History
Phoebe Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter and record producer known for her melancholic indie folk, electronic production elements, and sharply introspective lyricism. A multiple Grammy Award winner, Bridgers has established herself as a defining voice in contemporary indie music, both as a solo artist and as a core member of the celebrated supergroups Boygenius and Better Oblivion Community Center.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on August 17, 1994, in Pasadena, California, Bridgers began her musical journey at a young age. She spent her childhood busking at the Pasadena Farmers Market and picked up the guitar around the age of 13. Bridgers attended the Sequoyah School before studying vocal jazz at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Although she was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she chose to leave shortly after orientation to pursue her career in Los Angeles.
During the early 2010s, she became a fixture in the local LA music scene, performing as a solo act and playing in bands such as Einstein's Dirty Secret and Sloppy Jane. Her early solo work caught the attention of producer Tony Berg and singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, who released her debut EP, Killer, on his PAX AM label. By 2016, Bridgers was touring as a supporting act for future bandmate Julien Baker.
Solo Career
Stranger in the Alps
In 2017, Bridgers signed with the independent label Dead Oceans and released her debut studio album, Stranger in the Alps. Featuring contributions from Conor Oberst and producer Mike Mogis, the record received widespread critical praise and introduced her signature blend of acoustic instrumentation and dark, confessional songwriting. The album's success led to high-profile appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts and national television.
Punisher and Saddest Factory Records
Bridgers reached new heights of critical and commercial success with her second solo album, Punisher, released in June 2020. Preceded by standout singles like "Garden Song" and "Kyoto," the album earned her four nominations at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album. That same year, she expanded her industry footprint by launching her own Dead Oceans imprint, Saddest Factory Records, and producing Christian Lee Hutson's album Beginners.
Supergroups and Collaborations
Boygenius and Better Oblivion Community Center
Bridgers is highly regarded for her collaborative projects. In 2018, she teamed up with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus to form the indie supergroup Boygenius, releasing a highly acclaimed self-titled EP. The following year, she partnered with Conor Oberst to form Better Oblivion Community Center, surprise-releasing a self-titled collaborative album.
In 2023, Boygenius reunited to release their debut full-length studio album, The Record, alongside the companion EP The Rest. The project was a massive critical and commercial success, dominating the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Following the ceremony, Boygenius announced an indefinite hiatus.
Mainstream Features and Recent Work
Beyond her own bands, Bridgers' influence has continued to expand through a series of major collaborations. She has appeared on tracks by Kid Cudi, The Killers, Lorde, Muna, and The National. Her feature on Taylor Swift's "Nothing New" from Red (Taylor's Version) marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, while her collaboration with SZA on "Ghost in the Machine" earned her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. She also served as an opening act for select dates on Swift's highly successful Eras Tour.
Following her extensive touring and award season success with Boygenius in early 2024, Bridgers announced plans to take a break from public activities to focus on her personal life and future projects.