American Authors emerged as one of the most recognizable indie rock bands of the 2010s, celebrated for their anthemic, optimistic singles that became fixtures in commercials, television, and film. Originally formed in 2006 under the name The Blue Pages while its members attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, the band eventually relocated to Brooklyn, New York. The founding lineup consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett, bassist Dave Rublin, drummer Matt Sanchez, and guitarist and banjoist James Adam Shelley. After years of honing their sound and independently releasing music, they signed with Island Records and rebranded as American Authors, a name that reflected their distinctly American brand of uplifting rock.

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of their massively successful single "Best Day of My Life." The track's infectious melody and positive message propelled it to multi-platinum status, becoming a staple in advertising campaigns for brands like Chevrolet and Home Depot, as well as appearing in numerous films and television shows, including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This success laid the groundwork for their debut album, Oh, What a Life, which was released in March 2014 and also featured the popular single "Believer." The album performed well commercially, cementing the band's place on modern rock radio and establishing their signature sound of folk-infused, arena-ready rock.

American Authors continued their momentum with their second studio album, What We Live For, in 2016. The album spawned another major hit, "Go Big or Go Home," which cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Following this cycle, guitarist and banjoist James Adam Shelley departed from the band in 2017 to pursue other projects, leaving American Authors as a trio. The band subsequently parted ways with Island Records and began releasing music independently, showcasing their adaptability and direct connection with their fanbase. They have since released several EPs and albums, including Seasons in 2019 and Counting Down in 2023, exploring a more mature and varied sonic palette while maintaining their core thematic focus on hope and resilience.

Beyond their own recordings, American Authors have engaged in notable collaborations, working with artists like Billy Raffoul and contributing songs to major sporting events like the NCAA March Madness coverage. Their music continues to resonate widely due to its universal, uplifting themes, ensuring their anthems remain in the public consciousness years after their initial release. Based in New York City, American Authors persist as a dedicated touring and recording act, consistently delivering the spirited, guitar-driven pop-rock that first won them a global audience.