal harmonies, drawing influences from Elliott Smith, Joanna Newsom and Animal Collective. Their distinctive aesthetic and mysterious public presence have contributed to their status as a cult favourite with a growing reach beyond underground circles.