Fleet Foxes are an American indie folk and folk rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2006. The band currently consists of Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset, Casey Wescott, Christian Wargo, and Morgan Henderson.
Founding members Pecknold and Skjelset have been the only constants through the group's history, with the former serving as leader and principal songwriter.
members: Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset
formed in: Seattle
labels: Sub Pop
genres: folk rock
awards: MOJO Awards
Facts from Wikidata and Discogs, free to use.
Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset both attended Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, a suburb of Seattle, and soon became close friends. Pecknold and Skjelset began making music together after bonding over a shared appreciation of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Brian Wilson. Their parents influenced their musical tastes early on—Skjelset's mother Peggi was a keen listener to both Dylan and Hank Williams while Pecknold's father Greg was a member of The Fathoms, a local 1960s soul group. Shortly before forming the band, Pecknold played bass for Seattle's Dolour on a US tour in 2005.
Underlined songs have their story further down.
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"White Winter Hymnal" is the first single from Fleet Foxes' debut 2008 self-titled album. Released by European label Bella Union on July 21, 2008, the single was issued on 7" vinyl as well as digital MP3 format.
The B-side is the non-album track "Isles".
Former Cocteau Twins bassist Simon Raymonde, the head of record label Bella Union, was considering shutting the label down due to financial troubles, but after hearing a demo version of "White Winter Hymnal", he was motivated to continue going on and signed Fleet Foxes to the label based on how much he liked the song.
Time critic Josh Tyrangiel named this the #5 song of 2008. Pitchfork Media ranked it the #2 song of 2008 and #66 on their decade end list.
"White Winter Hymnal" has been covered by several artists and featured in other media.