Arcade Fire

Canada, 2001–now

Montreal band led by Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, formed in 2001. Their debut Funeral (2004) — grand, orchestral indie rock brimming with communal catharsis — became a landmark of the decade; The Suburbs later won the Grammy for Album of the Year.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Arcade Fire and 1 artist Arcade Fire influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Arcade Fire?

• Talking Heads — Talking Heads' art-rock — 'This Must Be the Place' explicitly — filtered into Arcade Fire's rhythmic, communal sound.
• Neutral Milk Hotel — Neutral Milk Hotel's ragged, cathartic indie-folk is a clear model for Arcade Fire's emotional, acoustic-driven grandeur.
• Bruce Springsteen — Win Butler has spoken often about the influence of classic Americana like Bruce Springsteen, felt strongly on Neon Bible.
• David Bowie — David Bowie was a hero and later a collaborator — his 'Queen Bitch' filtered into their songs, and he sang on Reflektor.

Which artists did Arcade Fire influence?

• Imagine Dragons — Imagine Dragons' anthemic, communal stadium pop-rock draws on Arcade Fire's grand indie-rock catharsis.