Soft Steal Records

Car Seat Headrest

Car Seat Headrest began as the bedroom project of Will Toledo, who started self-releasing music on Bandcamp in 2010 while still a teenager. Armed with little more than a laptop and his sharp, introspective songwriting, Toledo built a cult following through a prolific stream of DIY albums. Among these early works were Nervous Young Man (2013) and How to Leave Town (2014), sprawling lo-fi records that showcased his knack for weaving personal reflection with sprawling song structures. His 2011 album Twin Fantasy quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its emotional intensity and ambitious scope. The record would later see two definitive releases: the original Mirror to Mirror version, which captured its raw immediacy, and the 2018 Face to Face reimagining, a fuller and more polished re-recording that highlighted Toledo's growth as a songwriter and performer. By the time he signed with Matador Records in 2015, Car Seat Headrest had already become a word-of-mouth phenomenon online, celebrated for Toledo's vulnerable lyricism and inventive approach to indie rock. Under Matador, Car Seat Headrest expanded from a solo endeavor into a full band, with Toledo joined by bassist, guitarist, and vocalist Ethan Ives, bassist Seth Dalby, and drummer Andrew Katz. Together, they transformed Car Seat Headrest into a commanding live act while continuing to evolve the project's sound on record. Car Seat Headrest's journey from lo-fi beginnings to internationally acclaimed band reflects both Toledo's singular vision and the collaborative energy of its current lineup. Balancing ambition with intimacy, their music continues to resonate with a generation navigating the complexities of modern life.

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