The Lumineers find Western success

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Spotlight show • The Denver roots band The Lumineers will release its self-titled debut album on April 3, and the trio can attribute some of its ascending success to a fortuitous move from New York City to the Intermountain West.

In an interview, Jeremiah Fraites said he and his friend Wesley Schultz were just another pair of acoustic-minded musicians in the Big Apple with high rent and low prospects. Some friends were moving to Denver, and although Schultz and Fraites had never been to Colorado, their friend needed a roommate and they needed a fresh start.

"Our expectations were low, and they were surpassed," Fraites said of the Denver music scene.

They met cellist Neyla Pekarek through Craigslist, and as a trio, the Americana band has endured the inevitable comparisons to Mumford & Sons.

"I'm pretty flattered that people mention us in the same breath," Fraites said.

Quiet Life is also on the bill.

When • Thursday, April 5, at 8 p.m.

Where • State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets • $12 at thestateroom.com