The National

Biography

The National are a Brooklyn-based rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999. The band’s lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger, a baritone. The rest of the band is composed of two pairs of brothers: Aaron and Bryce Dessner and Scott and Bryan Devendorf. Aaron plays guitar, bass and piano, Bryce plays guitar, Scott plays bass and guitar, and Bryan is the drummer. Padma Newsome, from sister band Clogs, often contributes strings, keyboards, and other arrangements and instrumental flourishes. Their song “Fake Empire” was used by the Obama campaign at many high-profile events during the election. On August 28, 2008, “Fake Empire” was used as the soundtrack for a video shown at Invesco Field during the Democratic National Convention. On November 4, 2008, “Fake Empire” was used again as part of a video shown in Grant Park prior to Barack Obama’s victory speech on election night.