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Big Thief

{{Short description|American indie folk band}}

{{About|the American band|the German silent film|The Big Thief{{!}}The Big Thief}}

{{Use American English|date=July 2022}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Big Thief

| image = Big Thief performing at The National's Homecoming festival in Cincinnati, Ohio - April 29, 2018.jpg

| image_size =

| image_upright =

| landscape = yes

| alt = Big Thief performing onstage

| caption = Big Thief performing in 2018. From left to right: Buck Meek, James Krivchenia, and Adrianne Lenker (Max Oleartchik is obscured by Lenker)

| alias =

| origin = Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

| genre = {{flatlist|

}}

| years_active = 2015–present

| label = {{hlist|Saddle Creek|4AD|Weathervane}}

| associated_acts =

| website = {{URL|bigthief.net}}

| current_members = * Adrianne Lenker

| past_members = Jason Burger

  • Max Oleartchik

}}

Big Thief is an American indie folk band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2015. The lineup comprises vocalist-guitarist Adrianne Lenker, guitarist Buck Meek and drummer James Krivchenia.{{cite web | url=http://www.portlandmercury.com/music/2016/07/06/18336613/big-thiefs-masterpiece-finds-the-right-alchemy | title=Big Thief's Masterpiece Finds the Right Alchemy | work=Portland Mercury | date=July 6, 2016 | access-date=July 8, 2016 | author=Salmon, Ben}} Founding bassist Max Oleartchik left the band in 2024.

Big Thief's debut album, Masterpiece, was released on Saddle Creek Records in 2016. Their second studio album, Capacity, was released in 2017. In 2019, the band signed to 4AD and released two studio albums: U.F.O.F. in May 2019 and Two Hands in October 2019. Both albums received critical acclaim; U.F.O.F. was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, and the song "Not", was nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

The band's fifth studio album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, was released in February 2022. A double album, it reached the top ten in the Netherlands and was also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2023 Grammys, while its second single "Certainty" was nominated for Best Alternative Music Performance. After nine years within the band, Max Oleartchik departed in June 2024, with the band citing "interpersonal reasons" for the departure.{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Big Thief Bassist Max Oleartchik Leaves Band for "Interpersonal Reasons" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-bassist-max-oleartchik-leaves-band-for-interpersonal-reasons/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}

History

=2013–2015: Early years=

Adrianne Lenker met Buck Meek at a show in Boston, and after meeting him again in Brooklyn as undergraduates, the pair began performing as a duo.{{cite magazine |last1=Petrusich |first1=Amanda |author-link1=Amanda Petrusich |title=Adrianne Lenker's Radical Honesty |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/10/19/adrianne-lenkers-radical-honesty |access-date=May 9, 2022 |magazine=The New Yorker |date=October 12, 2020}} They toured as a duo in 2013, and released two EPs, a-sides and b-sides, in 2014. In 2015, after performing for two years and developing a small grassroots following, they began looking for additional members to accompany them, and formed the band Big Thief with the arrival of Max Oleartchik, a bassist and longtime friend of Meek's. James Krivchenia joined the band later, originally as a sound engineer and then as a drummer.{{cite web |last1=Naddaff-Hafrey |first1=Benjamin |title=The Lore Of Big Thief |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/11/09/560267308/the-lore-of-big-thief |website=NPR |access-date=May 9, 2022 |date=November 9, 2017}} All four members of Big Thief attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2018/08/10/indie-rock-band-big-thief-talks-berklee-boston-and-being-vulnerable/RtRuj2XQEbi92TvhKRvSyM/story.html |title=Indie rock band Big Thief talks Berklee, Boston, and being vulnerable |last=Maldonado |first=Eva |date=August 10, 2018 |website=The Boston Globe |access-date=December 12, 2019}}

=2016–2018: ''Masterpiece'' and ''Capacity''=

File:Big Thief (37042536355).jpg

The band's debut studio album, Masterpiece was released on Saddle Creek Records on May 27, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2016/06/review-big-thief-masterpiece/|title=Review: Big Thief Are Halfway To A Low-Strung 'Masterpiece'|last=Weiss|first=Dan|date=June 1, 2016|website=Spin|access-date=June 10, 2022}} It received generally favorable reviews from critics; it has a rating of 79/100 on Metacritic.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/masterpiece/big-thief|title=Masterpiece by Big Thief Reviews and Tracks|website=Metacritic|access-date=June 10, 2022}} Bob Boilen from NPR wrote that Big Thief was "a band bound by great songs," and called the title track of Masterpiece "one of the best songs I've heard this year."{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/2016/05/19/477985490/first-listen-big-thief-masterpiece | title=Review: Big Thief, 'Masterpiece' | work=NPR | date=May 19, 2016 | access-date=July 8, 2016 | author=Boilen, Bob}} Jillian Mapes, writing for Pitchfork Media, gave Masterpiece a rating of 7.7 out of 10 saying the songs on the album "sound cherry-picked over a lifetime of writing".{{cite web | url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21828-masterpiece/ | title=Masterpiece Review | work=Pitchfork Media | date=June 6, 2016 | access-date=July 8, 2016 | author=Mapes, Jillian}} Robert Christgau described the album's songs as being "fragile, noisy images of a love perpetually out of reach".{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/robert-christgau-car-seat-headrest-the-julie-ruin-tame-impala/|title=Car Seat Headrest, The Julie Ruin, and Drugs: Expert Witness with Robert Christgau|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=July 8, 2016|website=Noisey|publisher=Vice|access-date=June 10, 2022}} Ben Salmon wrote in the Portland Mercury that on the album Big Thief "alternately sounds like an unearthed field recording ("Little Arrow"), a pop band with a broken heart's pulse ("Vegas"), and a classic, buzzy indie-rock outfit ("Interstate")."

On April 4, 2017, Big Thief premiered a new single "Mythological Beauty" on NPR.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/04/04/522570876/new-mix-son-lux-public-service-broadcasting-big-thief-more|title=New Mix: Son Lux, Public Service Broadcasting, Big Thief, More|work=NPR.org|access-date=April 10, 2017|language=en}} The next day the band released the single's official video and confirmed that the song would appear on their second studio album, Capacity. The full album was released on June 9 via Saddle Creek.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/72681-big-thief-announce-new-album-capacity-share-new-mythological-beauty-video-watch/|title=Big Thief Announce New Album Capacity, Share New "Mythological Beauty" Video: Watch|last=Wicks|first=Amanda|date=April 5, 2017|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 10, 2022}} Capacity received critical acclaim upon its release. On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 81 indicating "universal acclaim" based on 15 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/capacity/big-thief|title=Capacity by Big Thief Reviews and Tracks|website=Metacritic|access-date=June 10, 2022}}

Capacity appeared on multiple album-of-the-year lists, including #1 on NPR's "Bob Boilen's Top Ten Album's of 2017".{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/12/14/570618381/bob-boilens-top-10-albums-of-2017|title=Bob Boilen's Top 10 Albums Of 2017|work=NPR.org|access-date=January 18, 2018|language=en}} Boilen said, "I don't recall the last time I had the same band in my top five albums for two years in a row. But this year's Capacity (my No. 1 album) and last year's Masterpiece (my No. 4 album) did just that." Spin named Capacity #2 on their "50 Best Albums of 2017", citing the band's "open engagement with anguish in their bracing songs."{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/featured/50-best-albums-2017/|title=50 Best Albums Of 2017|date=December 18, 2017|website=Spin|access-date=June 10, 2022|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221193553/https://www.spin.com/featured/50-best-albums-2017/|archive-date=December 21, 2017}} The song "Mary" appeared on Pitchfork{{'}}s 200 Best Songs of the 2010s list, at #44.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-songs-of-the-2010s/|title=The 200 Best Songs of the 2010s|date=October 7, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 10, 2022}}

=2019–2020: ''U.F.O.F.'' and ''Two Hands''=

U.F.O.F., the band's third studio album, was announced on February 26, 2019. The album was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington. On the same day they released the album's first single, its title track, "U.F.O.F.",{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2019/02/big-thief-ufof-stream/|title=Big Thief announce new album, U.F.O.F., share title track: Stream|last=Kaye|first=Ben|date=February 26, 2019|website=Consequence|access-date=June 10, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/big-thief-ufof/|title=Big Thief: "UFOF" Track Review|last=Sodomsky|first=Sam|date=February 26, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 10, 2022}} and announced a new tour across America and in Europe. The band released two more singles, "Cattails" and "Century" ahead of the album release on May 3, 2019. U.F.O.F. received critical acclaim upon its release. It was called "Best New Music" by Pitchfork, scoring a 9.2{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/big-thief-ufof/|title=Big Thief: U.F.O.F. Album Review|last=Larson|first=Jeremy D.|date=May 6, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 10, 2022}} and came in at #33 on Pitchfork{{'}}s 200 Best Albums of the 2010s list.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-albums-of-the-2010s/|title=The 200 Best Albums of the 2010s|date=October 8, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 10, 2022}} At Metacritic the album received an average score of 87/100.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/ufof/big-thief|title=U.F.O.F. by Big Thief Reviews and Tracks|website=Metacritic|access-date=June 10, 2022}} In the first album's release week U.F.O.F. reached the top of Billboard charts, including the #1 position on Alternative New Artist Albums, Americana/Folk Albums, Top New Artist Albums, #2 placement for LP Vinyl Albums, #6 placement for Current Alternative Albums, #8 placement for Current Rock Albums, and #142 for Billboard Top 200 Albums.{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts|title=Charts|website=Billboard.com|access-date=May 13, 2019}} The band also had 3 sold out album release shows, one the night before the album release in LA at The Fonda Theatre on May 2, another in LA on May 3 at The Bootleg Theater,{{Cite web|url=http://buzzbands.la/2019/05/03/photos-big-thief-at-the-fonda-theatre/|title=Photos: Big Thief at the Fonda Theatre|date=May 3, 2019|website=Buzzbands.la|language=en|access-date=May 13, 2019}} and a third night in Brooklyn, NY, at Elsewhere on May 5, 2019.

U.F.O.F. was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-the-2020-grammy-nominations/|title=5 Takeaways from the 2020 Grammy Nominations|website=Pitchfork|date=November 20, 2019 |language=en|access-date=November 21, 2019}}

Big Thief released their fourth studio album, Two Hands on October 11, 2019. The album was recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, shortly after the recording of U.F.O.F. and is billed as its "Earth twin".{{cite web|url=https://4ad.com/releases/901|title=Big Thief: 'Two Hands'|date=October 11, 2019|website=4AD|access-date=June 10, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/big-thiefs-two-hands-finds-a-radical-strength-in-kindness/|title=Big Thief's 'Two Hands' Finds a Radical Strength in Kindness|last=Terry|first=Josh|date=October 11, 2019|website=Noisey|publisher=Vice|access-date=June 10, 2022}} The album's lead single "Not" was nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.{{Cite web |title=Adrienne Lenker |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/adrienne-lenker/251868 |access-date=March 12, 2021 |website=www.grammy.com}}

=2021–2024: ''Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You'' and Oleartchik's departure =

On August 10, 2021, the band released the songs "Little Things" and "Sparrow", both which were produced by Big Thief drummer James Krivchenia.{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Big Thief Share New Songs "Little Things" and "Sparrow": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-share-new-songs-little-things-and-sparrow-listen/ |access-date=August 18, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}} "Little Things" was recorded with Shawn Everett at Five Star Studios in Topanga, California, in October 2020. "Sparrow" was recorded with Sam Evian at Flying Cloud Recordings in the Catskills, New York, in July and August 2020.{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Big Thief: 'Little Things / Sparrow' |url=https://4ad.com/news/10/8/2021/littlethingssparrow |access-date=August 18, 2021 |website=4AD}}

On September 7, 2021, the band released the song "Certainty"{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/big-thief-certainty-song-1221214/|title=Big Thief's New Song 'Certainty' Was Recorded Using a Cigarette Lighter|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=September 7, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=June 10, 2022}} followed by another song, "Change", on October 6. They also announced plans for a North American tour in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/big-thief-share-dreamy-new-single-change-and-north-american-tour-dates-3064033|title=Big Thief share dreamy new single 'Change' and North American tour dates|last=Skinner|first=Tom|date=October 6, 2021|website=NME|access-date=June 10, 2022}} In the November 2021 issue of Mojo, Big Thief announced their plans to release a 20-track double album in early 2022. The album was recorded in four different locations across the United States after the band quarantined in the Vermont woods for two weeks in July 2020.{{cite magazine |last=Aston |first=Martin |title=Big Thief Trust Themselves To Find Mystery On Album Five |website=Mojo |date=November 2021 |issue=336 |page=22}}{{cite web |last=Brodsky |first=Rachel |title=Big Thief Prep Double LP For 2022 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2162958/big-thief-double-lp-2022-interview/news/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=October 4, 2021 |date=October 4, 2021}} Later that month the band confirmed the album's title Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You and a February 11, 2022, release date.{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Big Thief: {{'}}Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You{{'}} |url=https://www.4ad.com/news/16/11/2021/dragonnewwarmmountainibelieveinyou |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=4AD}}

In June 2022, the band announced two concert dates in Oleartchik's hometown of Tel Aviv, Israel, for July 6 and 7 of the same year.{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Will|date=June 5, 2022|title=Big Thief share statement explaining decision to announce Israel shows|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/big-thief-share-statement-explaining-decision-to-announce-israel-shows-3239898|access-date=June 8, 2022|website=NME}} However, the announcement received backlash with criticism pertaining to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{Cite web |last=Uitti |first=Jacob |date=June 6, 2022 |title=NYC Band Big Thief Receives Backlash as they Hype Shows in Israel |url=https://americansongwriter.com/nyc-band-big-thief-receives-backlash-as-they-hype-shows-in-israel/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=American Songwriter}} The band first released a statement defending their decision to perform in Israel,{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Matthew Ismael |date=June 4, 2022 |title=Big Thief Defend Upcoming Shows in Israel |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-defend-upcoming-shows-in-israel/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=Pitchfork}} then eventually retracted their previous statement and canceled the concert dates.{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Big Thief Call Off Israel Concerts |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-call-off-israel-concerts/ |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=Pitchfork}} The cancellation was received with opposite backlash from the concert venue.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Big Thief cancel concerts in Israel, venue calls band "cowards" |url=https://consequence.net/2022/06/big-thief-cancel-israel-cowards/ |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=Consequence}} The band previously performed at the venue in 2017.

At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album and "Certainty" was nominated for Best Alternative Music Performance.

In July 2023, the band released the single "Vampire Empire",{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2230190/big-thief-vampire-empire/music/|title=Big Thief – "Vampire Empire"|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=July 19, 2023|website=Stereogum|access-date=July 20, 2023}} which they had debuted in a live performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier in February of the same year.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-big-thief-debut-new-song-vampire-empire-on-colbert/|title=Watch Big Thief Debut New Song "Vampire Empire" on Colbert|last=Minsker|first=Evan|date=March 1, 2023|website=Pitchfork|access-date=March 1, 2023}} In October 2023, "Vampire Empire" was released as a 7" single, with the song "Born for Loving You" as a B-side.{{Cite web |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=September 13, 2023 |title=Big Thief Unveil Studio Rendition of Live Staple 'Born for Loving You' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/big-thief-new-song-born-for-loving-you-1234824083/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

On July 11, 2024, the band announced the departure of bassist Max Oleartchik, a decision which according to the band was made for "interpersonal reasons with mutual respect in our hearts". On July 28, the band performed their first show in nearly a year at Project Pabst in Portland, where they debuted a five-piece lineup featuring a second percussionist, Jon Nellen, and a new bass guitarist, Justin Felton. The setlist included 14 songs, 10 of which were live debuts.{{Cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Big Thief Debuted Ten New Songs At Project Pabst, First Show With New Lineup |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2273686/big-thief-debuted-ten-new-songs-at-project-pabst-first-show-with-new-lineup/news/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rossignol |first=Derrick |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Big Thief Bust Out Ten New Songs (And Two New Members) At A Festival |url=https://uproxx.com/indie/big-thief-new-songs-band-members-oleartchik/ |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}{{cite tweet|user=bigthiefmusic|number=1818693271348011444|date=July 31, 2024|title=we are so excited to be playing with our friends Justin Felton and Jon Nellen on our upcoming tour ❤️ starting next week in Sweden|access-date=August 28, 2024}}

On August 27, 2024, it was announced that Big Thief served as producers and backing band for singer-songwriter Tucker Zimmerman's 15th studio album, Dance of Love.{{Cite web |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Big Thief Are Tucker Zimmerman's Band On New Album 'Dance Of Love': Hear "Burial At Sea" |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2277690/big-thief-are-tucker-zimmermans-band-on-new-album-dance-of-love/music/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Tucker Zimmerman Works With Big Thief on New 4AD Album Dance of Love |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/tucker-zimmerman-works-with-big-thief-on-new-4ad-album-dance-of-love/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} The band had previously appeared on stage with Zimmerman.

=2025–present: ''Double Infinity'' =

On June 3, 2025, Big Thief announced their sixth studio album, Double Infinity, and released the first single "Incomprehensible". The album is set to be released through 4AD on September 5, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=June 3, 2025 |title=Big Thief Want to be 'Incomprehensible' on First Single From 'Double Infinity' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/big-thief-new-album-double-infinity-incomprehensible-1235354132/ |access-date=June 3, 2025 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

Musical style

Pitchfork called Big Thief "rangy" folk rock.{{Cite web |last=Mapes |first=Jill |title=Big Thief: Masterpiece |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21828-masterpiece/ |access-date=January 18, 2025 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} AllMusic called Big Thief's style "folk-tinged indie rock," making note of the "personal songwriting" of frontperson Adrianne Lenker.{{cite web |title=Big Thief Biography by Marcy Donelson |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/big-thief-mn0003449693#biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 25, 2024}}

Band members

Current members

Touring members

  • Justin Felton – bass guitar (2024–present)
  • Jon Nellen – additional drums (2024–present)

Former members

  • Jason Burger – drums (2015–2016){{Cite web|url=http://ghettoblastermagazine.com/found-in-sound-an-interview-with-james-krivchenia-of-big-thief/|title=Found In Sound; An Interview with James Krivchenia of Big Thief|website=Ghettoblastermagazine.com|date=November 22, 2017|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919090000/http://ghettoblastermagazine.com/found-in-sound-an-interview-with-james-krivchenia-of-big-thief|archive-date=September 19, 2019|url-status=dead}}
  • Max Oleartchik – bass guitar, upright bass, backing vocals (2015–2024)

{{Gallery

|title=

|width=160 | height=100

|align=center

|footer=

|File:Big Thief - Haldern Pop Festival 2018-4.jpg

|alt1=

|Adrianne Lenker

|File:Big Thief - Haldern Pop Festival 2018-1.jpg

|alt2=

|Buck Meek

|File:Big Thief - Haldern Pop Festival 2018-2.jpg

|alt3=

|Max Oleartchik

|File:Big Thief at the Lexington - 32724342181.jpg

|alt4=

|James Krivchenia

}}

Discography

= Albums =

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title

! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Details

! scope="col" colspan="10"| Peak chart positions

scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| US
{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/big-thief/chart-history/tlp/|title=Big Thief Chart History: Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 23, 2022}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| AUS
Peaks in Australia:

  • For all except noted: {{cite web |url=https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief |title=Big Thief albums |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association / Australian-charts |accessdate=March 8, 2022 }}
  • For Two Hands: {{cite web|url=https://www.auspop.com.au/2019/10/aria-chart-watch-547/|title=ARIA Chart Watch #547|publisher=auspOp|date=October 19, 2019|access-date=October 19, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019063322/https://www.auspop.com.au/2019/10/aria-chart-watch-547/|url-status=dead}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| BEL
(FL)
{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief|title=Discografie Big Thief|publisher=Ultratop |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| BEL
(WA)
{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief|title=Discografie Big Thief|publisher=Ultratop |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| GER
{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Big+Thief&do_search=do|title=Discographie Big Thief|publisher=GfK Entertainment|accessdate=February 18, 2022}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| IRE
{{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief|title=Discography Big Thief|website=irish-charts.com |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| NL
{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief|title=Discografie Big Thief|website=dutchcharts.nl |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| SCO
Peaks in Scotland:

  • U.F.O.F.: {{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20190510/40/|title=2019-05-10 Top 100 Scottish Albums Archive|publisher=Official Charts Company |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}
  • Two Hands: {{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20191018/40/|title=2019-10-18 Top 100 Scottish Albums Archive|publisher=Official Charts Company |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}
  • Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You: {{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20220218/40/|title=2022-02-18 Top 100 Scottish Albums Archive|publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=February 19, 2022}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| SWI
{{cite web |url=https://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Big+Thief |title=Discography Big Thief |website=swisscharts.com |accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:85%;"| UK
{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/51712/big-thief/|title=Big Thief UK Charts|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=November 15, 2019}}

scope="row"| Masterpiece

|

| —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|Masterpiece did not enter the US Billboard 200, but peaked at number 10 on the US Heatseekers Albums Chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/big-thief/chart-history/tln/|title=Big Thief Chart History: Heatseekers Albums|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=November 15, 2019}}}} || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| Capacity

|

  • Released: June 9, 2017
  • Label: Saddle Creek
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP

| —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|Capacity did not enter the US Billboard 200, but peaked at number 9 on the US Heatseekers Albums Chart.}} || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| U.F.O.F.

|

  • Released: May 3, 2019
  • Label: 4AD
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP

| 142 || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|U.F.O.F. did not enter the Australian ARIA Albums Chart but peaked at number 12 on the ARIA Hitseekers Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue1523.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20190529000828/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20190529-1006/Issue1523.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 29, 2019|title=ARIA Report: Issue 1523|publisher=ARIA|access-date=November 20, 2023}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}}} || 26 || — || — || 81 || 80 || 21 || 68 || 41

scope="row"| Two Hands

|

  • Released: October 11, 2019
  • Label: 4AD
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP

| 113 || 99 || 20 || 119 || — || 78 || 59 || 8 || — || 34

scope="row"| Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

|

  • Released: February 11, 2022
  • Label: 4AD
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP

| 31 || 19 || 6 || 60 || 24 || 22 || 6 || 5 || 35 || 15

scope="row"| Double Infinity

|

  • Released: September 5, 2025
  • Label: 4AD
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP

| colspan="10" {{TBA|To be released}}

colspan="14" style="font-size:85%;"| "—" denotes album that did not chart or was not released

= EPs =

  • Demos Vol. 1 (2020)
  • Live at the Bunker Studio (2021){{Cite news |last=Redfern |first=Mark |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Big Thief Announce Fall Tour Dates, Release New Live EP and Share Live Video for "Shoulders" |work=Under the Radar |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/big_thief_announce_fall_tour_dates_release_new_live_ep_and_share_live_video |access-date=May 23, 2021}}

= Singles =

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:15em;"| Title

! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"| Year

! scope="col" colspan="6"| Peak chart positions

! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Album

style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| US
AAA
{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/big-thief/chart-history/AAA |title=Big Thief – Chart History: Adult Alternative Airplay |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 1, 2023}}

! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| US
Alt.
{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/big-thief/chart-history/avs/ |title=Big Thief – Chart History: Hot Alternative Songs |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 4, 2024}}

! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| US
Rock
{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/big-thief/chart-history/ark/ |title=Big Thief – Chart History: Hot Rock & Alternative Songs |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 17, 2024}}

! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| BEL
(FL)
Tip

! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| ICE

  • "Little Things": {{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022104541/https://www.ruv.is/sites/default/files/vinsaeldarlisti_v36_11092021.pdf|archivedate=October 22, 2021|url=https://www.ruv.is/sites/default/files/vinsaeldarlisti_v36_11092021.pdf|title=Vinsældarlisti v36 11092021|language=is|website=RÚV|accessdate=September 30, 2022}}
  • "Certainty": {{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123112539/http://ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|archivedate=November 23, 2021|url=http://ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|title=Vinsældalisti Rásar 2 - RÚV|language=is|website=RÚV|accessdate=September 30, 2022}}
  • "No Reason": {{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227123319/http://ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|archivedate=February 27, 2022|url=http://ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|title=Vinsældalisti Rásar 2 - RÚV|language=is|website=RÚV|accessdate=October 3, 2022}}

! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| UK
Sales

scope="row"| "Masterpiece"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/masterpiece-single/1083255346|title=Masterpiece – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109165459/https://music.apple.com/us/album/masterpiece-single/1083255346|url-status=dead}}

| rowspan="3"| 2016

| — || — || — || — || — || —

|Masterpiece

scope="row"| "Mother"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/mother-single/1132675870|title= Mother – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

| rowspan="2" {{Non-album singles}}

scope="row"| "Dandelion"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dandelion-single/1144707891|title= Dandelion – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "Mythological Beauty"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/mythological-beauty-single/1220604487|title= Mythological Beauty – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| rowspan="3"| 2017

| — || — || — || — || — || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Mythological Beauty" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 46 on the UK Physical Singles Chart.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/big-thief-mythological-beauty/ |title=Mythological Beauty - Big Thief - Official Charts |work=Official Charts Company |access-date=October 30, 2023}}}}

| rowspan="3" |Capacity

scope="row"| "Shark Smile"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/shark-smile-single/1230563340|title= Shark Smile – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "Mary"{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1943809/big-thief-mary/music/|title= Big Thief – "Mary"|website=Stereogum|date= May 31, 2017|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "U.F.O.F."{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2033450/big-thief-ufof/news/|title= Big Thief – "UFOF"|website=Stereogum|date= February 26, 2019|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| rowspan="5"| 2019

| — || — || — || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"U.F.O.F." did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.}} || — || —

| rowspan="3" |U.F.O.F.

scope="row"| "Cattails"{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2038324/big-thief-cattails-new-song-ufof/music/|title= Big Thief – "Cattails"|website=Stereogum|date= April 3, 2019|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Cattails" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.}} || — || —

scope="row"| "Century"{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2019/04/big-thief-century-stream/|title=Big Thief drops melodic and laidback new single "Century": Stream|website=Consequence of Sound|date=April 30, 2019 |accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Century" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.}} || — || —

scope="row"| "Not"

| — || — || — || 30 || — || —

| rowspan="2" |Two Hands

scope="row"| "Forgotten Eyes"{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2060027/big-thief-forgotten-eyes/music/|title= Big Thief – "Forgotten Eyes"|website=Stereogum|date= October 2, 2019|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| — || — || — || —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Forgotten Eyes" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.}} || — || —

scope="row"| "Love in Mine"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-in-mine-single/1503557682|title= Love in Mine – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| 2020

| — || — || — || — || — || —

| {{Non-album single}}

scope="row"| "Off You"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/off-you-single/1557431941|title= Off You – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021}}

| rowspan="6" | 2021

| — || — || — || — || — || —

|Bills & Aches & Blues

scope="row"| "Little Things" / "Sparrow"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/little-things-sparrow-single/1576719889|title=Little Things/Sparrow – Single by Big Thief on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|accessdate=November 9, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109165457/https://music.apple.com/us/album/little-things-sparrow-single/1576719889|url-status=dead}}

| — || — || — || — || 33 || —

| rowspan="6" | Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

scope="row"| "Certainty"{{Cite web |last=Hussey |first=Allison |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Big Thief Share New Song "Certainty": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-share-new-song-certainty-listen/ |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}}

| 34 || — || — || — || 11 || —

scope="row"| "Change"{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Big Thief Announce 2022 North American Tour, Share New Song "Change": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-announce-2022-north-american-tour-share-new-song-change-listen/ |access-date=October 6, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "Time Escaping"{{Cite web |last=Darville |first=Jordan |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Big Thief share "Time Escaping," announce new album |url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/11/16/big-thief-share-time-escaping-announce-new-album |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=The Fader |language=en}}

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "No Reason" / "Spud Infinity"{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Big Thief Share New Songs "No Reason" and "Spud Infinity": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-share-new-songs-no-reason-and-spud-infinity-listen/ |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}}

| — || — || — || — || 4 || —

scope="row"| "Simulation Swarm"{{Cite web |last=Hussey |first=Allison |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Big Thief Reschedule European Tour, Share New Song "Simulation Swarm" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-reschedule-european-tour-share-new-song-simulation-swarm-listen/ |access-date=January 19, 2022 |website=Pitchfork}}

| 2022

| 18 || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "Vampire Empire"{{cite web |last1=Strauss |first1=Matthew |title=Big Thief Officially Release "Vampire Empire" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-officially-release-vampire-empire-listen/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=July 19, 2023 |date=July 19, 2023}}

| rowspan="2" | 2023

| 34 || 19 || 31 || — || — || 37

| rowspan="2" {{Non-album singles}}

scope="row"| "Born for Loving You"

| — || — || — || — || — || —

scope="row"| "Incomprehensible"{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Walden |date=June 3, 2025 |title=Big Thief Announce New Album Double Infinity, Share New Song "Incomprehensible" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/big-thief-announce-new-album-double-infinity-share-new-song-incomprehensible-listen/ |access-date=June 3, 2025 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}

| 2025

| — || — || — || — || — || —

|Double Infinity

colspan="14" style="font-size:85%"| "—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

= Music videos =

  • "Masterpiece" (2016)
  • "Humans" (2016)
  • "Mythological Beauty" (2017)
  • "Red Moon" (2022)

= Notes =

{{notelist-ua}}

Accolades

class="wikitable"

|+

!Year

!Association

!Category

!Nominated Work

!Result

!Ref

rowspan="3"|2020

|Grammy Awards

|Best Alternative Album

| rowspan="3"|U.F.O.F

|{{Nominated}}

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/here-are-nominees-best-alternative-music-album-2020-grammys|title=Best Alternative Music Album {{!}} 2020 GRAMMYs|date=November 19, 2019|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=November 26, 2019}}

rowspan="2"| Libera Awards

| Album of the Year

| {{won}}

| rowspan="2"|{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9349158/chance-the-rapper-fka-twigs-courtney-nominees-2020-a2im-libera-awards|title=Chance the Rapper, FKA Twigs, Courtney Barnett & More Shortlisted For 2020 A2IM Libera Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=April 2, 2020|accessdate=April 8, 2020|first=Lars|last=Brandle}}

Best Alternative Rock Album

| {{nom}}

rowspan="2" |2021

| rowspan="2" |Grammy Awards

|Best Rock Performance

| rowspan="2" |"Not"

| {{Nominated}}

| rowspan="2" |{{Cite web|title=2021 2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominees List|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=GRAMMYs|language=en-US}}

Best Rock Song

| {{Nominated}}

rowspan="2" |2023

| rowspan="2" |Grammy Awards

| Best Alternative Album

| Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

| {{nom}}

| rowspan="2" |{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list|title=2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List|last=Lee|first=Taila|date=November 15, 2022|website=Grammys.com|access-date=November 15, 2022}}

Best Alternative Music Performance

| "Certainty"

| {{nom}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • {{Official website}}

{{Big Thief|state=expanded}}

{{Saddle Creek}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:4AD artists

Category:Indie rock musical groups from New York (state)

Category:Musical groups from Brooklyn

Category:Saddle Creek Records artists

Category:Musical groups established in 2015

Category:2015 establishments in New York City