By: Shawn Mars
Newly formed indie folk band Attention Bird Utopia is set to join Lucius’ highly anticipated Gold Rush Tour, performing in nine cities along the West Coast. Their tour stop in Los Angeles will take place on November 21 at the iconic Wiltern Theatre, where the band will treat fans to a captivating live set, featuring singles from their debut LP, Best of Kings, alongside other fresh material.
“We’re really grateful to Lucius for taking us out on the road with them and excited to get to watch such talented people like them play every night. This was a record that we made in a living room, so to get to play the Wiltern in LA feels very special.” – Eli Hirsch
Best of Kings is more than just an album; it’s an homage to indie folk classics, blending nostalgic undertones with deeply human emotional landscapes. The album’s introspective lyrics create an intimate connection with listeners, evoking both vulnerability and strength. Hailed by critics as one of the standout releases of the year, Best of Kings has garnered praise for its “inventive melodies and emotional resonance” (Tinnitist), as well as its ability to balance “comforting indie folk catharsis and provocative upheaval” (Atwood Magazine). Far Out Magazine even dubbed it “one of the sought-after albums of the year.”
The album is available on all streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Band Camp.
Attention Bird Utopia is a captivating indie folk band that brings together the talents of two seasoned musicians: guitarist and singer-songwriter Harrison Whitford and singer-songwriter/producer Eli Hirsch. Whitford, known for his work with high-profile artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Rilo Kiley, Matt Berninger, and Christian Lee Hutson, has built a reputation as a versatile and skilled musician. Hirsch, meanwhile, has worked with notable artists like Suki Waterhouse and Cautious Clay, showcasing his exceptional abilities both as a producer and a collaborator.
The band was formed in the summer of 2025 in Los Angeles, when a fortuitous meeting led to the creative partnership that would shape their sound. The unique collaboration began during Hirsch’s work as the executive producer on a Suki Waterhouse album, recorded at his studio in LA. Whitford attended a recording session one afternoon, and the chemistry between the two musicians was instant. It wasn’t long before the duo began to create music together, developing a collection of songs that would eventually become Best of Kings.
Both Whitford and Hirsch are no strangers to the music world, with established careers as in-demand collaborators. Their individual talents have brought them into frequent partnership with critically acclaimed bands and musicians across the country, each contributing their distinct voices to a variety of projects. With Best of Kings, released in June 2025 under their own imprint, here here Records, the duo has brought their own vision to life, blending their expertise in both songwriting and production to craft a timeless sound that resonates deeply with listeners.
The formation of Attention Bird Utopia marks a new chapter in both Whitford and Hirsch’s musical journeys, combining their diverse influences and backgrounds into a cohesive, emotive sound. While Whitford’s guitar work has often featured in indie and alternative rock scenes, and Hirsch’s production has earned acclaim in modern soul and electronic music, their collaboration with Attention Bird Utopia brings a refreshing blend of acoustic warmth and textured layers. The band’s sound effortlessly merges the intimate storytelling of folk music with a more experimental, genre-blending approach, allowing them to explore new sonic territories while staying grounded in the timeless nature of indie folk. With each song on Best of Kings, Whitford and Hirsch explore themes of personal growth, emotional connection, and the complexity of human experiences, creating music that feels both familiar and new. Their combined expertise and creative synergy make Attention Bird Utopia a band to watch, as they continue to evolve and redefine the boundaries of contemporary folk music.
In addition to Los Angeles, Attention Bird Utopia will also appear with Lucius at:
11/11 – Phoenix, AZ at the Crescent Ballroom
11/12 – Santa Fe, NM at The Lensic
11/14 – Denver, CO, at the Ogden Theatre
11/15 – Salt Lake City, UT at The Depot
11/17 – Seattle, WA at the Showbox
11/18 – Portland, OR at Wonder Ballroom
11/20 – San Francisco, CA at The Warfield
11/22 – San Diego, CA at the Belly Up Taver
Show tickets can be purchased HERE.